Liz from the Classic Marketing Team has just returned from an action-packed break and gives her top tips on mountain biking around the Isle of Wight.
Our journey began, like everyone else, with a ferry crossing the Solent. With four bikes to transport, we did need to book additional height because of the roof rack, but there is no extra charge for this when you book in advance with Wightlink. Blue skies and calm waters greeted us and, in no time, we were heading to our holiday home in the charming village of Bembridge. With a number of routes from the doorstep, and a great selection of shops and eateries close by, plus the sea just a short stroll away, this was the perfect choice for a mountain biking holiday on the Isle of Wight.
Day 1 – 23 miles
After a quick visit to the Hot Box Bakery for breakfast croissants and pastries (the perfect start to the day!), we headed out from Bembridge towards St Helens on the most glorious blue-sky day with a gentle breeze (ideal biking weather!). From the village, a bridle trail leads through lush countryside where we were immersed in stunning scenery and wildlife. A fairly steep incline leads to Downs Road with panoramic views over Sandown Bay and the Solent. From here, tracks and country lanes took us to the Red Squirrel Trail, a pretty, traffic-free cycle route through the centre of the Island. Cycling amongst the trees and spring flora and fauna was such a treat, although no squirrels on this occasion. After meandering around the trail, we headed to Shanklin and enjoyed lunch overlooking the golden sandy beach. From here, a beautiful, flat cycle route runs along the seafront to Sandown and, after a quick ice cream stop in the sun, we headed back to Brading and along the cycle route through the Marshes to Bembridge.
Day 2 – 25.5 miles
On day two, we were joined by a local friend on an e-bike, so, as well as knowing all the Island routes and being the perfect navigator, he also put us un-powered cyclists under pressure. Starting in Bembridge, we headed again to St Helens but then took a different route up a steep gradient into woodland. Through the woodland and back out onto the Downs Road, we then took trails inland, taking in a vast variety of scenery on route. Aptly named, Pedallers café is a great place to head for, serving hearty snacks and drinks throughout the seasons and well served with bike racks!
From here, another serious climb up high over the Downs Road leads to a fabulous 3-mile downhill track, through woodland to Quarr Abbey Tea Shop. A stunning cycle trail leads from here to Ryde, then along the seafront with fabulous Solent views to Seaview and the last climb to St Helens and home to Bembridge. Our longest ride and what a stunner!
Day 3 – 22 miles
Over the last few years, I have seen lots of YouTube videos showing mountain bikers cycling along the Tennison Trail, high up along the spine of the Island, between Carisbrooke and Freshwater. It has long been on my bucket list, and with the weather near perfect, clear blue skies and a gentle breeze, today was the day to realise that ambition.
Starting from a small car park near Carisbrooke Castle, the route follows the road for a mile and then heads up on a bridle track onto the top of the downs. The going was tough, with the massive climbs along the chalk trails a challenge for even our fittest cyclist, but the views more than compensated for the effort. As the trail progressed, the track gets more scenic and being on a bike gives lots of time to enjoy the views towards Freshwater and beyond. Through Freshwater golf course, the trail flows downhill and into the village. Lunch of legendary Woodfords sausage rolls consumed, the only way back was to replicate our outbound route, a tough call with sore legs, but we made it. Comparing various fitness trackers, we all agreed the total ascent was around 2700 ft!
Whether you are an experienced mountain biker or an e-biker looking for a new challenge, the Isle of Wight has something for everyone: scenery, beaches, woodland trails and a great selection of refuelling stops along the way, the perfect place for an Island adventure.
We stayed in the fabulous Dar View in Bembridge. A super sociable holiday home with four spacious bedrooms and a lovely south-facing garden for the all-important evening barbecue.
Top Tips;
- Take a look at Visit Isle of Wight for some great route suggestions.
- Try the Red Squirrel trail website for beautiful countryside meanders and lovely flat tracks.
- Pedallers Café is centrally located and an ideal refuelling stop.
- Woodfords Butchers in Bembridge for the BEST Sausage rolls.
