17 Isle of Wight cycling routes

These are the best Isle of Wight cycling routes for every ability, from the flat, traffic-free 2.4-mile Yar Trail (Yarmouth to Freshwater) to the 62–65-mile Round the Island route for experienced riders. The island's flagship ride is the Red Squirrel Trail, a 32-mile, mostly traffic-free family route along disused railway lines.

Discover 17 of the most spectacular cycling routes during your next Isle of Wight holiday, each promising an unforgettable journey that will leave you craving more. So, get ready to explore the hidden gems of this enchanting island…

How to choose a cycling route on the Isle of Wight

Beginners and families should start with the Red Squirrel Trail or the Yar Trail because both are flat, surfaced and traffic-free, while confident road cyclists looking for a full day out should ride the Round the Island route. Everything else on this page sits somewhere in between.

A few facts that decide which route suits you:

The island is hilly but not mountainous. The highest point is St Boniface Down at 241 metres, above Ventnor. That means climbs are short rather than alpine, and most routes are achievable by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
"Traffic-free" matters more than distance for families. A flat 2-mile shared path suits a nine-year-old; a hilly 13-mile coastal route with road sections does not.
Surface varies within a single route. The Red Squirrel Trail, for example, runs from smooth tarmac near Cowes to gravel and rougher bridleway in its middle sections, so a hybrid or mountain bike is more comfortable than a road bike on the full loop.
Several routes below are named as "mountain bike trails," but most are shared-use cycle paths, coastal paths or quiet-lane routes rather than technical off-road MTB trails.

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Round the Island cycle route

The Round the Island route is a 62–65-mile signed circular that circumnavigates the entire Isle of Wight on a mix of roads and off-road sections, aimed at experienced cyclists.

Starting strong with the Round the Island cycle route, this trail offers a scenic and challenging experience. The full route showcases stunning sea views, hill climbs, and picturesque countryside, catering to experienced cyclists. However, the route can be conveniently split into smaller sections thanks to the towns along the way, allowing cyclists to tailor the difficulty.

The well-marked trail features blue signs with a white island shape for the anti-clockwise direction and white signs with a blue island shape for the clockwise direction. Cyclists can access the route from the nearest ferry terminals in Yarmouth and Cowes or Wootton and Nettlestone if arriving via Ryde.

Whatever you decide, this is the perfect mountain bike trail on the Isle of Wight to discover the beauty of the entire island!

Clockwise route length: 65.1 miles
Anti-clockwise route length: 64.8 mi
Difficulty: Challenging
Time: Around a day for fit riders, including stops

Red Squirrel trail

The Red Squirrel Trail is the best-known of the Isle of Wight cycling routes: 32 miles of mostly traffic-free riding along disused railways from Cowes to Sandown, designated National Cycle Network Route 23.

The Red Squirrel Trail offers mostly traffic-free cycling through the Isle of Wight's scenic countryside. It showcases the island's diverse landscapes, including estuaries, woodlands, farmland, downland, and coastal stretches.

The trail is a multi-day cycling tour, so riders can explore the wildlife and visit nearby attractions, cafes, and restaurants.

Stretching from Cowes to Sandown Bay, with a loop through some fantastic countryside taking you back to the main trail at Merstone, you can find the full trail here.

Or, if you want something shorter and more manageable for families, cyclists can opt for a single-day or half-day section, like the popular route from Shanklin through Wroxall, Merstone, and Sandown.

Full length: 32 miles
Shortened length: 14 miles
Difficulty: Moderate - challenging
Nearest parks: Whitecliff Bay

Isle of Wight: North to South

The North to South route has the most elevation gain of any Isle of Wight cycle route — roughly 590 metres of climbing across 17.7 miles from Cowes to St Catherine's Lighthouse.

The Isle of Wight is a walker's paradise, and this north-to-south route is well worth exploring!

You’ll start in Cowes with a riverside walk along the River Medina towards Newport. The trail then passes by Carisbrooke Castle, Shide, and Blackwater, before ascending near Niton and culminating in a descent to St. Catherine's Lighthouse.

