4.6
(80)
3,907
riders
498
rides
Road cycling around Hawstead offers routes through a tranquil rural landscape characterized by quiet country roads and mostly paved surfaces. The region, situated in West Suffolk, features a generally flat to low-lying terrain, typical of the Suffolk countryside. While significant peaks are absent, some routes include moderate elevation gains, providing varied cycling experiences. This area provides access to a network of roads suitable for exploring the natural environment.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
5.0
(1)
12
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
8
riders
45.2km
02:04
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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9
riders
17.5km
00:51
120m
120m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
11
riders
36.1km
01:30
230m
230m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
17.6km
00:53
140m
140m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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The present building is a cathedral. The abbey that preceded it was shut down after the reformation and only its ruins remain.
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This beautiful cathedral was originally built as a church in the early 13th century and became a cathedral for the newly established Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich in 1914. It has some beautiful characteristics including a large rose window, detailed stone carvings, fantastic gardens and the notable Abbey Gate.
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Archetypal Suffolk village, with scenic cottages standing around the large green.
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Lovely cafe with delicious home made sausage rolls, scones, and lots more
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Open every day but closes for an hour at lunch and only a half day on Sundays.
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Lovely setting up on the hill above the half-timbered village houses.
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There are over 500 road cycling routes around Hawstead, offering a wide range of options. You'll find over 200 easy routes, more than 300 moderate routes, and a few challenging options for experienced cyclists.
The area around Hawstead is characterized by mostly paved surfaces and a generally flat to low-lying terrain, typical of the Suffolk countryside. While significant peaks are absent, some routes do include moderate elevation gains, providing varied cycling experiences. For example, the The Fox Inn, Ousden β Winding Road North of Rede loop from Hawstead features over 360 meters of ascent.
Yes, many of the routes around Hawstead are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. A popular example is the Abbey Gate, Bury St Edmunds β St Edmundsbury Cathedral loop from Hawstead, which is a 38.7 km circular route.
The road cycling routes in Hawstead are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil rural landscape, quiet country roads, and the classic English countryside experience.
Yes, Hawstead offers several easy road cycling routes suitable for families. The Hawstead Almshouses loop from Hawstead is an easy 17.5 km trail that can be completed in under an hour, making it a good option for a shorter family ride.
While Hawstead itself is a small village, its proximity to Bury St. Edmunds means you can cycle towards notable attractions. The Abbey Gate, Bury St Edmunds β St Edmundsbury Cathedral loop from Hawstead leads you towards the historic town of Bury St Edmunds, where you can visit St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Other nearby points of interest include Ickworth House Rotunda and St. Saviour's Hospital, Bury St Edmunds.
Yes, some routes pass by local establishments where you can take a break. For instance, the The Fox Inn, Ousden β Winding Road North of Rede loop from Hawstead is named after The Fox Inn, Ousden, providing an opportunity for refreshments during your ride.
The tranquil rural landscape of Hawstead is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, from spring to autumn, when the weather is generally milder and the countryside is in full bloom. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions may be colder and roads potentially wetter.
The routes around Hawstead primarily offer scenic views of the classic English countryside and agricultural land. While there are no dramatic mountain viewpoints, the charm lies in the quiet rural roads and picturesque villages. The Nowton Hill Viewpoint β Totem Pole in Nowton Park loop from Whepstead offers a specific viewpoint to enjoy the local landscape.
Beginners can enjoy routes like the Hawstead Almshouses loop from Hawstead, which is an easy 17.5 km ride. Another good option is the Union Jack Roof β St Nicholas Church loop from Great Whelnetham, an easy 36.1 km route with moderate elevation.
Yes, for those seeking longer rides, routes like the The Fox Inn, Ousden β Winding Road North of Rede loop from Hawstead cover over 45 km and include more significant elevation changes, offering a moderate challenge. There are also a few routes classified as difficult for experienced cyclists.


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