Welcome to Wolf Way , Suffolk’s Cycling Adventure
The Wolf Way is a 250 mile/400km cycling adventure around Suffolk. Winding its way around many of the best bridleways, byways, gravel tracks, cycle paths, quiet lanes and ferries, it takes in some of Suffolk’s most beautiful locations and hidden gems. In additional to the main route, there are several shorter ‘Wolf Cub’ route options designed to be completed in one day, and family-friendly ‘Wolverine’ routes of less than 10 miles, making it more accessible to a wider range of riders, to encourage more folks to ride their bikes and discover Suffolk, to improve physical, mental and climate health.
About the Wolf Way
From the earliest Neolithic settlements in Europe to the Roman cities of Ipswich and Dunwich, Suffolk has a fascinating history. The Wolf Way takes its name from the protector of St Edmund, whose legacy echoes around the whole of Suffolk and East Anglia in place names, monasteries and monuments. It picks up parts of the Icknield Way, one of the ancient ‘King’s Highways’ – wide sandy tracks forged in a time before land enclosure. The route takes you through beautiful heathland rich with wildlife, like the stone-curlews at Cavenham Heath, wading birds at Minsmere, and Exmoor ponies helping to re-wild Knettishall Heath. Suffolk has 142 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), and you’ll pass close to many of these on the ride. You’ll also pay a visit to the most easterly location in the British Isles: Ness Point in Lowestoft.
Several Route options to suite all ages and abilities
In addition to the full round-Suffolk route, there are several shorter ‘Wolf Cub’ variants available, which can easily be completed in 1 or 2 days, plus family friendly ‘Wolverine’ routes that are around 10miles on quiet roads and cycle paths.
Multi-Terrain Routes
The terrain is best described as ‘undulating’. There is very little elevation, with the highest point a mere 375ft above sea level, and no steep climbs.
There are several sections that are very sandy (especially in dry weather) which might lead to a few squeals from those unfamiliar with sandy tracks. The sandy terrain through Breckland is well drained, making it ridable all year round. We recommend a gravel bike for the best experience, but a hybrid or other bike with a minimum of 32mm wide tyres will be OK.
Scenic Routes
Prepare to be amazed by the breath taking sites and scenery along our routes! From pine and ancient oak forests to sandy heathland each route offers stunning views that will make your gravel biking experience even more unforgettable.
Prepare for Adventure
Suffolk has so many amazing places to discover and we have trails for every skill level, from with shorter routes for beginners to challenging bike-packing routes for the more adventurous. No matter your experience, we guarantee an exciting ride!
Start Your Wolf Way Suffolk Adventure Today!
The Wolf
The route starts by the statue of St Edmund and his guardian the wolf in Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds, a short ride from the station. You head out of town on quiet cycle paths towards Bradfield St Clare. Not far from here is the SSSI Bradfield Woods, a remnant of ancient wildwood, where you can find ancient, coppiced ash trees thought to be 1,000 years old.
Historical Sites
As you continue south towards Thorpe Morieux, you’ll pass the crash site of the flying fortress B17G, marked with a plaque. A little further down the trail, you’ll find a memorial dedication with some remnants of mangled metal and a board detailing what happened on 27 March 1944
Medieval Towns
Not far from here you’ll reach the medieval wool town of Lavenham, with its half-timbered houses and 15th-century church. The town has featured in several movies including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and the crooked house on the high street inspired the nursery rhyme ‘There was a crooked man’. Close by is the similarly picturesque Brent Eleigh – where you can stop for a coffee and cake in the lovely gardens of Café Como, a popular cycle destination.
Dragons & Kings
Continuing south you soon reach Long Melford. In the country park, the route joins an old railway line which skirts around Sudbury and Great Cornard, into the Stour Valley and on to Bures. Here you can head up Cuckoo Hill to the viewpoint and see the mythical Bures Dragon carved into the adjacent hillside. You ride through the western tip of Dedham Vale AONB, past Arger Fen and Tiger Hill.
Ipswich
On reaching Hadleigh, you join another disused railway line, before continuing eastwards to Ipswich. Following cycle paths through the city and along the Orwell, past the ships in Ipswich Docks, you’re within easy reach of the station, hotels and other facilities. A gentle climb through Hollywell Park then you’re heading out for the east coast.
Take Your Gravel Biking to the Next Level with Wolf Way Suffolk
Welcome to Wolf Way Suffolk, where we’re passionate about all things gravel biking. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, we have everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors on two wheels. Get ready to conquer the trails and experience the thrill of the ride like never before!
The adventure continues
Trimley Marshes
Not far from Ipswich and you will join the bridleway through Trimley Marshes – its a tranquil wildlife haven, where wetland and shoreline birds gather to feed, juxtaposed with the striking industrial towers of Felixstowe port towering on the horizon. Sometimes in the winter the track gets, well, marshy, but its always worth the effort to ride through.
Felixstowe to Bawdsey Ferry
From April to October you can take the Ferry across the Deben to Bawdsey – the crossings are weather dependent so always check with the ferryman.
Good Friday until 30th April – Weekends only between 10am and 5pm
1st – 31st October – Weekends only between 10am and 5pm
1st May until 30th September – Daily between 10am and 5pm
Rendlesham
All the routes will take you through the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB, starting in Rendlesham Forest. This is the location of a Britain’s Roswell-equivalent UFO sighting, near RAF Woodbridge, and is marked by a UFO trail which leads you to the mothership in the heart of the forest.
Dunwich
Dunwich was once the capital city of the East Angles, until the harbour became blocked in a huge 13th century storm and coastal erosion destroyed it. Some of the old priory remains, and Dunwich beach is the destination of the overnight cycle ride the Dunwich Dynamo every summer..
Explore Breath taking Trails
Embark on epic adventures on our network of thrilling trails. Discover hidden gems and soak in the stunning natural beauty that Suffolk has to offer. No matter your skill level, there’s a trail waiting for you to conquer. Get ready for a heart-pumping, jaw-dropping ride like no other.
Support and information sharing
Check out our Facebook group to share route planning tips and tricks, places to stay and great places to get food, coffee and cakes. Its a great way to connect with other riders of the routes and local businesses along the way.
Find places of Interest
Check out our Google mymap listing lots of useful businesses and places on and around the routes. We’ll keep on adding to this resource based on people’s recommendations.
Discover Suffolk’s Rich Heritage
Check out the Storymap to find out more about Suffolk’s rich heritage and culture, from Neolithic burial sites, lost roman capitals and Britain’s first patron saint.