Our adventure begins, perhaps counter-intuitively, at Ness Point, Lowestoft, the UK's most easterly point.
While technically coastal, it serves as a symbolic starting line, a point of reference before turning inland.
The sight of "Gulliver," at one time Britain's tallest wind turbine, a towering sentinel against the horizon, sets the tone for a journey that would blend the old and the new.

A short ride south brings us to the spectacle of the new Gull Wing Bridge, a modern marvel of engineering. Its graceful arc, lifting to allow maritime traffic into Lake Lothing & the inner port, is a striking contrast to the historic landscapes that lay ahead.
Oulton Broad, a bustling hub of boating activity, offers a brief respite, a glimpse into the leisure and recreation that thrives on the region's waterways.

Our first true inland stop is the route option to visit the East Anglian Transport Museum, a treasure trove of vintage vehicles and railway memorabilia. Stepping into the museum is like stepping back in time, a nostalgic journey through the evolution of transportation. The rattle of vintage trams, the gleaming paintwork of classic buses, and the steam-powered locomotives evoke a sense of a bygone era, a reminder of the region's industrial heritage.

Heading westward, we reach Beccles, a charming market town nestled on the banks of the River Waveney. Its historic buildings and bustling marketplace exude a sense of timeless English charm. A short ride further gets us to Bungay, another historic market town, its imposing castle ruins a testament to its strategic importance in centuries past. The town's narrow streets and quaint shops offer a glimpse into a slower pace of life, a welcome escape from the modern world.

Soon after, our journey brings us to the Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum, a poignant reminder of the region's vital role in aviation history. The museum's collection of aircraft, from wartime bombers to Cold War jets, tell the story of the brave men and women who served in the skies above East Anglia. The echoes of roaring engines and the stories of daring missions resonate through the hangars, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during times of conflict.

Continuing westward, we encounter the Homersfield "Totem Pole," a unique and intriguing landmark which stands as a silent sentinel in the landscape. Its weathered timbers, carved with intricate designs by local artist Mark Goldsworthy as a Millennium sculpture.
The River Waveney, winding its way through the countryside, serves as a constant companion on this leg of the border, its tranquil waters reflecting the ever-changing skies.

Our next optional stop is Bressingham Steam & Gardens, a delightful attraction that combines the nostalgia of steam locomotives with the beauty of meticulously curated gardens. The sight of gleaming steam engines, their whistles echoing through the air, is a sensory delight. The gardens, a riot of colour and fragrance, offer a peaceful escape, a chance to reconnect with nature.

We then wind our way along some typical Suffolk lanes to Knettishall Heath, a vast expanse of heathland and woodland, provides a welcome contrast to the cultivated landscapes we had encountered earlier. Its rugged beauty and sense of wildness are a reminder of the region's natural heritage. The trails winding through the heath offered opportunities for hiking and exploring, a chance to immerse myself in the tranquillity of the countryside, but watch out for the recently introduced Exmoor Ponies roaming free.

Soon after leaving the ponies behind in our mirrors, we approach the tiny village of Euston where stands Euston Hall, a grand stately home, a testament to the region's aristocratic past. Its imposing architecture and sprawling parkland evoke a sense of grandeur and history. The hall's opulent interiors, filled with fine art and antique furniture, offer a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy and powerful.

Back on track we are brought bang up to date as our journey brings us to the heart of East Anglia's military presence, RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall.
These airbases, home to US Air Force personnel, are a reminder of the region's strategic importance in modern times. The sight of the very latest fighter jets taking off and landing is a powerful display of military might, a reminder of the ever-present need for defence.
Heading south, we reach Newmarket, the home of British horse racing. Its sprawling racecourses and bustling stables are a symbol of the town's enduring passion for the sport of kings. The streets are alive with the energy of thoroughbred stallions heading to the gallops, racing enthusiasts, a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation.
Leaving all of that equestrian beauty behind, a short ride brings us to the picturesque Moulton Packhorse Bridge, a historic crossing point over the River Kennet.
Its weathered stones and arched design are a reminder of a time when packhorses were the primary mode of transportation. The bridge's tranquil setting, surrounded by lush greenery, offers a moment of peace and reflection.

Our journey then brings us to our first sight of the River Stour near its source, which will accompany us for the rest of the route, as it marks the southern Suffolk border with Essex.
The river, winding its way through the countryside, serves as a reminder of the region's interconnectedness, its waterways linking the coast to the inland heartland.
Later in Clare, Suffolks smallest town, a charming market town nestled on the banks of the Stour, exudes a sense of timeless English charm. Its historic buildings and quaint shops offer a glimpse into a slower pace of life.

Continuing west we pass Reiten Motorrad, Suffolks popular BMW dealer, on our way to our next town.
Long Melford, with its impressive church and Tudor mansions, stands as a prime example of the region's prosperity in centuries past.
Its picturesque streets and grand houses are often used as the backdrop for film & TV productions.

We pass beside the water meadows surrounding Sudbury, the birthplace of local artist Thomas Gainsborough and another of Suffolks Wool Towns, on our way to the Dedham Vale or “Constable Country”.
An area immortalised the word over by another local artist, John Constable.

The journey would not be complete without a visit to the landscapes immortalised by Constable.
The rolling fields, the meandering rivers, and the picturesque villages that inspired his iconic paintings are testament to the enduring beauty of the Suffolk countryside.
Willy Lott's Cottage, nestled in the heart of Constable Country, stands as a symbol of the artist's connection to the land, a reminder of the enduring power of art to capture the essence of place.

This tour along Suffolk's inland border is a journey of discovery, a ride through time and tradition. From the industrial heritage of Lowestoft to the aristocratic grandeur of Euston Hall, from the aviation history of the airbases to the artistic inspiration of Constable Country, the region reveals its hidden heart, a tapestry woven with diverse threads of history, culture, and natural beauty. The open roads, the rolling landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the local people make this a truly unforgettable experience, a reminder of the rich and varied heritage that lies within the heart of Suffolk.