Cycling

Cycling, Freshwater Bay © IW Tourism

The Isle of Wight's varied terrain provides exceptional off road cycling, from singletrack paths to downhills trails. West Wight is particularly good for mountain biking, with its undulating countryside and stunning scenery.

Road cycling and touring is excellent on the Island, which offers over 200 miles of cycle routes to suit everyone, ranging from quiet country lanes that meander through areas of outstanding natural beauty, rolling countryside to coastal paths.

There are well signposted routes, including peaceful byways and level purpose-made tracks - the perfect place to relax and unwind in exhilarating clean air.

All of the following routes can be completed in a single day or less, all of the routes are less than twenty miles. Each starts from a convenient place. Maps are available for cycle routes and trails from any of the seven tourist information centres across the Island.

Cowes to Newport and Parkhurst Forest - 13 miles - Grade easy

In medieval times Parkhurt was known as 'The King's Forest', and it's one of the oldest recorded forests in England. It was at Parkhurst that oak trees grew tall and supplied timber for warships. This cycle route combines an easy section of the Cowes to Newport cycle way and a circular tour of the forest.

Yarmouth to the Needles - 12 miles - Grade easy

A very enjoyable ambling and easy route to one of the most spectacular sights on the Island. Criss-crossing minor roads and bridleways are a feature of the ride. This route can be ridden direct from the Yarmouth Wightlink Ferry Terminal.

America Wood & Borthwood Copse - 10 miles - Grade easy

This leisurely ride passes through two of the island's finest broadleaved woodlands, both now carefully managed for public enjoyment. America Wood acquired its name, so a local story has it, during the American Wars of Independance when oaks were felled to provide ship's timbers for the navy. It is now owned and managed by the Woodland Trust. Borthwood Copse is a National Trust property and was once a royal hunting ground but you will find no wild boar here now!

Bembridge & Culver Cliff - 12.5 miles - Grade easy

This route offers excellent coastal views along one of the most interesting stretches of the island. Here the many old forts far out to sea coupled with many passing ships and distant landscapes as far off as Hayling Island provide constant interest. There are many refreshment places along the way and numerous stopping off points for further excursion and exploration.

Ashey Down Circular - 9 miles - Grade moderate

Ashey Down is the focus for this ride and the white triangular pillar, erected on the down in 1735 as a Sea Mark, is a constant reference point. From the top of the downs there are fine views toward Bembridge Harbour and across the Solent. Sheep graze the hillsides and pastures to the north and remnants of Nunwell's once extensive parkland of fields dotted with isolated oaks are a feature. You may even be lucky enough to see a steam engine puffing through the valley as the route crosses the tracks of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Carisbrooke Castle & Brighstone Forest - 11 miles - Grade moderate

The ride starts a short distance from Newport close to the impressive stone ramparts of Carisbrooke Castle and soon finds the high ridge of the Tennyson Trail. Splendid panoramic views are a feature of the route as is the quiet seclusion of Brighstone Forest. A sense of adventure is always present over some quite rough terrain. There are a number of alternatives along the way allowing the possibility of taking shorter or longer variations. You'll need to take refreshments with you since there are no pubs on the route.

Shalfleet & Mottistone Down - 9.5 miles - Grade moderate

Beginning close to sea level and estuary, the route climbs through undulating countryside to reach the high chalkland of Mottistone Down. Superb coastal views across the Island, an abundance of wildflowers and wildlife are particular features of the route.

Stenbury Down - 8 miles - Grade difficult

The top of Stenbury Down offers some of the finest panoramic views across the south of the Island and richly rewards the necessary climb! A feature of this ride is the many delightful stone built cottages or farmhouses and duck ponds that you pass along the way. It is a ride full of surprising variety and worth saving for a clear day.