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I have a hankering to ride around the Isle Of Wight, as off off-road as possible, as close to the coast as possible.
Youtube suggests loads of people have done it but the map suggests a dearth of bridleways going around the edge.
Anyone able to suggest a route which fits my requirements?
Where are you starting from? Much of the north of the island has limited off road close to the coast and needs a lot of road to link up. Most enjoyment would be closer to the south for trails and views.
Also how much cheeky trails are you happy with?
Navigating on the island is pretty straightforward as the bridleways are clearly signed and numbered. I can give general pointers to help you pick the better bits.
And is this a one day or multi day ride?
I live on the IOW. I followed the coastal footpath pretty much the whole route. The only bit I missed out was Seaview to St Helens because its mostly unrideable and really slows you down.
I did it one September and left about 9am, got home about 8pm having run out of light near Wootton.
I did it clockwise, but it depends where you start. I live in Ryde, so got the hilly bits done towards the first third of the ride.
The bit between Chale and Compton is particularly boring, but its over soon enough as long as you arent heading into the wind.
You'll need to head inland a bit from Shalfleet to the East side of Porchfield as there aren't any ROWs around there, so probably best to road that bit.
There aren't many shops nearby in the Ventnor to Freshwater section, so make sure you have plenty of water when you leave Ventnor, Yarmouth to Gurnard is similar.
I think the total mileage for the day was around 73.
Check out GMBN - Blake Samson did a ride around the island with an over night camp.
When I was there for Singlespeed UK last year I did part of a route called Chalk ridge extreme. Its not all on the coast, but it would be quite a chunky loop to do it all.
https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MjgwMzg=
I live on the IOW. I followed the coastal footpath pretty much the whole route. The only bit I missed out was Seaview to St Helens because its mostly unrideable and really slows you down.
I did it one September and left about 9am, got home about 8pm having run out of light near Wootton.
I did it clockwise, but it depends where you start. I live in Ryde, so got the hilly bits done towards the first third of the ride.
The bit between Chale and Compton is particularly boring, but its over soon enough as long as you arent heading into the wind.
You’ll need to head inland a bit from Shalfleet to the East side of Porchfield as there aren’t any ROWs around there, so probably best to road that bit.
There aren’t many shops nearby in the Ventnor to Freshwater section, so make sure you have plenty of water when you leave Ventnor, Yarmouth to Gurnard is similar.
I think the total mileage for the day was around 73.
Thanks, that's all brilliant information (Shops, route, mileage.). I spent some time looking at the map at the weekend and I was starting to realize the Coastal path was the only feasable way so thanks for that. Sounds like there aren't an undue number of gates and styles to tackle apart from Seaview->St Helens which I should avoid?
Really appreciate you taking the time to post.
Check out GMBN – Blake Samson did a ride around the island with an over night camp.
Thanks!
Where are you starting from? Much of the north of the island has limited off road close to the coast and needs a lot of road to link up. Most enjoyment would be closer to the south for trails and views.
Also how much cheeky trails are you happy with?
Navigating on the island is pretty straightforward as the bridleways are clearly signed and numbered. I can give general pointers to help you pick the better bits.
And is this a one day or multi day ride?
Thanks for the reply. Starting from Ryde. Cheeky trails not ideal but in practical terms the OS map tells me that if I want to cycle round the Island it's cheeky trails or nothing so open season on cheeky trails.
TBH if theres a trail I'll ride it. Rarely have issues riding throughout the year. I think the ethos "don't be a dick" will see you right.
What time of year are you thinking of doing it? Late spring, late summer are possibly better, but May to September should see the route pretty fast and dry. There isn't too much mud, although East of Yarmouth (Bouldnor) or the offroad bit from Porchfield to Thorness can be a bit crappy.
The bit from East Cowes to Wootton (Kite hill) is on the road, there are no ROW in that segment really.
If you have more questions, let me know.
Or take a fatbike and ride the beaches. Have to be quick chasing low tide!
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http://extremists.co.uk/randonee.html
My original route which is similar to the Chalk Ridge Extreme except it's the right direction!