Bicycle Island

The Isle of Wight has been named by the Lonely Planet Travel Guide as one of the top 10 destinations in the world for cycling. They say the Island is a ‘cycling paradise’ and has ‘lush velvet hills rolling into the sea, narrow lanes through tidy hedgerows, deep and mysterious gullies and the IW’s most striking feature, the ridge of white chalk cliffs stretching across its breadth’.

With over 200 miles of cycle paths, exploring the Island’s beautiful landscape and rugged coastline couldn’t be easier. There are cycling routes to suit everyone, with a choice of challenging off-road bridleways, peaceful byways and level purpose-made tracks on former railway lines.

Private cycle coaching sessions

To make sure you get the very best cycling experience, hire our cycle guide, Martin. Take the stress out of navigation and just enjoy the ride and the stunning scenery. Martin will plan your route around your needs, whether you want to make a pit stop for delicious local food, enjoy a leisurely family outing, be taken to the best spots to photograph our dramatic coastline, or maybe you want a real workout – Martin is a real expert who will ensure you get the most out of your ride…

Take the stress out of planning your Island ride
Explore our cycling paradise with a real local expert, taking in the best sections of roads and lanes across the Island
Cycle Islandwide whilst in the company of an avid cyclist and coach
Pre-planned routes
Paced rides to match your goals
Take in spectacular Island sights which could go unseen if you do not know the roads and routes
Riding the Island most days, Martin knows the best roads and the safest routes staying clear of busy roads
Want a real work out? Martin will push you with selected training sessions. Do you have a power metre or heart rate strap? Want to test your Functional Threshold Performance (FTP)? Martin will help you do this using one of the best roads on the Island for FTP testing.

Martin’s cycling qualifications and experience

British Cycling Level 1 and 2 Coach
Indoor Cycling Studio Instructor
Have always ridden a bike since the age of 3, the desire to road cycle came in 2012 after watching Bradley Wiggins win Le Tour De France
Martin races and rides for the Isle of Wight’s top cycling team
Riding across the South coast, Martin races at many events as well as sportive and time trials
Martin also enjoys riding across Europe, including a 7 day training camp in Tenerife on Mount Teide, the tallest mountain in Europe – Chris Froome and his Sky Team train There.

1-4 people £40/hour per group

4-8 people £60/hour per group

CALL 07786 225 687 TO BOOK

Our recommended cycling routes

To make sure you get the very best cycling experience, our team of qualified trail leaders have put together a series of recommended cycling routes, complete with easy to follow maps for every ability – from total beginners through to advanced cyclists.

All routes are colour coded according to their level of difficulty and the level of cycling experience or fitness required. Each route includes a detailed description so that you can judge the suitability of the route for your family or group.

Our cycling trails are available to download by PDF below. Or download the Ride With GPS app and pop into our Wellness Hub reception to download our routes directly onto your mobile device or Garmin. We also have print outs of our routes available from the Wellness Hub.

Green routes Easy routes suitable for novice cyclists and families.
	Yarmouth to Freshwater Old Railway Line: trail route (Route Map and Cue Sheet) 3.2 miles Perfect for families and beginners, this quiet and flat route will take you along the beautiful Yar Estuary.
Blue routes Moderate routes suitable for occasional cyclists with some experience of road use or easy trails.
	Fort Loop: trail route (Off-road Route Map and Cue Sheet) 6.3 miles This exciting route takes you past two historical forts, Fort Victoria and Golden Hill Fort. This is a fairly easy route on off-road gravel cycleways and country lanes.
	West Wight Short Circular: trail route (Route Map and Cue Sheet) 9.4 miles Enjoy beautiful views of Alum Bay, Freshwater Bay, and the Yar Estuary on this fairly easy route.
	West Wight Circular: road route (Route Map and Cue sheet) 10.4 miles Take a tour of the West Wight on this simple route.
	West Wight Loop: road route (Route Map and Cue sheet) 10.8 miles A nice short ride ideal for beginners that visits the sea front at the picturesque Colwell Bay.
Red routes Difficult routes suitable for regular cyclists with experience trails or routes, good standard of fitness level required.
	Tennyson Trail Loop: trail route (Off-road Route Map and Cue Sheet) 13.5 miles Take in majestic views of the Solent and southwest coast of the Island from the top of the downs.
	Tennyson Trail Loop Reversed; trail route (Off-road Route Map and Cue Sheet) 13.5 miles Cycle the Tennyson Trail Loop backwards for a different challenge with the same outstanding views.
	West Wight Road Climb: road route (Route Map and Cue Sheet) 16.3 miles This is a quick and challenging route with a total ascent of over 1100 feet, offering beautiful coastal views.
	30 Mile West Wight Military Road Ride: road route (Route Map and Cue Sheet) 29.7 miles This ride takes in the famous Military Road, perfect for a Functional Threshold Test or short 20 minute time trial. In this 30 mile ride you will take in some of the most amazing views in the West Wight.
	Short West Wight Ride With Bursts: road route (Route Map and Cue Sheet) 16.7 miles This ride is quite a tough West Wight ride with some nice climbs ideal for interval hill climbing. At a good pace this can be a 50 – 60 minute ride.
Black routes Severe routes suitable for high-level cyclists who expect and relish either a highly technical off-road ride or a physically exhausting road ride. These routes are suitable for quality off-road and road bikes only, and a very high level of fitness is required.
	Chalk Ridge Extreme: mountain bike route (Off-road Route Map and Cue Sheet) 55 miles This extremely challenging mountain bike trail has been called the “off-road round the Island cycle route” by Bicycle Island.
	Hilly Milly: road route (Off-road Route Map and Cue Sheet) 36.1 miles This ride is around 2 hours long depending on ability. To take this ride you need to be fairly fit and able to climb hills as there are lots! If you’re looking to get better at climbing, then this is just the ride for you!