Isle of Wight Cycling & Mountain Biking

Cycling & Mountain Biking on the Isle of Wight

Previously overlooked as a cycling and mountain biking destination, the Lonely Planet has recently named the Isle of Wight as one of the ten best cycling destinations in the world. The diverse terrain offers a great variety of road cycling, touring and mountain biking. There are cycling routes, paths and trails for all levels of rider, from family leisure cycling to downhill mountain biking, dirt jumping to road racing.

Road Cycling

Road cycling and touring is excellent on the Island with over 200 miles of routes to suit everyone. There are quiet country lanes that meander through areas of outstanding natural beauty, and some excellent coastal paths. One of the newest purpose built paths is Route 23, part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, which runs from West Cowes through to Sandown on the South-Easterley edge of the Island. September sees the Isle of Wight Cycling festival take over the Island with events to suit cyclists of all abilities. To find out more visit our events section.

Mountain Biking

The West of the Island is particularly good for mountain biking, with its undulating countryside and steep downhill sections which will keep even the most hardened bikers entertained. In May the Island plays host to the Isle of Wight Randonnee, and in September you can participate in the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival which attracts fans from all over the country. See our events section to find out more.

Cycle Hire

Hiring bikes on the Isle of Wight is easy. You can organise cycle hire from a choice of local companies who have a wealth of experience. Most have modern mountain, hybrid or road bikes available to hire and will include locks, pumps, puncture repairs kits and maps. Some hire companies also offer child seats, tag-a-longs, trailers and more. Here are a selection of the cycle hire companies on the Isle of Wight;

Yellow Bike Hire, Cowes - 01983 210290
Top Gear Cycle Hire, Cowes 01983 400055
Wight Cycle Hire/Wight Off Road, Island Wide 01983 761800
The Wight Cycle, Island Wide 01983 857711

Cycling Events

Throughout the year, there are a whole host of Cycling Events on the Isle of Wight. In September, there is an annual celebration of pedalling, with the Red Funnel sponsored Isle of Wight Cycling Festival. The Festival has a whole host of rides from epic mountain endurance event 'The Hills Killer' to 'Round the Island' a road ride that follows the Island's stunning coastline. The Isle of Wight Randonee in May is organised by the Wayfarers CTC club and offers a choice of 100km or 55km rides anti-clockwise round the Island and is extremely popular, so booking your space early is essential.

Isle of Wight Randonnee (May)
Isle of Wight Cycling Festival (September)

Cycle Shops

Need some spares? Need some repairs? or just fancy checking out some new components for your bike or clothing for yourself? Check out the excellent selection of bike shops on the Isle of Wight. Stocking all the major brands in Mountain Biking from Specialized, Commencal, Marin, Hope, Rock Shox, Giant and Fox Racing Shox and all the major brands in Road Cycling from Scott, Trek, Charge and Pashley. The shops are locally owned and run by riders for riders, regardless of your budget and skill level, they'll be happy to help.

Wight Mountain, Newport 01983 520530
TAV Cycles, Ryde 01983 812989
The Bike Shed, Merstone 01983 213074
Re-Cycle-D, Sandown 01983 409744
Battersby Cycles, Newport 01983 562039
Axcess Electric Bikes, Lake 01983 409744

Cycling Holidays

There are numerous establishments on the Isle of Wight that welcome cyclists and mountain bikers, so that offer secure bike storage and cleaning facilities. Red Funnel Holidays offer a selection of accommodation, perfect for a cycling break, check out our Isle of Wight cycling friendly accommodation.

Guided Rides

Wight Cycle Hire offer Guided Rides to all group sizes and abilities. Perfect for small groups who want to make the most of their ride time and perhaps enjoy some on ride skills training to the larger organised groups requiring a structured, planned and risk assessed cycling adventure. All are guides are OTC qualified, CRB checked and hold current first aid certificates.

Wight Cycle Hire/Wight Off Road 01983 761800

Cycling News

Get the latest cycling or mountain biking news. New product development, kit reviews, rider reviews, team news and riding advise. Here are a selection of national sites which are frequently updated.

Cycling Clubs & Teams

There are several friendly cycling and mountain bike clubs on the Isle of Wight if your are looking for a club to ride with or for the latest events. The Isle of Wight is also home to Team Wight Mountain/Red Funnel who compete in almost all cycling disciplines including cyclo-cross, downhill mountain biking, enduro, XC, navigational and 24hr races.