Walking & Cycling in the Ryde Area

The Ryde 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. See the Sands.

1 m / 1,5 km (Walking / Cycling) EASY PEASY

A great family route, all on shared paths, with flat, hard surfaces. Little legs can stop at any point.

LOOK OUT FOR: CANOE LAKE, RYDE SANDS, RPOCK-POOLING UNDER RYDE PIER.

2. Forts ‘n’ Coast.

2 m / 3.2 km (Walking / Cycling) EASY

A good flat route on shared paths, roads with light traffic in Seaview.

LOOK OUT FOR: RYDE SANDS, PUCKPOOL BATTERY AND PARK, VIEWS OF THE SOLENT FORTS, HERSEY NATURE RESERVE.

3. Woodland Wander.

2.2 m / 3.5 km (Walking) EASY Cycling MEDIUM

The route is along roads with light traffic, with some off-road sections through wooded areas.

LOOK OUT FOR: BINSTEAD CHURCH, BINSTEAD STREAM, BINSTEAD WOOD, DAME ANTHONY’S COMMON.

4. From Pier to Abbey.

2.7 m / 4.5 km (Walking / Cycling) MEDIUM

This route is along roads with light traffic, with some sharp hills and an off-road section to Quarr Abbey. There is the option to cycle onwards to Fishbourne, where there is not only a ferry terminal but a great place to have a picnic and watch the boats..

LOOK OUT FOR: BINSTEAD CHURCH, BINSTEAD STREAM,QUARR ABBEY RUINS, QUARR ABBEY.

5. Harbourside to Countryside.

2.3 m /3.7 km (Walking / Cycling) MEDIUM

This route is along roads with light traffic, with some urban sections. There is a sort section of off-road near Pig Leg Lane Nature Reserve and some climbs up to Haylands Wood Nature Reserve.

LOOK OUT FOR: ISLAND LINE TRAINS, MONKTONMEAD BROOK AND THREE NATURE RESERVES – PIGLEG LANE, ROSEMARY FIELDS AND HAYLANDS WOOD.

6. Out in the Country.

4.2 m / 6.7 km (Walking & Cycling) TRICKY

A challenging route with hills and some out-of-the-way countryside. Rough surfaces and generally rugged terrain to be tackled. One small section (85m) at Nettlestone is footpath only so you need to dismount, its fine for pushing a bike along – alternatively you can career down Nettlestone Hill – but be careful!.

LOOKOUT FOR : SEA FORTS, HERSEY NATURE RESERVE (FIVE-MINUTE DETOUR AT START OR FINISH), BRILLIANT VIEWS.

Out in the Country can be made into circular route by encompassing some of Forts and Coast trail but be aware of a short footpath where cyclists must dismount (see map).

And for a grand day out…

Mainland visitors can take Route 4 from Fishbourne to Ryde, or take a passenger ferry to Ryde Town. All tours are then accessible from Ryde.

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.