Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight

<p>Hi Emma, sorry about that! This has been corrected now &#8211; hope you enjoy the route!</p>


<p>Hi, the first route along the test way to Stockbridge and back has a link to a different route. Please could you share the correct route?</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Bike-in-grass-visit-Isle-of-Wight.jpg" alt="Bike in grass Isle of wight cycle routes Muddy Stilettos" class="wp-image-34138" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Bike-in-grass-visit-Isle-of-Wight.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Bike-in-grass-visit-Isle-of-Wight-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Bike-in-grass-visit-Isle-of-Wight-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Bike-in-grass-visit-Isle-of-Wight-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visitisleofwight.co.uk</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s nothing like free-wheeling past fields, beaches and woodlands in summer. Tyres pumped? We’ve put together a rundown of some of the best bike rides around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. (Lycra optional).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-test-way-stonymarsh-to-stockbridge"><a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/cycling/testway">Test Way</a>, Stonymarsh to Stockbridge</h2>



<p>Family-friendly cycling trails are a great way to get the kids off their phones and out into the sunshine. This route joins the Test Way, and is a safe, flat ride that’s just five miles each way, following the trout-filled River Test. Stockbridge has plenty of proper country pubs for lunch afterwards including <a aria-label="The Peat Spade Inn (opens in a new tab)" href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/hotels-inns/muddy-review-peat-spade-inn-stockbridge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Peat Spade Inn</a> &#8211; or <a href="https://www.thegrosvenorstockbridge.com/theterrace" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Terrace at the Grosvenor Hotel</a> if you’ve managed to ditch the kids for an afternoon. <a aria-label="Follow the route here (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/cycling/testway" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Follow the route here</a>. 10 miles / 16km.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northern-forest-circular-new-forest"><a href="https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/things-to-do/cycling/cycling-routes/northern-forest-circular/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Forest Circular</a>, New Forest</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/New-Forest-Jack-Pease-Photography.jpg" alt="The New Forest" class="wp-image-19789" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/New-Forest-Jack-Pease-Photography.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/New-Forest-Jack-Pease-Photography-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/New-Forest-Jack-Pease-Photography-720x479.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/New-Forest-Jack-Pease-Photography-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/New-Forest-Jack-Pease-Photography-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cathedraljack/30651632356/in/photolist-NGzCpW-8SAjLv-saiCeg-M4NfpC-sai7yV-7ckudY-S5LfuF-srLfS4-8SAoTX-2hDTPVr-Xgnomw-dpLB31-ruXw3a-tRhH8-srJTCi-aKatLn-spsxAJ-8SDnbY-ACLyms-2apBjAJ-egBw38-5aSbBm-9xPEbf-79MyKs-2Ut1Ca-3dv31e-4FCQMD-8HUtrT-2iqjVCj-8HXz7U-6Wu4zm-PKikrx-Nj2cS-8SDpcL-2hNZ33S-8SAmoT-9RBP2c-8SDpC9-PwJit-8SDpmd-G2XDzS-79MyQU-25gpzSk-9Gpnt-9Gpnj-4CQF3U-8SAjsx-8SAnCT-8SDovf-8SAkLX" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Jack Pease Photography (opens in a new tab)">Jack Pease Photography</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>For a slightly more challenging, hilly route through New Forest woodland, try the Northern Forest Circular. Park at the free Appleslade Bottom car park and follow the route through wooded groves, farmland and along a very straight road that was used as a plane runway in World War Two. Trust me, it is so long &#8211; you can tell! By the time you reach Hyde, you’ll need a cuppa. Stop in at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Potting-Shed-Hyde-113436626711831/">The Potting Shed</a>, a cute café with a country kitchen vibe, before rolling to the end. <a href="https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/things-to-do/cycling/cycling-routes/northern-forest-circular/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Follow the route here</a>. 17.8 miles / 28.6 km</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-meon-valley-railway-line-west-meon-to-knowle-junction"><a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/finder/meonvalleytrail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Meon Valley Railway Line</a> &#8211; West Meon to Knowle Junction</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Alan-Markham-West-Weon.jpg" alt="West Meon" class="wp-image-19790" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Alan-Markham-West-Weon.