The Wolf Way is a circular cycle route in Suffolk, created by cycling enthusiasts Sharon Calton and Chris Bower. Suffolk may not be on your radar for a cycling holiday, but the Wolf Way highlights why it should be – if you’re the kind of cyclist who likes to go off the tourist trail in search of scenery picturesque and peaceful dotted with picturesque landscapes. villages and market towns, retracing ancient roads and historic treasures along the way, then you’ll love the experience of walking the Wolf’s Way.
Ride the path of the wolf like Skedaddle…
Having completed the route ourselves, we thought it would be a brilliant addition to our UK cycling holiday, at the more challenging end of our leisure cycling range. We had to make some adjustments to the course to make it better suited to hybrid leisure bikes, and Chris and Sharon helped us create something incredible. We think this will appeal to a wide range of riders, particularly those looking to do a version of the Wolf Way with slightly less technical off-road riding than the original bike-packing route.
Meet the creators of the Way of the Wolf
We caught up with Chris and Sharon to ask a little more about how they created The Wolf Way and why they think we should all visit Suffolk with our bikes.
When discussing their passion for cycling, it’s clear that Sharon and Chris are no strangers to great bike ridesand their enthusiasm for fun and adventure is contagious.
Sharon: “We have done many tours in East Anglia, both quieter tours and larger tours like the Transcontinental. We love touring, gravel and bikepacking and when we’re not riding we’re planning our next tour.
What led you to create Wolf Way?
Chris: “We were inspired by Cycling UK’s launch of the Rebellion Way in Norfolk. After walking the route we thought it would be great to have something similar in Suffolk. There were actually a few representatives from Suffolk Council at the Rebellion Way launch event and we started talking to them about how we could create a new route.
How did you reconstruct the route?
Chris: “We know the county very well and there aren’t many horse trails and routes we haven’t ridden. Like many others, we have hiked many trails from the door during lockdown! This meant that developing the initial route was actually quite simple, but completing the full reconnaissance took us about a year.
“We had support from Suffolk Council’s Green Access and Rights of Way regarding access rights, which was particularly important for off-road sections. Cycling UK were also very helpful in giving us advice on how to make the route safe.
Were there any difficulties along the way?
Chris laughed, “Sand! Being so close to the coast, there is obviously sand on the trails. One section, not featured in the Skedaddle version, is known as Sandy Goat Hill. People either love him or hate him. “This is a controversial topic in the Wolf Way Facebook group.”
Sharon added: “We also wanted to consider proximity to train stations and access to local amenities. “Finding the right balance between busy and quiet places, on and off road, is a challenge when you’re trying to please a lot of different people.”
Chris: “Cycling UK has also helped us build in good access to stations. This is great because it means people can easily arrive by train and we know from the Facebook group that this is the case.
Sharon: “We also designed the route to include many points of interest along the way. You can see it all on our interactive map. Lowestoft is another section that people are keen to explore or just want to miss because it is slightly busier. We love it. Additionally, you will reach Ness Point, the easternmost place in the British Isles. It is worth a visit.
What is your favorite day or highlight of the Wolf Way?
Chris: “All of Suffolk!” If I had to choose, I would say the East Coast. »
Sharon denied agreement: “Yes, Felixstowe to Southwold is a designated national landscape (area of outstanding national beauty). “It’s so peaceful and calm.”
Chris: “I love it Trimley Marshes and Langard Nature Reserve. You have spectacular views of Felixstowe Quays and Langard Point, whilst taking a leisurely cycle route through the reserve and then onto the promenade.
Sharon: “It’s a nice contrast. The industrial context in a peaceful natural setting.
Why should we all come and ride the Wolf Way?
Sharon: “If you’ve never been to Suffolk before, this is a great way to experience the place. Even if you have passed through Suffolk, I encourage you to do the Wolf Way as you will see so much that you might otherwise have missed. I read somewhere that Suffolk has more country roads than any other county. There is a veritable network of routes and trails to explore.
Chris: “The area is surrounded by history and folklore. La Voie du Loup owes its name to the history of Saint-Edmond; After the death of the king of East Anglia, his protector, a wolf, guarded his head and, according to legend, it miraculously attached itself to his body. There are many historic sites along the route, such as the Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Sutton Hoo. There is even a UFO trail! »
Sharon: “There are many war memorials, as well as historic villages, abbeys and museums. »
How did you support Skedaddle with the adjusted version of the course?
Chris: “We adapted a version of the “Winter Wolf” course. This does not include the seasonal ferry. The Skedaddle team were looking for a recreational cycling version with fewer sections of technical riding, so we replaced some sandy bridleways with quiet roads and lanes. We know the area well and were therefore able to show you the appropriate routes. I think the Skedaddle version will be popular as many people in the Facebook group have asked us for an easier route. This opens it up to people of all abilities.
Sharon: “Another thing I would say that is appealing about the Wolf Way is that it is not a route with huge climbs. The landscape is hilly and I think there are a lot of people looking for this kind of ride. We hope even more people will come and enjoy cycling here!
Skedaddle’s philosophy has always been about exploring the road less traveled and supporting local communities. This is exactly what the Wolf Way allows us to do. When you book your trip you will have the option to make a donation to the Cycling UK charity, and we will also donate for every kilometer the Skedadlers complete on one of our Wolf Way tours.