70 mile local guided cycle tours put on by the organisers of the Three Chesters Cycle Challenge

Check our 'Ride Dates' page for the dates ALL rides are taking place.

Dates for this particular ride are 21st March, 9th May, 27th June, 10th Oct

Total elevation = 409m ~ Duration = 8.5 hours (9am - 5:30pm) ~ Difficulty = Moderate

We strongly recommend taking an energy gel, protein bar and electrolyte tablets for this ride

We make refreshment and toilet stops approximately every 1.5 - 2 hours

 Cost = £39 per person (includes coffee & cake at a café + lunch and a drink) 

A charming countryside ride takes us to the Essex coast, where we enjoy cycling along heritage trails, paths, esplanades and parts of National Cycle Route 150, from Walton-on-the-Naze all the way down to Seawick. This scenic 11 mile ride along the coastline has sections which are uneven, stony and sandy, so care should be taken and depending on recent weather conditions bikes could get dusty, wet and muddy. Heading back inland we head to the quaint town of Wivenhoe where we take the 'Wivenhoe Trail' along the River Colne before crossing over and back down the other side of the river to Rowhedge and Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve. Finishing off with a ride over Abberton Reservoir and back to Colchester.

* There are slower sections on this ride (11 miles of esplanade, Wivenhoe Trail & Nature Reserve), and so this ride gets back to Northern Gateway later - at around 5:30pm

This ride exits Colchester via Ipswich Road and across the roundabout that leads onto the A12 and A120. So a very busy stretch to start, but within 5 minutes of the start we are out into open countryside. As we ride alongside Ardleigh reservoir and head towards Little Bromley, we soon reach the quiet country lanes, beautiful countryside, and views of crops, cattle and horses in farmer's fields, which characterise the majority of this ride.

Next, we take the cycle path over the A120 to the interestingly named village of Monkey Street and onto National Cycle Route 51 towards Little Bentley and Tendring Heath. At Beaumont-cum-Moze, look to the horizon and we get our first glimpse of the sea and enjoy a steady general downwards incline all the way into and through Kirby-le-Soken. We continue on through the lovely seaside town of Walton-on-the-Naze to our coffee stop destination of The Naze Tower. Set in acres of costal heath land and woodland scrub, the Naze Tower (built in 1720) by Trinity House, was used to guide shipping into the busy port of Harwich. You can climb the Tower (there is a small cost of around £3), where you will see panoramic views and have a chance to view the art gallery and exhibitions. We also enjoy artisan coffee and a slice of cake at the Green Farm Coffee Van (included in the cost of ride). This is one of my favourite spots to stop out of all the rides we do, and so we make a longer than usual stop, giving plenty of time to take in the stunning costal views, climb the tower, visit The Essex Wildlife Trust Naze Centre, and of course use the public toilets.

Once we leave, we embark on the main event for this ride - a stunning cycle along heritage trails, paths, esplanades and parts of National Cycle Route 150, following the Essex Coastline from Walton-on-the-Naze, through Frinton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, Jaywick and onto Seawick. Some parts of this section of the ride are uneven, stony and sandy, so care should be taken. Especially on a sunny day, this part of the right is an absolute delight, so we take it a bit more slowly to enable us to take in all the views. Interesting sights include Clacton Pier, Martello Tower C and Martello Tower E.

At Seawick we enjoy a quick lunch on the beach of fresh, local Fish and Chips from the Sailor Boy Fish & Chip Shop (included in cost of ride - please advise if you need alternative eating arrangements).

Feeling refreshed, we head inland taking sections of slightly more main road, and head towards the charming little riverside town of Wivenhoe, which has a history of fishing and boat building. There is an opportunity to stop at the local COOP to replenish drinks and snacks then take a 5 minute break down by the quayside and enjoy views of the River Colne (perhaps taking the opportunity to have an energy gel or protein bar). Then it's an exciting cycle along the Wivenhoe Trail (uneven and stony) which follows the River Colne to Colchester. Here we cross to the other side of the river and cycle back down to Rowhedge and then on to Fingringhoe where we enjoy a stop at the hidden and magical Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, which overlooks the Colne Estuary. The visitor centre has a cafe if you wish to purchase refreshments.

The final push takes us over Abberton Reservoir and back into Colchester via Layer-do-la-Haye, through the town centre, past the train station and back to the Northern Gateway Park.

Check our 'Ride Dates' page for the dates ALL rides are taking place.

Dates for this particular ride are 11th April, 23rd May, 11th July, 5th Sept, 17th Oct

Total elevation = 480m ~ Duration = 7 hours (9am - 4pm) ~ Difficulty = Moderate

We strongly recommend taking an energy gel, protein bar and electrolyte tablets for this ride

We make refreshment and toilet stops approximately every 1.5 - 2 hours

Cost = £39 per person (includes coffee & cake at a café + lunch and a drink) 

Being a longer ride, this gives the opportunity to take in a variety of different views, landscapes and destinations. From deep Essex countryside to estuary and costal views, whilst cycling the smallest single track lanes through to crossing over major roads and exciting dashes through town centres. We cycle designated 'Quiet Lanes', and pick up sections of National Cycle Network routes 1 & 50. We enjoy artisan coffee in Braintree's John Ray Garden Park, and a freshly prepared pub lunch and stunning estuary views at Heybridge Basin. All of which make this a very interesting and varied tour.