All of this makes for one of the best mountain bike trails on the Isle of Wight where you can enjoy the scenic journey across the island, and get a dose of history on your trip.

Length: 17.7 miles
Elevation gain: ~590 m (the most of any island route)
Difficulty: Challenging

Freshwater to Yarmouth (the Yar Trail)

Isle of Wight National Landscape (AONB)

The Yar Trail is the easiest cycle route on the Isle of Wight: a flat, 2.4-mile, traffic-free path along a disused railway from Yarmouth to Freshwater, ending at Freshwater Bay.

The Yar Trail is popular for mountain biking, road cycling, and bike touring, though riders can still find solitude during quieter times. The best seasons to visit are May and June.

This predominantly flat, traffic-free route follows a disused railway from Yarmouth to Freshwater, offering stunning views of the Yar Estuary. It ends at the beautiful Freshwater Bay, which is about a 15-minute cycle from The Bay Colwell holiday park.

Length: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Afton, Yarmouth, Alum Bay, and Middleton

Isle of Wight National Landscape (AONB)

The Freshwater to Yarmouth trail begins at Freshwater Bay and follows the coastal circular path to Tennyson Down and The Needles viewpoint.

You can even explore the historic sites and scenic vistas before continuing through Alum Bay, over Headon Warren, and along the Esplanade Walk to Colwell Bay. The route then crosses farmlands and woodlands to Yarmouth, returning to Freshwater Bay via the riverside cycle path and roads.

Caution is advised on rougher sections, especially in inclement weather and on the road portions, so make sure you bring along appropriate footwear.

Length: 13 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Nearest park: The Bay Colwell

Godshill and Appuldurcombe circular

Isle of Wight National Landscape (AONB)

The Godshill circular route near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight is a popular route for hiking and cycling, yet still offers solitude during quieter times, with the best months to visit being April to October.

Beginning in the charming village of Godshill, the trail leads through Fir Plantation, farmlands, and wooded areas, offering lovely countryside views.

Be careful of some of the rougher sections, especially in wet conditions, as well as when passing through areas with livestock.

Length: 5.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Parkhurst Forest

Parkhurst Forest

The Parkhurst Forest cycle is an offshoot from the main Red Squirrel Trail, offering cyclists the opportunity to visit the Red Squirrel viewing hide within the forest.

The route follows a well-established cycle track along Stag Lane, crossing the Newport-Cowes Road and continuing on a quieter road leading to the edge of Parkhurst Forest. Once inside the forest, cyclists can explore the extensive network of gravel tracks, as Forestry Commission England permits cycling on all of these trails. Here’s a downloadable map of the forest.

Length: 6 ¾ miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Surface: Gravel forest tracks

Sandy Hills to Shanklin

Bembridge, Isle of Wight, England

Explore the out-and-back trail near Bembridge, Isle of Wight, a route that’s perfect for those staying at the Whitecliff Bay holiday park, which is situated in Bembridge.

Take into consideration that this is a more challenging route, so more suitable for those who are seasoned walkers.

Take into consideration that the Sandy Hills to Shanklin route is a more challenging route, so more suitable for those who are seasoned walkers.

Ideal for cycling, fishing, and hiking in a peaceful setting, the trail is accessible year-round, offering coastal views, with pubs and cafes along the way for refreshments.

During this scenic route, you’ll find picturesque picnic spots on the beach, so you can take a break from one of the best mountain bike trails on the Isle of Wight.

Length: 11 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Nearest park: Whitecliff Bay

Chilton Green and Chale

Isle of Wight National Landscape (AONB)

Why not embark on an adventure along this out-and-back trail near Newport, Isle of Wight? Brace yourself for a challenging yet rewarding outdoor experience.

Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, or simply seeking a cycling route, it caters to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of this journey is the solitude it offers, allowing you to fully embrace the tranquillity of your surroundings without the distraction of crowds.

Open throughout the year, you can explore its beauty during any season. From the vibrant hues of spring blossoms to the warm embrace of autumn foliage, or the crisp winter landscapes, this trail promises a visually stunning experience no matter when you decide to venture.

