Soggy Socks
Self-guided | from £199pp
The urge to take a paddle will overcome you at some point!
Our self-guided Soggy Socks tour is truly special, taking in the stunning inland countryside, winding rivers, scenic peninsula views and landscapes, and Suffolk’s majestic coastline.
As you travel across predominately quiet roads alongside the waterways and coasts, you will swap two wheels for a propeller as you enjoy two short but memorable river crossings.
What’s included
- Lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- All cycling refreshments
- Support vehicle
- Snacks and drinks during your ride, including ‘on-road’ top-ups
- Selection of memento photos
OnVenture difference
- Tailored routes, meticulously planned by qualified & experienced cyclists to provide exciting riding with memorable scenery & landmarks along the way
-
Support vehicle on hand throughout your ride – Mechanical & medical support to keep you safely in the saddle
- GPX file of your tour routes
- Support and training advice from British Cycling approved and experienced ride leaders & competitive cyclists
Tour Highlights
Rivers and coasts of Suffolk
Discover the The Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Shotley Peninsula
Shotley Peninsula is a stunning landscape between the River Orwell and the River Stour.
Ferry Crossing
Enjoy a boat crossing over the River Stour and River Orwell and take in the Port of Felixstowe.
Designed for Groups
Ideal tour, especially designed for groups looking for an unique weekend adventure.
Tour Itinerary
Our carefully planned tours are run on public roads, so we might need to make changes or arrange detours to avoid an escaped flock of sheep!
The OnVenture team is always happy to accommodate requests to visit specific locations and landmarks along the specified route – just let us know.
Saturday
After leaving your accommodation, you head south-east out of Ipswich weaving your way through the residential roads of our county town to reach the perfect cycling roads with a landscape of agricultural land to take in…you will soon realise why Ipswich Town have the nickname ‘The Tractor Boys’.
After getting the legs warm over the first 12 or so miles, the North Sea welcomes you as we roll onto Felixstowe seafront and follow the shore line right along to the ferry peninsula, keep your eyes out for stray golf balls as you pass through the golf club & pass a couple of distinct Martello towers, until we arrive at the mouth of the river Deben.
Coming back inland for a few miles on rolling, dusty country lanes, you pass through lovely villages & hamlets, before arriving at the lovely riverside town of Woodbridge, with one of only a handful of working tide mills in the world and your gateway to the Suffolk Coasts & Heath Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Suffolk Coach & Heath AONB is the closest thing you will get to a playground for road cyclists, with ultra-straight drags for a bit of pace, weaving country lanes to test your handling and tree lined roads for a little shade from the beaming Suffolk sun. You hit some real highlights along the road, visiting Bawdsey to see the Felixstowe peninsula from a different angle across the Deben, traverse Rendlesham Forest, taken in the stunning Orford Castle & Quay and finally enjoy a blast through Tunstall Forest.
Your final 20 or so miles, are homeward bound, South-West back towards Ipswich on slightly more undulating but no less picturesque than the previous 65 miles of the day and you finally cruise back into Ipswich from the north to enjoy a well-earned cold drink & savour the days riding.
Sunday
Heading out of Ipswich, you follow the southern shores of the river Orwell with one of the highlights of the day coming very early on, as you cycle right beside the shoreline beneath the towering Orwell Bridge. After a sharp climb away from the shoreline of the river, you enjoy a long, steady descent over the proceeding 7 miles to the breathtaking Shotley peninsula, with the river Stour to our south, river Orwell to our north and the North Sea to our west…as well as the small matter of Britains biggest container port directly opposite us.
Heading back inland, you run parallel to the northern edge of the river Stour on lumpy but rewarding roads, as you get regular vista’s across the river into the Essex countryside beyond. After crossing the river Stour and the border into Essex at the lovely town of Manningtree, you explore the fabulous north Essex countryside for around 12 miles before dropping down into the port town of Harwich.
You exchange two wheels for a ships wheel in Harwich, as you embark on the passenger ferry to take you across the river Stour & Orwell, as the helmsman guides you across the waters, you will get a truly unique look at Felixstowe and some of the biggest container ships in the world. After disembarking at Landguard point in Felixstowe, you will pass the almost 500-year-old fort, which has evolved over the centuries to continually protect the nationally important waterways it stands over.
On your homeward leg from Felixstowe you revisit some roads enjoyed on day 1 of your tour, before heading inland and passing through some lovely villages before you see the distinctive BT tower looming over Martlesham and arrive at ‘heartbreak hill’ and one final test that will really test your metal!. After getting your breathe back you can roll gently back towards Ipswich, savour a great couple of days riding and take away some lasting memories.
Check dates and availability
The team at OnVenture is ready to discuss dates and availability for your group booking.
Please feel free to call, email or complete the below enquiry form, and a member of the team will be in touch.
Call: 01473 355 035 | Email: hello@onventure.co.uk
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