Somewhere else quite close by where we can escape for just a few days. We stayed at a very quiet site in the village of Hollesley, Run Cottage. From there we could catch the community bus into Woodbridge. However, the driver forgot to put the handbrake on with me and Denise inside when he went to pick up another passenger on the way – we careered off trapped in the bus slowly gathering speed- unable to open any door because of security and we fortunately ended up wedged in a hedge at the side of the road just as a truck was coming the opposite way! Nevertheless, we had a nice day in Woodbridge and then later caught the same bus back again – the driver refused to let us pay!
So we’re pitched up really close to the facilities, but it’s so quiet it doesn’t bother us. Showing off our new Thule side panels!
On that patch of lawn close to the buildings they occasionally let some cycle tourers camp. The lawns are well kept, further down the site they have a few lodges for rent – aside a lake.
The first bike ride I make is out of the site and snaking my way inland towards Rendlesham forest. I happen across a few ‘military’ style buildings and a troop of men running in a group. Only when I saw the sign for HMP Hollesley Bay did I realise I was cycling through the middle of an open prison! It was where Jeffrey Archer spent some time, dreaming up a few new thrillers no doubt. There is actually a small foot ferry (Butley Foot Ferry) that takes you across the Butley river towards Orford – but I didn’t take it.
Denise and I cycle a short distance to the nearest beach – Shingle Beach. It is vast, no sand but anyway a nice peaceful place to rest.
I spoke to a local man who was picking some sea kale for his wife. Very tasty apparently.
In amongst the shingle we find a lake that forms with the tide. Shallow enough for some activities for the kids.
There’s a small road leading up to the shingle beach and a Martello Tower.
The end of the road!
I ventured out on the bike in the opposite direction towards Ramsholt. I stop and take a picture of this charming pub named the Sorrel Horse (Shottisham).
And then I make it to the Ramsholt Arms, overlooking the River Deben.
The bike parked up at the Ramsholt Arms.
Now if I carry on in a southerly direction, I pass Bawdsey Manor where they housed the WW2 radar transmitter equipment. I eventually arrive at another foot ferry that takes you across from Bawdsey to Felixstowe. I don’t go on it, but I’m thinking now about using it for a future tour of East Anglia by bike and ferries! Home to Harwich, Harwich to Felixstowe (ferry), Felixstowe to Badsey (ferry), stop at Run Cottage, Butley ferry to Orford, on to Walberswick, ferry to Southwold etc. etc.
