The Round the Island cycle route is a signposted circuit of the Isle of Wight's coastline, using quiet roads and country lanes rather than busy A-roads wherever possible.
Route Length and Difficulty
The route runs to roughly 60-65 miles depending on the exact path taken and sources consulted, and is signposted in both directions — blue signs with a white island shape mark the anti-clockwise direction, white signs with a blue island shape mark clockwise. It's a genuinely hilly ride; riders should prepare for a demanding day if attempting it in one go.
Where to Start
You can join the route at any point, but the most convenient starting points for ferry arrivals are Yarmouth and Cowes, both directly on the route. If you're arriving via Ryde, you'll need to ride out to Wootton or Nettlestone first to join the circuit, depending on which direction you plan to travel.
Route Character
The route generally prioritises quiet roads over strictly following the coast, meaning it diverts inland through some of the built-up areas like Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin rather than hugging the seafront — a deliberate choice to keep cyclists off busier roads, even if it means missing some coastal views in those stretches.
Splitting It Across Multiple Days
If riding the full circuit in one day isn't realistic for your group, the Island Line train and Southern Vectis buses (which generally carry bikes, though it's worth checking current bike policies before travelling) make it straightforward to split the route across two or three days instead.
Best For
Confident, reasonably fit cyclists looking for a genuine multi-hour or multi-day challenge, rather than a casual short ride — see our Coastal Path guide if you'd prefer to explore the coastline on foot instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Round the Island cycle route?
Roughly 60-65 miles, depending on the exact path taken, circling the whole island on quiet roads and lanes.
Where should you start the Round the Island route?
Yarmouth or Cowes are the most convenient starting points for ferry arrivals, since both sit directly on the route. Ryde arrivals need to ride to Wootton or Nettlestone first.
Is the Round the Island route hilly?
Yes, it's a genuinely hilly ride — riders should prepare for a demanding day if attempting the full circuit in one go.
Related: Isle of Wight Coastal Path guide · Getting around without a car · Best ferry to Ryde
