Red Squirrel Ride
Saturday 20 September 2025
34 or 16 mile routes
Explore the Isle of Wight by bike to support the Island’s most vulnerable animals.
Unlike many challenge events, the Red Squirrel Ride is largely traffic-free, making extensive use of the Island’s extensive network of old railway paths and cycle trails.
Choose between two circular routes – 34 and 16 miles. Both can be taken at a leisurely pace. The shorter route is ideal for families and new cyclists, whilst the longer option adds extra challenge and a few more hills.
Cycle at your own pace, taking time to explore the Isle of Wight’s glorious scenery and beautiful beaches.
By joining the Red Squirrel Ride you’ll be helping the RSPCA Isle of Wight work assisting animals in need on the Island. We’re an independent charity that supports the work of the RSPCA locally.
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.
Family 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the route? There is the choice of two routes of 34 miles and 16 miles.
Does the route include busy roads? The majority of the route is off-road, following the Red Squirrel Trail. Generally the roads used are quiet residential streets and country lanes, with a few short sections on busier main roads at Brading, Wootton and Wroxall (less than 1 mile in total).
How long will it take to cycle? A keen cyclist could complete the full route in under 3 hours, however it would be a shame to ride this quickly and not stop to enjoy the Island’s scenery and beaches. There’s lots of great cafes and places of interest along the route. Allowing 5-6 hours would enable a leisurely ride with plenty of time for stops.
How big are the hills? The sections along the old railway lines and the seafront promenades are gently graded, and in general the route avoids lengthy ascents. However, no exploration of the Isle of Wight can avoid the hills entirely, so expect a few steeper sections, most notably around Seaview, Brading and Wroxall.
What can I expect at the checkpoints? The checkpoints at Alverstone and the Animal Centre are manned by RSPCA volunteers offering tea, coffee and cakes. The checkpoints at Quarr Abbey and Puckpool Park are situated next to cafes with a greater range of food and drink options. All the checkpoints have toilets and opportunities to fill up your water bottle.
There are lots of shops, cafes and pubs along the route, offering a wide range of refreshment opportunities.
What type of bike is best? Most bikes would be suitable, though a hybrid bike would be ideal. Most of the route is surfaced; however there are a few rougher and gravelly sections that those with skinny tyres may find a challenge.
Is the ride suitable for children? The shorter route is ideal for families and younger children – the vast majority is off-road with fewer hills. Older children who cycle regularly may well enjoy the challenge of the full route.
Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
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.
Travel to the Isle of Wight
We’d recommend travelling on the Wightlink car ferry between Portsmouth and Fishbourne – travel on the 0840, 0920 or 10:00 ferries. Wightlink is offering a 20% discount to cyclists taking part in the Red Squirrel Ride. The car ferry to Fishbourne is the most convenient route for the event. Please be aware that the FastCat ferry from Portsmouth to Ryde has limited spaces for bikes.
Book Your Place
Book your place online. Tickets for the event are £15 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.
