Description: A ride north to the beautiful River Waveney at Homersfield, taking in some Suffolk hamlets. There are a couple of short steep hills near the river.

Distance: 23 miles

Elevation Gain: 730 feet

Time to complete: 2.5-3 hours

Refreshments: The Black Swan at Homersfield is recommended for lunch and a pint

1. Cratfield to Silverley’s Green

At the end of the driveway from Holly Tree Farm Barns turn right into the village. Take the first right (Manse Lane) and follow round to the T junction. Turn right along Swan Green Lane and at the end right again to Swan Green.

At the fork bear right to Silverley’s Green.

2. Silverley’s Green to Fressingfield

Turn left at the junction in Silverley’s Green onto the straight Roman road. Continue 3/4 mile to another fork at Little Wittingham Green. Bear left on Cratfield Road.

Follow the road to the left at the T junction to where Gules Green Lane goes off to the right. If you wish to visit Fressingfield (pubs, shop) continue for 1/2 mile, then return to the Gules Green Lane junction.

3. Gules Green Lane to Homersfield

Head up the hill on Gules Green Lane. Turn left at the junction with Pegg’s Lane and follow the road to Withersdale Street. The lane emerges onto the B1123.

4. Withersdale Street to Mendham

Cross the B1123 and continue through Mendham, after which there are a couple of steep hills.

5. Mendham to Homersfield

Take the side road left along the river into Homersfield village.

The Black Swan is at the far end of the village near the bridge. It serves food every day and is a very nice, old fashioned pub.

6. Homersfield to St Cross South Elmham

Staggering out of the pub, take the right fork at the green and return along the riverside stretch, but bear left up St Cross Road to the crossroads. Head straight across and uphill towards St Cross South Elmham.

7. St Cross South Elmham to St James South Elmham

Once in St Cross South Elmham village bear left at the first junction, and right at the second (just coming out of the village) towards St James South Elmham. Turn right again at Frog Hall.

8. St James South Elmham to Metfield

At St James South Elmham turn right at the T junction onto The Street. At the T junction approaching Metfield turn right. At the crossroads turn left and join the B1123.

9. Metfield to Cratfield

Continue on the B1123 for 2 miles until the road turns sharp left. Turn right here (North Green Road) signposted Camel Centre. Follow the road round as it twists and turns past the Camel Centre. When you reach Moat House Farm turn left, signposted Cratfield. This is the road into Cratfield village, and Holly Tree Farm Barns is on your right just before the village.