The Isle of Wight is a beautiful place to explore by bike, with miles of scenic coastline, pretty villages, and rolling countryside. We have spent years cycling with our family with little ones with stabilisers to teenagers, there are so many different cycle routes to choose from. If you’re looking for cycle routes that are safe for children avoiding roads as much as possible, we’ve got you covered.
If you are looking for extreme as a solo or group cyclist, there are also some incredible off road tracks – we haven’t covered in this article.
The routes detailed below are very accessible and suitable for families or solo cyclists looking for gentle paths, on the areas we have walked much of the ground is paved, flat or firm, many of the tracks are former railway lines – however we have come across areas that may be slightly undulated in particular along the rivers, if you are a wheelchair user, taking a towing trailer for children’s bikes or prefer to cycle on perfectly flat ground please do take care as some paths may narrow or become muddy. Our recommendation for a very flat route is the start of the Red Squirrel trail from Sandown – if it is dry, or the Freshwater to Yarmouth track, again in dry weather this is suitable for pushchairs. Shanklin to Sandown is completely paved and very flat once you get down to the beach.
Here are five cycle routes that are perfect for families or those looking for a gentle ride:
One of our favourites, The Red Squirrel Trail is a 32-mile route that takes you through the heart of the Isle of Wight’s countryside. The trail is mostly flat and follows former railway lines, making it an easy ride for all ages. You can break the trail up into many different stages.
You’ll pass through pretty villages, ancient woodland, and nature reserves, all while keeping an eye out for the island’s native red squirrels. You can ride a short part of it from either end and turn around, it is well worth starting in either Sandown or Cowes and just travelling for 30mins if you have young children, both routes are very scenic.
Easy parking on the street at the Cowes end, likewise in Sandown.
Starting in Cowes, you will run directly along the river Medina, it onyl takes around 20 minutes to reach newport, which, if you have children is the perfect pit-stop. You will find Lidl near the route or the Bargeman’s Rest pub is a great refuelling and turn-around spot.
Start coordinates: Cowes, PO31 7AS, UK
End coordinates: Sandown, PO36 9EF, UK
Anytime of the year the Yarmouth to Freshwater Cycle Track is a beautiful, gentle 5-mile route that follows the old railway line between the two towns (Yarmouth and Freshwater) following the river Yar. Shared with walkers, the path is very flat and offers lovely views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a great route for younger children or anyone looking for an easy, relaxed ride. Once you get to Freshwater travelling from Yarmouth you will reach Tesco’s which is a great pit-stop, or you can continue on into explore Freshwater. If you are heading from Freshwater side, you will find the beautiful Harbour at Yarmouth to sit and soak up the hustle and bustle.
This is one of our favourites on a summers day and if you look closely you may even be able to spot a seal playing in the river during the summer. You can also hire bikes from Wight Cycle Hire by “Off the Rails” at the old Yarmouth train station.
Starting just south of Yarmouth: Find your way to Off the rails, a delightful cafe in the former station house of Yarmouth station. A great place to stop for a pre-bike ride ice cream or a post-bike ride bite to eat. This ride is great for little ones as you have a good refreshment stop at both ends of the track.
Start coordinates: Yarmouth, PO41 0QX, UK
End coordinates: Freshwater, PO40 9XR, UK
This is a interesting ride that goes slightly up and down hill, it will take you from Ryde town centre, along the seafront and up onto the pathway that passes the original Quarr Abbey ruins, then down into Fishbourne where you can watch the ferry arrive and leave. Then through a delightful path onto Wotton Creek. This 5 mile route takes in both road and cycle routes, however once you leave Ryde behind all the route is on a path.
Quarr Abbey makes a perfect pit stop where you can have a picnic in the grounds.
Wotton makes for a good turn around point or a lunch stop.
A gentle seafront cycle leaving from Sandown pier to Shanklin Hope beach. This is a short ride that can be done in under 1 hour if you have young children with you. You will be spoilt for choice with refreshment stops and ice cream parlours! It used to be called the pier to pier walk and is still fondly known as this, even though Shanklin pier no longer exists.
Start coordinates: PO36 8JT Sandown pier
End coordinates: PO37 6BB Shanklin seafront
The Isle of Wight has plenty of safe and enjoyable cycle routes that are perfect for families with children in most weathers and seasons. Whether you’re looking for an easy, relaxed ride or a more challenging adventure, there’s a route to suit every type of cyclist. So, grab your bikes, helmets, and snacks and get ready to explore the island’s stunning scenery.
For more cycle routes and advice visit the offical Isle of Wight tourism site here
Looking for inspiration? Look through our photos and videos of the Isle of Wight and see the beautiful scenery waiting to be explored. Visit photo wall
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