Walking & Cycling in the West Wight

The West Wight 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. Totland Trundle.

2.5 m / 4.1 km (Walking / Cycling) EASY PEASY

A great circular and flattish family route, taking in the villages of Totland and Freshwater as well as two nature reserves. Little legs can join at any point. Bikes must be pushed on the section through One Horse Field but this gives a wonderful opportunity to go and explore.

LOOK OUT FOR: NUTSHELLS AND WISHING SEAT, VIEWS OF HURST CASTLE, SPRING FLOWERS IN TURVILLS FIELD.

2. Railway Ramble.

3.4 m / 5.5 km (Walking / Cycling) EASY PEASY

An easy family cycle ride, linking Yarmouth Ferry with the ancient town of Yarmouth, the village of Freshwater and Freshwater Bay. The route conveniently passes family (and dog) friendly pubs and cafes. Much of the route follows the old railway line so the route is very flat, mostly off-road and not too rough going.

LOOK OUT FOR: YARMOUTH CASTLE, YARMOUTH STATION, BIRD LIFE ON YARMOUTH ESTUARY, SWANS AT FRESHWATER CAUSEWAY, AFTON MARSH LOCAL NATURE RESERVE, FRESHWATER ROCKS.

3. A Spin on Golden Hill.

2.7 m / 4.4 km (Walking / Cycling) EASY

A circular route along light traffic roads, with some gravel, off-road tracks through Golden Hill Country Park.

LOOK OUT FOR: THE MAZE, STUNNING VIEWS OF THE TOWN OF YARMOUTH, WESTERN SOLENT, AFTON DOWN AND THE WESTERN YAR.

4. Four Forts.

6 m / 9.7 km (Walking / Cycling) MEDIUM

A circular route that can be joined at any point. Making use of the old railway line and some of the old military roads, this is a great trail for history buffs and takes in some marvellous viewpoints. Easy to join from Yarmouth Ferry.

LOOK OUT FOR: YARMOUTH CASTLE (5 MINUTE DETOUR), THE SWANS AT FRESHWATER CAUSEWAY, FRESHWATER CHURCH, GOLDEN HILL FORT AND COUNTRY PARK, CYCLE THE OLD MILITARY ROAD THAT CONNECTED FORT ALBERT WITH FORT VICTORIA (OFF-ROAD) AND VISIT FORT VICTORIA AND ITS COUNTRY PARK.

5. Tennyson’s Taster.

7.5 m / 12.4 km (Walking & Cycling) TRICKY

A challenging circular route with some busier roads, a few stiff climbs and a section of rough/uneven chalk off-road track. Can be joined at any point and cycled in clock-wise direction. It has a ½ mile section of sea wall (permissive shared path) offering fine views of the Solent and Hurst Castle on the mainland.

LOOKOUT FOR : FRESHWATER BAY ROCKS, DIMBOLA LODGE, TENNYSON MONUMENT (SHORT DETOUR ON FOOT), VIEWS OF THE NEEDLES, WESTERN SOLENT AND HURST CASTLE, GOLDEN HILL FORT AND COUNTRY PARK, AFTON MARSH LOCAL NATURE RESERVE.

And for a grand day out …

For a grand day out, mainland visitors can take the Railway Ramble from and to Yarmouth Ferry and join the Tennyson Taster as it enters Afton Marsh (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.