Shorter Route
16 miles
The shorter route is perfect for families and new cyclists. The route is almost entirely traffic free, with less than 2 miles on the road. Apart from one short but steep section at Shanklin beach, and a longer hill to the Freemantle Gate, this whole route has predominantly easy gradients.
Starting from the RSPCA Centre near Merstone, follow the old railway path towards east along the Yar Valley. Take your time to enjoy this lovely leisurely section with easy gradients and attractive scenery. Pass the popular Pedallers Café at Newchurch (3½ miles). If this is too early for a coffee stop, its not too much further to the Alverstone Checkpoint (5 miles) where you can restock on tea and cakes.
Back on an old railway trail the next stop is Sandown (7½ miles). Call in to visit the RSPCA shop on the High Street or relax on the town’s glorious sandy beach. You may wish to stop to celebrate reaching the halfway point of the ride.
From here it’s a lovely easy ride along the promenade to the nearby resort of Shanklin (9 miles). The first short but steep climb heads up from the beach towards the town.
After Shanklin station join another peaceful traffic-free railway path which takes you to Wroxall (12 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 – you may want to take a short detour here to visit one of the Island’s prettiest village. Finally a network of gravel paths leads back to the RSPCA Animal Centre (16 miles). Collect your medal and celebrate your achievement.
Start & Finish
RSPCA Animal Centre, situation midway between Rookley and Godshill. There is ample free parking throughout the day.
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.
