Alton Water loop to Shotley Gate

Alton Water loop to Shotley Gate

Easy

4.7

(3)

riders

Alton Water loop to Shotley Gate

01:57

36.7km

190m

Road cycling

Embark on the Alton Water loop to Shotley Gate, an easy road cycling route spanning 22.8 miles (36.7 km) with a gentle 629 feet (192 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in 1 hour and 57 minutes. You will experience varied terrain, combining dedicated cycle paths with quiet country roads…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

65 m

Alton Water Visitor Centre & Picnic Area

Highlight • Lake

The visitor centre at Alton Water has a cafe, open all week from 10:00am - 4.00pm, there is also an outdoor picnic area.

There are 8 miles of cross-country tracks around the reservoir, with bike hire available.

Tip by

13.8 km

Shotley Pier and Marina

Highlight • Rest Area

Shotley Pier was built in 1894 to enable the Royal Mail to travel between Shotley Gate and Harwich. As well as mail, coal, munitions and sailors also travelled on its …

Tip by

20.9 km

Pin Mill and the Butt and Oyster Inn

Highlight • Pub

Pin Mill is a very picturesque spot. It is a small riverside hamlet at the half a mile from Chelmondiston. There are a few houses, two boatyards, an art gallery, …

Tip by

32.5 km

Lemons Hill Bridge, Alton Water

Highlight • Bridge

The largest manmade reservoir in Suffolk, Alton Water is a tranquil place to whittle away some time on a bike Tour. It took over 13 years to construct the reservoir, …

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36.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

32.7 km

3.07 km

958 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

19.1 km