Arrive early for this ride and get in a craft coffee from Paddy & Scott's at the Northern Gateway Sports Park (and check out the 1 mile floodlit cycle track). Straight onto quiet country lanes as we cycle through Horkesley Heath and skirt around the top of West Bergholt onto lanes sign posted 'unsuitable for HGV's'. Here we cycle through lovely open countryside and the elevation gives stunning panoramic views of fields and rolling hills. This is followed by a lovely 1 mile freewheel descent into Ford Street. Next, we get to enjoy riding through the lovely tree-lined lanes that take us through Aldham and onto Great Tey. This leads us into the outstanding Colne Valley, cycling through Chalkney Wood into White Colne, Earls Colne, skirt under Colne Engaine and onto Tumbler's Green. This takes us onto a short stretch of the A120 into Braintree town centre, where we stop for coffee and cake (included in the price of the ride) at the wonderfully located Coffee House In The Gardens.

Fully refuelled, it's out of Braintree, over the A120 and back onto relatively quiet roads, as we cycle through Bartholomew Green, in the direction of Chelmsford. We pick up a designated Quiet Lane at Willows Green, past Leez Priory (where I got married!) and onto National Cycle Network 50 at Littley Green. On through Great Waltham (Essex village of the year 2010) and then across the A130 to Russell Green. At this point, we're skirting the northern edge of Chelmsford, so roads here are on the busier side. We cross over the A12 at Boreham and quickly back onto quiet country lanes, heading away from Chelmsford and towards the estuaries that lead into the North Sea. Entering back onto National Cycle Network 50, we enjoy stunning open countryside views of rolling hills and fields as far as the eye can see. We then follow the River Chelmer on small single track lanes all the way to Heybridge. A couple of miles before our lunch stop we pick up more main town roads to get through Heybridge and onto Heybridge Basin, where we stop at The Jolly Sailor for a well deserved freshly made lunch and refreshments (included in the price of the ride).

After a well deserved lunch and short break we pick up National Cycle Network 1, enjoying views of the River Blackwater as we head towards the Tolleshunts (where the infamous Bamber murders occurred). Crossing over the western edge of Abberton reservoir we head back into Colchester, passing Colchester Zoo, along Butt Road, across the top of the High Street, over the A12 and back to the Northern Gateway Sports Park.

Check our 'Ride Dates' page for the dates ALL rides are taking place.

Dates for this particular ride are 25th April, 13th June, 1st Aug, 19th Sept

Total elevation = 611m ~ Duration = 7 hours (9am - 4pm) ~ Difficulty = Moderate

We strongly recommend taking an energy gel, protein bar and electrolyte tablets for this ride

We make refreshment and toilet stops approximately every 1.5 - 2 hours

Cost = £39 per person (includes coffee & cake at a café + lunch and a drink)

 This ride is predominantly in Suffolk and takes in the very quiet country lanes and stunning countryside around the west and north of Colchester, as well as cycling through the historic market towns of Sudbury, Lavenham and Hadleigh. Making this a very pleasant and interesting ride. It's both a surprise and delight to discover such extraordinary countryside views so close to Colchester and the surrounding towns. We enjoy exploring the more rural and remote parts of the countryside, cycling mainly on single track lanes and quiet country roads. Superb coffee and a fantastic lunch also await us!

  It's 30 miles before our first coffee stop, plus a decent amount of elevation, so arrive early for this ride and get in a craft coffee from Paddy & Scott's at the Northern Gateway Sports Park (and check out the 1 mile floodlit cycle track). Onto Straight Road towards Boxted then turn onto Queen's Head Road and onto quiet country lanes where it's surprising to see such wide open countryside and fantastic views, being only a few miles from Colchester town Centre. We cycle across the A134 at Great Horkesley, onto Tog Lane, past the cow sheds in Little Horkesley and continue through Wormingford, and enjoy absolutely stunning vistas of rolling hills, fields and sweeping views as far as the eye can see, all the way to the charming little village of Bures.

Next, it's through Bures St Mary, Bures and out through Bures Hamlet to take us into the rural and remote countryside and quiet single track lanes that wind their way through the fields, hills and valleys around the villages of Pebmarsh, Twinstead, Great Henny and Little Henny. Before entering the historic market town of Sudbury, with history dating back to Saxon times. The prosperous weaving and silk industries lead to many great houses and churches being built, giving the town a major historical legacy. Then on to Long Melford, where we enjoy fantastic coffee and cake at the traditional Olive Tree Tea Room & Garden.

Fully refreshed we make a short onward trip to the Medieval town of Lavenham, where we weave through the various streets and stop to take in the magnificent timber framed buildings and narrow streets and lanes that lead to the impressive market place. In Tudor England Lavenham was the 14th richest town, and over 300 buildings listed as being of architectural and historic interest still remain today.

From here we cycle very quiet country lanes along South Suffolk route A, through Preston St Mary, north of Brent Eleigh, cutting across to Monks Eleigh and through the charming little village of Chelsworth, taking us through lovely traditional Suffolk countryside, cottages, churches and farm fields. Then it's onto the slightly more main road the B1115 to Nedging Tye. After Bildeston, we're back onto quiet country lanes sign posted 'not suitable for HGV's' and head south through fairly flat countryside towards The Miller's Kitchen at Kersey Mill, where we enjoy a well deserved freshly prepared lunch. We have lunch around 2pm making this a later lunch stop than usual, and so you may want to bring a few snacks to have en route.

After lunch we cycle for a quick explore around the charming streets and church in historic Hadleigh. Then we head off towards the quaint little village of Shelley along National Cycle Network route 1. After a lovely cycle through Brett Vale Golf Course we follow Sandpits Lane and Green Lane down through the Higham Hills on National Cycle Route 48, which is a very small and little used single lane road (a little mucky and stony). Next it's past Stratford St Mary, under the A12 and through the charming village of Dedham. Then it's one final push along lovely quiet lanes back to the Northern Gateway Sports Park.