ISLE OF WIGHT PORT-TO-PORT

DISTANCE 57KM (35.4 MILES) CLIMBING 1,180M (3,871FT) TIME 3HRS TO 5HRS

The route: A fun adventure across the island, using a variety of trails. It’s not very technical, but is rough in places, and the Isle of Wight Mountain Bike Centre offers some challenging tracks if you wish. Best ridden when dry, it could be done in either direction

Start: Ryde Pier (postcode: PO33 2HE, grid ref: SZ 594/930)

1 From Ryde head east along the coast road to the canoe lake, then go south, following West Hill Road past St John’s Park. Join the Nunwell Trail at Oakfield, which becomes a bridleway and leaves the town. Follow this twisting and turning track to Brading Down, then peel away to start heading westwards, joining parts of the Bembridge Trail.

2 After crossing the A3056 and climbing, leave the Bembridge Trail to cross the valley bottom and climb up to the outskirts of Rookley village. Continue westwards along quiet lanes and tracks, then climb to the top of Chillerton Down, past the TV mast. Descend to cross the B3323 just north of Shorwell. Note: North of here is the excellent Isle of Wight Mountain Bike Centre, which is home to some great trails and is well worth a visit.

3 Now following the Worsley Trail along the ridgetop, past Limerstone Down and Brighstone Down, descend and cross a road. Continue off-road, along the trail that climbs onto Mottistone Down, before descending again steeply to cross the B3399.

4 Now follow the Tennyson Trail, which climbs very steeply onto Compton Down, offering great views down to the western point of the island. Follow this fast, wide-open track downhill, past the golf course. Briefly join the A3055 down to Freshwater Bay. Keep ahead/left and, just after the Piano Cafe on the right, turn left (it’s easy to miss).

5 Follow the lane left and up the side of Tennyson Down, where the bridleway soon delivers you back to the road. Go left and follow this to the very end of the island, where you can enjoy views of The Needles.

6 Retrace your steps to Weston Lane, by Stoats Farm campsite and the Highdown Inn, and go left on it to Totland. Turn right here and follow a bridleway into Freshwater. After a brief stint on the A3055, turn left onto a cycle path.

7 This route takes you alongside the River Yar and into Yarmouth. Keep left here to make your way to the ferry port for your return journey.