Via ferry or hovercraft, the Isle of Wight sits a mere two hours from London. It’s the ideal year-round destination for families to escape the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Even if you’re not in the city, everyone could use a change of scenery more often than not. The Isle of Wight has many spots reminiscent of the South of France, Italy, as well as the Spanish Coast; all without needing a passport to see it! The Isle of Wight’s cycling reputation is astounding.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised that there are numerous cycling routes on the Isle of Wight, some being the best in the entire UK. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced biker, there are several routes to ride on this beautiful island full of hidden gems. What better way is there to explore a place than by doing it slowly? Feel the fresh coastal air brush through your hair and take in the scenery in every sense possible. Now, without further ado, let’s look at the top cycling routes on the Isle of Wight, shall we?
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The Logistics Cycling Routes on the Isle of Wight
If you don’t want to haul your bicycle all that way to the island, don’t worry! There are various places where you could rent a bike to tackle the cycling routes on the Isle of Wight. Interestingly, The Bay Boutique B&B in Freshwater provides electric bike hire when staying with them. In Yarmouth and Newport, you can hire a bicycle with Wight Cycle Hire. In Shanklin, you can go to Routefifty7 Bike Hire. Both of these establishments have a passion for cycling and getting people to see the beautiful island in a different light.
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Round The Island Cycling Routes on the Isle of Wight
The Round the Island cycling route is among the best cycling routes on the Isle of Wight. You’ll drool over splendid ocean views, experience plenty of hill starts, and feel the gentle flow of countryside meanders. If you are a cyclist who’s been around the block more times than you can count, this route won’t faze you. However, if you’re new to the world of cycling, don’t fret. Because of the route’s outline, you’ll stop at various towns and outlook points to catch your breath.
You can start from wherever is most convenient. It’s all up to you. However, note that the nearest ferry stations to start the route are Yarmouth and Cowes. If you arrive on the Island via Ryde, you may take the route to Wooton or Nettlestone, depending on your travel direction. All along the path, you’ll see signs of blue and white markings to guide you during your adventure.
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Family-Friendly Cycling Routes on the Isle of Wight
As someone who frequently went on adventurous bike rides with her family, I can attest that there is nothing that bonds a family more. The leaders in us come out, directing our family on a modern adventure that they’ll never forget. It teaches a family communication skills, to trust one another, and to be brave. Though cycling is not scary to children, it’s something new, something bare, and a skill to be explored. However, when choosing to spend some family time on the island, know that teaching kids to cycle is the perfect place to do so. Here, children can develop their skills in a flat and protected area.
You can take the family to explore the Medina Greenway Breeze route, boasting gentle riverside adventures, quaint coffee shops, and an easy ride throughout. Then, there’s also the Pier Pedal route from Sandown to Shanklin. This lovely coastal stretch is ideal for youngsters, making it among the best cycling routes on the Isle of Wight. It’s flat, passes award-winning beaches, and offers many possibilities to stop for a few scoops of refreshing ice cream. If you or anyone in your family needs to rent a bike, then it’s advisable to start in Shanklin, at Route Fifty7, near the Cliff Lift.
Lastly, you can embark on Pedallers Coffee and Cake Pedal, which begins in Newport. You’ll find that this route is a flat, scenic cycle ride to Pedallers Café and back. Be on the lookout for wildlife and the helpful signs telling you precisely what birds and other creatures you can expect to see.
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Cycle Friendly Accommodation
What cyclist would not want to spend a couple of days in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve? Cycling routes on the Isle of Wight will take you to all kinds of places; it’s up to you to find the perfect place to stay! With over 300 kilometres of cycling trails, byways, and bridleways to accommodate all fitness levels, it’s easy to see why the Isle of Wight is known as ‘Bicycle Island’.
However, if you’re unsure of where to stay, know that the popular Round the Island cycle is accessible from almost anywhere along the coast. There are various cycle-friendly places at which you could stay, including The Caledon Guest House, the Somerton Farm Holiday Cottage, and Tiny Home Holidays. These are just a few island establishments equally as passionate about cycling as you might be!
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Cycling Routes on the Isle of Wight are Calling!
Be assured that the Isle of Wight is full of hilly areas. If you do want to tackle the cycling routes on the Isle of Wight, be aware that your trip might not be as easy as you think it might be. So, pick a route that’s more in tune with your fitness level, and go from there. If that’s sorted, then viola!
All you need to do is plan how to get there, either by ferry or whatever else, where you’ll stay, and how much time you’ll spend here. The rest will all fall into place as it should! This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the ideal place to go if you need to clear your head, change your setting, or take in the magnificence that is Mother Nature.