Length: 13 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Westover Down circular

Brighstone Forest

Escape into the serene embrace of nature with this amazing circular trail nestled near Newport, Isle of Wight. Renowned for its accessibility, this trail offers an easy-going adventure, allowing you to savour the great outdoors without excessive physical exertion.

You can choose to hike, but for those with a taste for adventure on two wheels, the trail also welcomes cyclists

offering an exhilarating opportunity to explore the terrain while embracing the fresh air and scenic vistas.

One of the true charms of this circular route is the tranquillity it offers and that it’s open all year round, so you're unlikely to encounter large crowds. This allows you to fully take in the beauty of your surroundings.

Length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Merstone and Sandown circular

Newport, Isle of Wight, England

Embark on an invigorating adventure, an ideal choice for those seeking a rewarding outdoor experience.

Offering one of the greatest cycling trails on the Isle of Wight, it’s perfect for those yearning for an exhilarating ride, as it caters to a diverse range of outdoor pursuits.

This captivating circular route begins in the charming village of Merstone, where you'll follow the picturesque River Yar along a delightful cycle path.

As you make your way to Sandown, you'll have the opportunity to explore the town's charming streets before joining the coastal path, taking in breathtaking views of the Isle's rugged shoreline.

From there, you'll embark on another cycle path, starting at Shanklin Station, allowing you to experience the natural beauty of the area from a different vantage point.

In Wroxall, the trail will guide you northwards, leading you back to your starting point in Merstone, completing the circular journey. Much of this route overlaps the Red Squirrel Trail, so it’s largely traffic-free with little heavy climbing.

Length: 15.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearest park: Whitecliff Bay

Ventnor Downs and Luscombe Down circular

Isle of Wight National Landscape (AONB)

For a captivating outdoor adventure, try this trail near Ventnor, Isle of Wight - an invigorating yet manageable experience – perfect for those staying at the The Lakes Rookley holiday park.

As you explore this trail, you'll be treated to a stunning array of natural beauty.

However, it's important to note that some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, with slick surfaces (and muddy areas, especially after rain), adding an element of challenge and adventure to your journey. Upon reaching the summit, prepare to be awestruck by the panoramic vistas.

Before embarking, you'll find convenient free parking and facilities available at the start of the route.

If you’re trying out this cycling route on the Isle of Wight, it's essential to note that after periods of rain, some areas of the trail may become muddy, so proper footwear is highly recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Length: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearest park: The Lakes Rookley

Cowes to Brighstone

Isle of Wight National Landscape (AONB)

Brace yourself for a challenging yet rewarding journey from Cowes for an immersive outdoor experience.

As you embark on this epic trek from Cowes to Brighstone, you'll be treated to a kaleidoscope of memorable experiences, taking you through a variety of environments, offering numerous opportunities to interact with the local flora and fauna and witness the natural world in its full glory.

You’ll notice rolling hills, lush meadows, rugged coastlines, and pristine woodlands, leading to a diversity of landscapes that are truly breathtaking.

It's important to note that some areas along the trail may be slippery and muddy, particularly after periods of rain, so equip yourself with proper footwear and gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Embrace the opportunity to reconnect with nature on this breathtaking point-to-point trail. From the breathtaking vistas to the chance encounters with local wildlife, this adventure promises to leave you with lasting memories and a renewed appreciation for the great outdoors.

Length: 14 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

Shanklin - Godshill - Niton

Isle of Wight National Landscape (AONB)

Gear up for an invigorating cycling adventure along this out-and-back trail near Shanklin, Isle of Wight.

This moderately challenging route offers an ideal playground for both mountain bikers and road cyclists alike, promising a thrilling experience amidst the scenic beauty of the island.

Setting off from the charming town of Shanklin, you'll embark on a journey that takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Whiteley Bank and the quaint village of Godshill.

From there, the trail will lead you southward toward Niton, unveiling a tapestry of rolling hills and breathtaking vistas along the way.

Upon reaching the turnaround point in Niton, you have the option to retrace your path along the same route or mix things up by taking an alternative coastal road back to Shanklin. This flexibility allows you to tailor your journey to suit your preferences and desired level of challenge.

Regardless of the path you choose, you can find the freedom to explore the Isle of Wight at your own pace.

