50-Mile Route
Route Description - 50 miles
Starting from the RSPCA Island Animal Centre* near Merstone, follow the old railway path towards the Island’s ‘capital’ Newport; an easy traffic-free start to the day with no hills.
The cycle path meanders through Newport (5½ miles). The checkpoint here is an opportunity to restock before continuing through the back-streets of Newport and Carisbrooke towards Parkhurst Forest (9 miles).
Follow the shady gravel track through the forest, before country lanes take you north to the coast at Gurnard (13 miles). Our route follows the esplanade around the northern tip of the Island to the yachting town of Cowes (15 miles) and the second checkpoint of the day.
We pick up the Red Squirrel Trail and follow the line of the old Cowes to Newport Railway. This flat section of the trail follows the banks of the River Medina; an easy stretch with views across the river. Before long we're back at the Newport checkpoint (20 miles).
Continue through a short railway tunnel and along the old railway trail towards Wootton station (23½ miles). If you’re lucky you may spot a train at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
Things get a bit hillier as you head to the Fishbourne ferry terminal, the arrival point for mainland cyclists. From here it’s just a short ride to the half-way point at Quarr Abbey (26 miles).
The route heads east, through the abbey estate and past historic Binstead church, to the seaside town of Ryde. There’s a lovely level section along the promenade to Puckpool Park Checkpoint (30 miles). Stop for here to visit the café or relax on nearby Appley beach.
Follow the coast road the charming seaside town of Seaview, then its uphill along quiet roads and bridleways to St Helens (33 miles). From here the route heads inland, initially following the old Bembridge branch line, to the historic town of Brading. Quiet country lanes lead on to the Alverstone Checkpoint (38 miles) where you can restock on tea and cakes.
Back on an old railway trail the next stop is Sandown – stop to relax on the town’s glorious sandy beach. From here it’s a lovely easy ride along the promenade to the nearby resort of Shanklin (42 miles).
After Shanklin station join another peaceful traffic-free railway path which takes you to Wroxall (45 miles), the southernmost point of the ride.
Just outside Wroxall are the imposing ruins of Appuldurcombe House (free admission). The ride takes a bumpy grass track heading uphill to the Freemantle Gate, once the grand entrance to the estate. This is the roughest section of the ride, but the reward is a sweeping panorama across the Island.
With the climb now complete, it’s a long downhill towards Godshill. Finally a network of gravel paths leads back to the RSPCA Island Animal Centre (50 miles). Collect your medal and celebrate your achievement.
* START between 08:00 and 10:30, either at the RSPCA Island Animal Centre, or at any location on the route.
Quarr Abbey
Freemantle Gate
