Recommended Isle of Wight Cycleways for Running

The Isle of Wight features some 200 miles of cycleways. Since the roads in the island aren’t great for running, the cycleways offer a great option for runners. Her are a few recommended sections:

Red Squirrel Trail. A 32 mile cycletrack between Cowes and Sandown. Trail Description with sections, which are also printable. Some nice sections:

• Between Cowes and Newport for 3 miles along the River Medina, through scenic farmland. Additional 2-3 miles of cyclepath on east side of the Medina on Connie’s Way, toward Blackwater. ROUTE MAP
• Newport to Sandown. 8.5 miles, one-way. Great option for a longer, relatively flat and easy off-road run. The path heads south from Newport on the east side of the Medina River toward Blackwater, then follows the River Yar east, passing through lovely farmland, nature preserves in Alverstone, then ending at Fairway Holiday Park in Sandown. ROUTE MAP
• Between Sandown and Shanklin for 2 miles of waterfront esplanade between along beautiful sandy beaches (see also our route there)
• Between Wroxall and Merstone. 3.5 miles on lovely bridleway paths through fields. Printable map

Newport is also the site of a weekly parkrun at Seaclose Park.

Round the Island Cycle Route. This 67-mile loop around the island is a great resource for runners too. The scenery includes white cliffs, endless beaches, expansive sea views, classic English countryside and pretty villages, all via a network of small, well-surfaced roads with little traffic. Very well signposted with blue and white signs. Some favorite sections:

• Yarmouth to Freshwater. Starts at the attractive marina in Yarmouth and follows a dedicated cycleway along the River Yar estuary for 3 miles along a former railbed to Freshwater. ROUTE MAP
• St. Helens to Bembridge. Nice 2.5 mile coastal section.
• Around Yarbridge & Wroxall: quiet country lanes, hedges, and wildflowers on sections off the B3395