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Alan-Markham-West-Weon-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Alan-Markham-West-Weon-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Alan-Markham-West-Weon-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Alan-Markham-West-Weon-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tallaltiger1050/25358950217/in/photolist-ECTfpB-xgZdJ4-SZLaKB-2jpaPr6-2jmjLCv-UGuH9M-uXQRK4-ykiyX4-xaZNhy-EJZTPc-y8GZRT-KdENPa-JUBzvc-2hJHv8r-GkH5LY-2jACuWE-L3LkvJ-whgNo3-W7jFfv-2hJHvi1-wfbk4J-2jACfir-2jChf2t-STrAYU-VFRFZ9-25MiiWb-EK7Aev-S8Xer1-24dn6so-HL4F6C-28LzaLs-2jABnQT-wu4A6q-FWSCwn-2hRqySX-HZ1K7a-Ypg9Kx-xRnHXQ-2hJtxQ6-Vae38q-24t6rD6-Z2Kbnf-2h3sfCt-Vae3zh-2iQCgAh-5C3gp7-8KxBzf-UUnBpw-Fyuj5Z-dAo1tW" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Alan Markham (opens in a new tab)">Alan Markham</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Disused railways always make good cycle routes, right? Here’s another one that used to stretch from Fareham to Alton. You can cycle it from West Meon to Knowle Junction, a totally flat trail, meandering through quaint villages along the River Meon. Park at the West Meon end and start or end with a drink at <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotels-inns/thomas-lord/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Thomas Lord</a>. En route, stop for lunch at <a href="https://www.theshoeexton.co.uk/">The Shoe, Exton</a> for top pub grub &#8211; or <a href="https://www.theshoeexton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greens</a> in Wickham (roughly the halfway point). Watch out: it can get boggy after heavy rainfall, especially around the Meonstoke section. <a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/finder/meonvalleytrail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Follow the route here.</a> 21.2 miles / 34.1km.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hayling-billy-trail-havant-to-hayling-island"><a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/rh/cycling/hayling-billy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hayling Billy Trail</a> &#8211; Havant to Hayling Island</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Ship-Inn-Langstone.jpg" alt="The Ship Inn Langstone" class="wp-image-19788" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Ship-Inn-Langstone.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Ship-Inn-Langstone-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Ship-Inn-Langstone-720x481.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Ship-Inn-Langstone-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Ship-Inn-Langstone-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Almost entirely off-road, the Hayling Billy Trail traces an old Victorian railway line that once linked the island to the mainland. Start at Havant station. Follow the traffic-free path through the woodland along Havant Park, across Hayling bridge. The route skirts the coastline, past the oyster beds, with views across to Portsmouth. It’s totally flat, well sign-posted and great to cycle with kids. Head down to the seafront and grab a coffee at the <a href="https://www.innonthebeach.co.uk/">Inn on the Beach</a> (for great views) or stop at <a href="https://www.shiplangstone.co.uk/">The Ship Inn, Langstone</a> for fish and chips afterwards. And a glass of wine. You deserve it. <a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/rh/cycling/hayling-billy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Follow the route here</a>. 9.8 miles / 15.7km.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watership-down-kingsclere"><a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/cycling/watershipdown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watership Down</a>, Kingsclere</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Watership-Down-Gerry-Lynch.jpg" alt="Watership Down" class="wp-image-19792" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Watership-Down-Gerry-Lynch.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Watership-Down-Gerry-Lynch-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Watership-Down-Gerry-Lynch-720x405.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Watership-Down-Gerry-Lynch-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Watership-Down-Gerry-Lynch-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gi0rtn/43736978011/in/photolist-29CTrMM-Ja7QfB-xHFZDb-eAAe8G-2jJxZFa-GfFET-24sBDhK-QLCcob-SLT3r1-mEFEn-AGE7h5-6kLPZn-EmqpSb-6kR6Vs-6kM2Kv-6kLTVg-6kQVBf-6kLJDM-23heMBF-6kQNuy-2h4zoxG-5FVoiB-bWTEA-bWTvV-QsMYQp-7YaB28-bWTjF-bWU95-js143Q-bWSYh-bWU1H-bWSPg-4KcXaA-bWU4A-bWTAB-bWTpY-m71NgW-pvG988-bWSUp-2bSK71n-4K8Gup-bWTbS-bWT3y-bWTM6-bWTS7-4K8Gq6-bWSLS-TwYT8H-ETcDAe-goSwCV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Gerry Lynch (opens in a new tab)">Gerry Lynch</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Watch out for rabbits: this route scoots along Watership Down, home to the classic Richard Adams’ novel. It’s a moderately challenging ride, starting in the pretty market town of Kingsclere, with a steep off-road climb up to the ridgeline. You won’t quite pass the famous Bombay Sapphire distillery in Laverstoke on this route (boo) but you could drop by for a G&amp;T afterwards (err… hell yeah!).&nbsp; <a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/cycling/watershipdown">Follow the route here.</a> 17 miles / 27.4 km.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beaulieu-to-bucklers-hard-new-forest"><a href="https://members.gonewforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/NFNP-Beaulieu-Cycle.pdf">Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard</a>, New Forest</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="573" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Bucklers-Hard.jpeg" alt="Bucklers Hard" class="wp-image-19794" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Bucklers-Hard.