Suffolk Coast Cycle Map Geared Up
Choose Suffolk and Suffolk County Council have refreshed and updated the ever popular Suffolk Coastal Cycle Route Map Pack publication. Launched today at the Boathouse Café, Bawdsey, the map pack provides cyclists with invaluable guidance on following the Suffolk Coastal Cycle Route.
Over the years, the map pack has proved to be extremely popular with local cyclists and cycle tourists seeking to explore the coastal area, and the revised edition is a response to increasing demand for this information pack from the cycling public.
Set within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the route takes in many of Suffolk's well known landscapes, attractions, market towns and villages on this side of the county. The main circular route is fully signposted in both directions and follows mostly quiet roads and tracks. There is no designated starting point and cyclists can begin their journey anywhere along the route, with the full circuit of 88 miles (142 km) designed to take between two and four days to complete. Within this, there is an extensive range of short cuts and off-road options available, allowing plenty of scope for shorter rides. Therefore, the route has been designed to provide options for cyclists of all abilities. The route also connects with National Cycle Routes 1 & 51 and The Heart of Suffolk Cycle Route.
The coastal stretch takes in the seaside resorts of Felixstowe in the south and Southwold in the north. In between the two resorts are miles of peaceful undulating countryside, unspoilt coastline at Dunwich, tranquil river estuaries, such as the River Alde at Snape, wildlife-rich heathlands and shady pine forests.
Heading inland, cyclists reach Peasenhall, the home Suffolk smoked hams. They can then gear up for that popular photo opportunity at Framlingham Castle, before making their way to Woodbridge and its Tide Mill, via either Bredfield or Wickham Market. After that it's full steam ahead following the River Deben to Waldringfield and onto the villages of Kirton and The Trimleys, before heading for a well-earned ice-cream at Felixstowe.
Along the route there is a wide selection of country pubs, tea shops in the many villages and historic market towns. It takes in two magnificent castles and important nature reserves, including the RSPB's flagship reserve at Minsmere near Westleton, many museums and even a vineyard offering free wine tasting! The Ferry Boat transfer from Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey is another of the unique experiences enroute.
The updated pack includes two maps for the main signed route based on Ordnance Survey ‘Landranger' series and three forest maps based on the ‘Explorer' series. There is also a detailed commentary on the route providing useful guidance and information about places of interest along the way and a further guide includes an accommodation listing.
"This map is a useful addition to the information already available. It will enable residents and visitors to Suffolk to enjoy not just leisure activities, but will also promote sustainable travel. This is part of Suffolk County Council's efforts to promote tourism in partnership with Choose Suffolk, as well as making Suffolk The Greenest County" said Councillor Guy McGregor, Portfolio Holder for Roads, Transport and Planning at Suffolk County Council.
The Suffolk Coast is ideal cycling country as there are no big hills, but enough gently challenging undulations to open up many rewarding views, and dispel any notion that Suffolk is flat.
David Kemp, Suffolk County Council Cycling Officer said, "Since it was first devised back in 1994, this route has been a firm favourite with cycle tourists in Suffolk. Now the updated pack, alongside the additional forest maps that include details of all the new attractions at Rendlesham Forest and can be bought at the site, is equally useful to families looking for a day out with bikes on traffic-free routes. The use of the Ordnance Survey map base makes this one of the best quality cycle route maps available and terrific value at just £4.99."
A small donation from the sale of each map pack will go to the Suffolk Coast and Heaths CONNECT scheme, which has funded many environmental and conservation projects in the area over the years. "There is clear demand for this information and this partnership approach brings many benefits to all involved. The rural economy will benefit from this project," said Celia Hodson, Chief Executive, Choose Suffolk.
The pack is available from Tourist Information Centres in the area or by post from:
The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit, Dock Lane, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1PE. Visit their website at http://www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org.uk/
The Pack price is £4.99 per copy, plus £1.00 for postage. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Suffolk County Council'. Please remember to include your address.
ENDS
Notes to Editors: Choose Suffolk is the trading name of Suffolk Development Agency Ltd
For further information, please contact
Richard Ginger, PR Manager
Tel: 0844 980 8504
Mob: 07717 281284
richard@choosesuffolk.com
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