Location: Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
Author: Brock Duncumb-Rogers
The Isle of Wight is a short 45-minute ferry crossing from the UK mainland. The close proximity to the mainland and manageable size make the Island a cyclist’s perfect day trip.
The classic circular coastal route features 65 miles of scenic towns and villages, stunning English countryside, breath taking coastline and some the smoothest roads I have ever ridden this side of the English Channel.
Favourite road: Military Road
Favourite ride: anti-clockwise coastal lap of the Island.
Having lived on the Island for less than a year, I spent much of the 2020 lockdown using my daily portion of exercise to explore the Island’s many rural lanes. The constant emptiness of the roads and lack of traffic felt like a once in a lifetime experience- almost magical at times. This, combined with the scenic and smooth roads, made for some of the best riding I’ve done in the UK.
Local Recommendations
Bike shops along the 65 miles route:
Tav Cycles in Ryde
Adrian’s Bikeshop, Freshwater
There are plenty of pubs and café dotted along the route, so when you feel hungry or thirsty take your pick.