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Bucklers-Hard-300x172.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Bucklers-Hard-720x413.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Bucklers-Hard-768x440.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/Bucklers-Hard-900x516.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Very little people usually can’t pedal very far &#8211; but like to pretend they can. This cycle or walking route from <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/great-hampshire-walks-beaulieu-to-bucklers-hard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beaulieu to the picture-perfect riverside village of Bucklers Hard</a> is one of the most popular family-friendly routes in the New Forest. Just two miles each way, it’s largely flat and accessible for everyone, with food and drinks at the child and dog-friendly <a href="https://montaguarmshotel.co.uk/dining/montys-inn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monty&#8217;s Inn</a>, a reviving cold drink at the <a href="https://www.themasterbuilders.co.uk/foodanddrink" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Master Builder&#8217;s</a> at Buckler&#8217;s Hard and plenty of places to get New Forest ice creams in the village. If you want to make a full day or weekend of it, you can take in the brilliant National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, too. <a href="https://members.gonewforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/NFNP-Beaulieu-Cycle.pdf">Follow the route here.</a> 4 miles / 6.4km.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-squirrel-trail-isle-of-wight"><a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/cycling/more-routes-to-try/red-squirrel-trail">Red Squirrel Trail</a>, Isle of Wight</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Garlic-Farm-Isle-of-Wight.jpg" alt="The Garlic Farm" class="wp-image-19793" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Garlic-Farm-Isle-of-Wight.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Garlic-Farm-Isle-of-Wight-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Garlic-Farm-Isle-of-Wight-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Garlic-Farm-Isle-of-Wight-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/The-Garlic-Farm-Isle-of-Wight-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you don’t feel quite up to the epic 67-mile Round the Island bike ride, try the Red Squirrel Trail instead. Starting and finishing in Cowes this ride has a bit of everything &#8211; from pedalling through trees to hugging the coast along the seawall path from Sandown to Shanklin. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels &#8211; they&#8217;re here somewhere! Turn off the trail at Landbridge, Newchurch for a quick browse and drink in <a href="https://www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Garlic Farm </a>or an ice cream at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Pedallers-637769089687988/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pedallers Café</a>. <a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/cycling/more-routes-to-try/red-squirrel-trail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Follow the route here</a>. 32.16 miles / 51.7km.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yarmouth-freshwater-isle-of-wight"><a href="https://redsquirreltrail.org.uk/other-routes/yarmouth-freshwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yarmouth &#8211; Freshwater</a>, Isle of Wight</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Bike-lady-Freshwater-Bay.jpg" alt="Woman relaxing in Freshwater Bay Isle of Wight Bike rides cycle routes" class="wp-image-34143" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Bike-lady-Freshwater-Bay.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Bike-lady-Freshwater-Bay-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Bike-lady-Freshwater-Bay-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Bike-lady-Freshwater-Bay-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visitisleofwight.co.uk</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Starting at Yarmouth&#8217;s former train station turned quirky cafe, <a href="https://www.offtherailsyarmouth.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Off the Rails</a>, (where handily, you can eat, drink and <a href="https://www.wightcyclehire.co.uk/explore-west-wight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hire bikes</a> if you book ahead), this relatively short ride&nbsp;follows the disused railway line from Yarmouth to Freshwater with a short section on-road to reach Freshwater Bay. Stop and admire stunning views of the Yar Estuary and be rewarded at the end of the ride with the beautiful cliffs and clear water at Freshwater Bay. Worth the detour, <a href="https://www.redlion-freshwater.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Red Lion</a> is a picture-perfect country pub with Michelin and AA-rated menu. <a href="https://redsquirreltrail.org.uk/other-routes/yarmouth-freshwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Follow the route here</a>. 3.53mi / 5.7km </p>



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8 brilliant bike rides with pit-stops around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

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