Walking & Cycling in the Bay Area

The Bay area is perfect for both walkers and cyclists to enjoy. This handy guide will help you make the most of your explorations. The terrain is varied; not all routes are on bridleways or cycle tracks so they can become muddy in wet weather.

1. Route 23 Pootle.

2 m / 3.1 km (Walking / Cycling) EASY PEASY

A totally flat one-way route taking a gentle spin along Route 23, part of the National Cycling network between Langbridge and Sandown Community Orchard (can travel either direction and option to return on same route). Essentially traffic free with one minor road crossing. Before starting / finishing in dry weather take a stroll into Sandown Community Orchard where you can pond dip and enjoy free fruit.

LOOK OUT FOR: GIANT WOODEN FRUIT, A BEE WALL, ALVERSTONE MILL, RIVERSIDE MEADOWS.

2. Cruising the Coast.

3.1 m / 5 km (Walking / Cycling) EASY

A linear route between Shanklin and Yaverland (travel in either direction). Follow the coast and catch the sea breezes on this flat route making use of a section of shared path from Shanklin to Sandown and quiet roads that take you into the heart of ‘bucket and spade’ territory if you fancy a paddle and ice cream.

LOOK OUT FOR: THRILL SEEKERS IN YAVERALND SURF, DINOSAUR ISLE, SANDOWN PIER, BEACH HUTS, SHANKLIN CHINE, THE WHITE CHALK OF CULVER DOWN.

3. Parks ‘n’ Gardens.

4.2 m / 6.7 km (Walking / Cycling) EASY

This linear route goes between Big Mead in Shanklin and Sandown Community Orchard (you can go in either direction!). It takes in a number of parks and the charming Old Village area of Shanklin. It runs alongside the Island Line railway in places, a chance to wave at the train as it passes! Some on-road cycling.

LOOK OUT FOR: THATCHED COTTAGES, SIBDEN HILL AND BATTS COPSE LOCAL NATURE RESERVE, COPSE MEAD NATURE RESERVE, LOS ALTOS PARK, THE PONDS, FRUIT TREES AND GIANT FRUIT AT SANDOWN COMMUNITY ORCHARD.

4. Discovering America.

2.6 m / 4.1 km (Walking / Cycling) MEDIUM

A shortish circular route including tracks through the woods which are rough in places as they are composed of mostly natural trails. America Wood is a magical place, classed as an SSSI, it is home to unspoilt woodland. Suggested joining point is Victoria Avenue, Shanklin.

LOOK OUT FOR: BLUEBELLS INSPRING, RED SQUIRRELS.

5. Roaming with the Romans.

2.2 m / 3.5 km (Walking & Cycling) MEDIUM

This linear route between Sandown Community Orchard and Nunwell Down takes you to Brading Down and passes through an area once part of the Brading Roman Villa estate, which was once farmed by the Romans. Mostly undulating on quiet country roads with a few stiff climbs.

LOOKOUT FOR : CHALKLAND FLOWERS AND BUTTERFLIES OR BRADING AND NUNWELL DOWNS, EXTENSIVE VOEWS OF THE COAST AND THE SOUTH OF THE ISLAND IN THE DISTANCE – SPOT THE TRAIN, BEMBRIDGE HARBOUR AND BRADING ROMAN VILLA.

6. The Loopy Challenge.

11.8 m / 19 km (Walking & Cycling) TRICKY

A challenging circular route composed of a series of loop options which takes the explorer deep into the surrounding countryside of the Bay Area. A lot of mixed terrain, expect some rough tracks, roads and everything in between. There is a particularly busy section near Lake with two roundabouts, apart from that there are many miles of quiet trails including some through the foothills of the rolling chalk downlands. Suggested start points Sandown Community Orchard, Alverstone Bridge, or Victoria Avenue, Shanklin.

LOOK OUT FOR: GIANT WOODEN FRUIT AND PONDS AT SANDOWN COMMUNITY ORCHARD, A BEE WALL, ALVERSTONE MILL, RIVERSIDE MEADOWS, SANDOWN AIRPORT, AMERICA WOODS.

And for a grand day out …

For a grand day out, mainland visitors can take Island Line from Ryde and join The Loopy Challenge from Lake or Shanklin Stations (see map).

Here are some handy tips for where cyclist and walkers share routes.

When cycling:

• Use the path in a way that is considerate to the comfort and safety of others.

• Travel at a speed appropriate to the conditions and ensure you can stop in time.

• Be courteous and patient with other path users who are moving more slowly than you.

• Ring a bell well in advance if approaching people from behind – however, don’t assume people can see or hear you – remember that many people are hard of hearing or visually impaired.

• Slow down as needed when space is limited or if you cannot see clearly ahead.

• Be particularly careful at junctions, bends and any other ‘blind spots’ where people could appear in front of you without warning

When walking:

• Keep your dog under control which may require a short lead and please clear up after them. Our rangers have to strim those verges!

If you hear a cyclist approach please step to the side of the path to allow them to pass.

And always:

– Take care around horse riders leaving them plenty of room.