Rural Ways Rural Ways

Shanklin Circular

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Route Overview A varied and interesting route taking in the charm of the Undercliff and the Ventnor Downs.


Distance - Full 12 miles / 19.2 km
Typical Time - Full 2 hours
Start Point Shanklin Railway Station
End Point as above - circular route
Start point grid reference SZ580818 End point grid reference as above


Type of Route: Circular
Route Features Plant Interest View
Accessibility / Facilities Begins near bus route
Begins near parking
Begins near pub
Begins near toilets
Begins near train station
Ends near bus route
Ends near parking
Ends near pub
Ends near toilets
Ends near train station
Pub enroute
Terrain Public Byways
Roads


Route Description From the station, head towards the Old Village and then Ventnor. Follow the road around the sweep of the downs and turn down towards Bonchurch to continue your descent into Ventnor. From here you can continue past the Botanic Gardens to St Lawrence and then start climbing again via St Lawrence Shute to Upper Ventnor and then Wroxall. From here you can follow the old railway line back to Shanklin, which is traffic free.
Terrain Details The route is all on road apart from the last stretch between Wroxall and Shanklin, which is flat but may be rough in parts. There are a couple of big hills on this route so brace yourself but it is worth it for the interest and the variety of the ride.
Access Info / Public Transport The route starts at Sandown Railway Station - up to 4 bikes can be carried on Islandline trains - call 08457 484950 for info
Services / Amenities There are very many opportunities for refreshment along the route. Ventnor Beach is worth a detour as is Ventnor Botanic Gardens - you only pay to park, so it is free for bikes!


Type of Bike Required any type - not rough terrain
Nearby Cycle Hire/Repair Shops see guidebook
Cycle-Friendly Pubs/Refreshments Enroute see above
Buy OS Explorer map Buy OS Landranger map
Browse guidebooks for this area


TSE Accommodation Search


More info A Guide to Cycling Trails on the Isle of Wight