So, gather your gear, tune up your bike, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure through the heart of this picturesque island paradise.

Length: 18 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Freshwater to Yarmouth & Thorley Copse

Isle of Wight National Landscape (AONB)

Take on this rejuvenating journey through nature with this circular trail near Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxing yet invigorating outdoor experience.

This fantastic trail winds its way through the picturesque town of Yarmouth, offering a delightful blend of urban charm, lush countryside, and enchanting wooded areas. As you explore, you'll be treated to a kaleidoscope of stunning vistas and remarkable opportunities to connect with nature on a deeper level.

The diversity of landscapes and terrain along this route creates a truly unique and versatile experience, making it suitable for a wide range of activities.

It's important to note that after periods of rain, certain sections of the trail may become muddy, so make sure that you pack appropriate footwear so you’re fully prepared for one of the best mountain trails on the Isle of Wight.

Length: 2.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Colwell Totland Freshwater Bay

Isle of Wight National Landscape (AONB)

Whether you're a hiking enthusiast, a mountain biker, or a road cyclist, discover this stunning trail.

Nestled in the southern region of Yarmouth, the trail winds its way around the charming towns of Freshwater and Totland, perfect for the Totland Bay holiday park – The Bay Colwell.

While the majority of the route is paved, allowing for a smooth cycling experience, a section alongside the beach in Totland is set on picturesque paths, adding a touch of variety to your journey.

Along the way, you can explore captivating historical sites, including the old fort ruins in Totland and an intriguing WWII pillbox located at the bottom of the River Yar.

Just after this unique site, you can venture to the All Saints Church, which lies adjacent to the Western Yar, offering a tranquil respite for reflection and appreciation of the area's rich history.

Embrace the serenity, explore the local history, and revel in the picturesque scenery that this enchanting route has to offer.

Length: 6 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Compton Down circular

Isle of Wight National Landscape (AONB)

As you set out on this adventure, you'll quickly find yourself immersed in the serene tranquillity of the island's breathtaking landscapes.

With fewer people sharing the path, you'll have the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings, allowing you to connect with nature on a deeper level.

As you navigate through the trail, you'll encounter a diverse array of scenery, from lush forests and rolling hills to rugged coastal stretches and picturesque meadows.

Each twist and turn unveils a new visual treat, ensuring that your journey is never dull.

Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or someone seeking a rejuvenating escape from the daily grind, why not embrace the challenge during your next Isle of Wight holiday?

Length: 6.7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Isle of Wight cycling routes FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding cycling routes on the Isle of Wight:

How hilly is the Isle of Wight to cycle?

The Isle of Wight is hilly, but not too hilly, as the highest point is only 241m at Boniface Down above the seaside resort Ventnor. This is why it’s still suitable to cycle within and is a popular one for all types of mountain bikers.

Which Isle of Wight cycling route has the most elevation gain on the Isle of Wight?

The North to South route has the most elevation gain of any Isle of Wight cycling route — about 590m across 17.7 miles.

Is the Isle of Wight good for cycling?

Yes. The Isle of Wight has cycling routes for every ability, a mild climate, a dense traffic-free network, and short climbs (max 241m), with options from 2-mile family paths to a 62–65-mile circuit. Some might even say

it’s a cycling paradise!

Blessed with a mild climate and abundant environmentally significant areas, as you try out the many cycle routes here, you'll be treated to wonderful conditions that enhance your exploration.

What’s the Isle of Wight cycling route for families?

The Yar Trail (2.4 miles, fully traffic-free) and the Red Squirrel Trail's 14-mile Shanklin loop — both flat and mostly car-free.

The perfect base to explore Isle of Wight cycling routes

While seasoned cyclists can embark on a circumnavigation of the entire island in a single day, the Isle of Wight allows for far more treasures to be discovered.

No matter what type of cyclist you are, you’ll be sure to find a route here that’s perfect for you! What makes this even better is that you can find a perfect base with our holiday parks: The Bay Colwell, St Helens, The Lakes Rookley and Whitecliff Bay that aren’t far from these routes, so why not find out more and book your next Isle of Wight holiday today?