Full Route
34 miles
Starting from the RSPCA 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 café at the Quay Arts Centre is a good spot for an early coffee stop.
The ride continues through a short railway tunnel and along the old railway trail towards Wootton station (9 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 Quarr Abbey (11 miles) – take time to relax around the abbey and its café.
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 (15 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 (18 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 (23 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 (27 miles).
There’s a short, but steep climb up from the beach to the station from where another peaceful traffic-free railway path takes you to Wroxall (30 miles).
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 Animal Centre (34 miles). Collect your medal and celebrate your achievement.
Start & Finish
You can start the Red Squirrel Ride from either of these locations:
RSPCA Animal Centre, situation midway between Rookley and Godshill. There is ample free parking throughout the day.
If you’re travelling from the mainland you can start the 34 mile route from the Wightlink ferry terminal at Fishbourne.
Book Your Place
Book your place online. Tickets for the event are £20 for adults and £10 for children.
- All finishers receive an exclusive Red Squirrel Ride medal
- A detailed route map with cycling instructions and information about places to stop on the route
- Checkpoints along the route with assistance available
- Wightlink discount for mainland cyclists travelling to the event.
