Isle of Wight
Discover the Best 7 Family Cycle Routes on the Isle of Wight
Discover the Best 7 Family Cycle Routes on the Isle of Wight
Medina Greenway near Newport by Malc McDonald under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Are you looking for an exciting new adventure? Why not make the Isle of Wight your next holiday destination? This stunning island, situated off the south coast of England, is perfect for those who love nature and outdoor activities. With its beautiful landscapes and exhilarating cycle routes, it's one of the best cycling experiences available in Europe. Imagine weaving through country lanes and quaint villages as you get some much-needed fresh air – that's exactly what exploring this picturesque place is like. We list some of the best cycle routes on the island below. So don't hesitate: book a trip to the Isle of Wight to see just how amazing it truly is!
The table above lists all the best cycle routes on the Isle of Wight. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that route.
The Best Isle of Wight Cycle Routes
The beautiful Isle of Wight is known for its abundance of cycle routes across the island. Have a look below at the cycle routes listed on the interactive map and click on the buttons below the map for each route, for further information before you travel. The purple icons on the map indicate some local bike hire places. Check them out for prices on their website before you rent.
Medina Greenway
Take a tranquil journey along the River Medina, starting at Island Harbour Marina and finishing where you began. With an easy flat cycle track covering 5.5km in around 1 hour, this picturesque riverside ride is perfect for families or those looking to take their time admiring the river views with pleasing locations to stop-off for coffee whilst admiring the scenery!
Sandown-Shanklin Coastal Path. Isle of Wight by Ronald Saunders under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Sandown to Shanklin
Cruise down the picturesque coastline and enjoy sea air as you follow a leisurely, family-friendly route along 3 miles of shoreline from Sandown to Shanklin. Pass Sandown Zoo and Dinosaur Isle en route to Shanklin; an idyllic tourist village featuring sandy beaches, captivating old streetscapes, cliff top trails with scenic views – perfect for beginning or ending your journey!
Shide to Newchurch
Explore the picturesque route from Shide to Newchurch with a treat at the end! The mainly traffic-free route follows the National Cycle Network no.23 path, which is mainly off-road and surprisingly flat for most of its meandering terrain. In just over an hour you'll arrive at Pedallers Café – a great spot to rest up and treat yourselves to some well-deserved coffee & cake!
Yarmouth to Freshwater
Experience the delight of an old-fashioned railway route through stunning scenery on this leisurely 3-mile ride from Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay. Mostly traffic-free and flat, you'll get gorgeous views of the Yar Estuary before being treated to majestic cliffs and crystal-clear waters when you reach your destination at Freshwater Bay. A perfect day out for all ages!
Cowes to Newport
Take a journey along the stunning Medina Estuary with this 3-mile cycle track, starting in Cowes and finishing in Newport! Enjoy glorious views across the water as you meander down its largely straight and flat route. Keep an eye out for interesting sights including old shipwrecks, heritage sites, and lots of wildlife – all set against a backdrop of spectacular views. Embark on your adventure today - who knows what surprises await?
Red Squirrel Trail and NCN 23, Newport by Malc McDonald under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Red Squirrel Trail
Embark on a scenic getaway of 32 miles, and explore the stunning countryside that makes up The Red Squirrel Trail. Cycling along this mostly traffic-free trail is an ideal way to take in all the Isle of Wight has to offer; from estuaries and woodland to farmscapes and coastal sights near Sandown Bay at its southernmost tip - not forgetting spotting one of the Island's most beloved residents: the native red squirrels! Check the website for the official route.
MTB: Isle of Wight Mountain Bike Centre
The Isle of Wight Mountain Bike Centre opened its trails in 2011 and provides cyclists with a stunning backdrop to explore. Located on Cheverton Farm, the centre offers riders views that accompany purpose-made mountain bike paths ranging from technical tracks for experienced athletes to flow routes suitable for beginners alike - all perfect terrain to get your wheels rolling!
Conclusion
We write lots of blog posts from each area of free activities to do. Have a look at our blog posts from the island of the Isle of Wight by clicking the links below:
Free Things to do on the Isle of Wight
Forest Walks on the Isle of Wight
Please note...
All outdoor activities including cycling involve a degree of risk. The routes are recommended due to the well known features of each route but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each route so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your cycle!