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Red Squirrel Trail - Isle of Wight's Best Cycle Track For Families
The Red Squirrel Trail gave me a sore bottom
The Red Squirrel Trail is a 32 mile cycle track that covers a big chunk of the Isle of Wight. It has some good scenery, it is well signposted and it is mostly traffic free.
However, we thought it was worth sharing our experiences of doing the route - as some sections are much easier and safer with young children than others.
The track is a very worthy attempt to join up several cycle tracks, but there are some parts where you end up cycling on roads or hurtling down bumpy tracks whilst hoping your brakes are working. There are maps on the official site but I couldn't quite figure out which sections are traffic free and which are roads - so we'll cover that in this guide.
Moderately keen cyclists can do the whole Red Squirrel Trail without too much bother. A friend and I (Ian) did it over two half-days using electric bikes. We are not particularly regular cyclists and make groaning noises when we stand up. I'm sure you could easily do it in a day with normal mountain bikes if you are the sort of person who drinks protein shakes and wears lycra. You'd probably be back for lunch and then win an arm-wrestling competition in the afternoon.
But what's it like for normal human beings? Is the Red Squirrel Trail suitable for those of us with wobbly bodies and wobbly children who haven't quite mastered cycling in a straight line?
We will answer some questions and give some recommendations before our ridiculously detailed guide to the route.
However, we thought it was worth sharing our experiences of doing the route - as some sections are much easier and safer with young children than others.
The track is a very worthy attempt to join up several cycle tracks, but there are some parts where you end up cycling on roads or hurtling down bumpy tracks whilst hoping your brakes are working. There are maps on the official site but I couldn't quite figure out which sections are traffic free and which are roads - so we'll cover that in this guide.
Moderately keen cyclists can do the whole Red Squirrel Trail without too much bother. A friend and I (Ian) did it over two half-days using electric bikes. We are not particularly regular cyclists and make groaning noises when we stand up. I'm sure you could easily do it in a day with normal mountain bikes if you are the sort of person who drinks protein shakes and wears lycra. You'd probably be back for lunch and then win an arm-wrestling competition in the afternoon.
But what's it like for normal human beings? Is the Red Squirrel Trail suitable for those of us with wobbly bodies and wobbly children who haven't quite mastered cycling in a straight line?
We will answer some questions and give some recommendations before our ridiculously detailed guide to the route.
Where is the Red Squirrel Trail?
The Red Squirrel Trial is a funny shaped cycle track that looks a bit like a damaged fishing net.
It starts with a 10 mile straight section from Cowes in the north of the Isle of Wight (the handle of the net) and heads south. This straight bit joins up with a South East Wight loop of about 12 miles that goes through the seaside towns of Sandown and Shanklin (the head of the fishing net).
The official blurb says the trail is 32 miles as they assume you will do the straight bit twice so you end up back at the start.
Of course, you don't have to start in Cowes. There is easy parking at several places along the route, including some free parking in Cowes, Merstone and Shide (near Newport).
Day trippers should look at their ferry options in our general cycling guide.
It starts with a 10 mile straight section from Cowes in the north of the Isle of Wight (the handle of the net) and heads south. This straight bit joins up with a South East Wight loop of about 12 miles that goes through the seaside towns of Sandown and Shanklin (the head of the fishing net).
The official blurb says the trail is 32 miles as they assume you will do the straight bit twice so you end up back at the start.
Of course, you don't have to start in Cowes. There is easy parking at several places along the route, including some free parking in Cowes, Merstone and Shide (near Newport).
Day trippers should look at their ferry options in our general cycling guide.
We completed the Red Squirrel Trail over a couple of days...but bigger boys do it much quicker
Is the Red Squirrel Trail Suitable for FamilieS?
That really depends on a) your children's experience on a bike and b) which section you do.
As I said earlier, parts of the Red Squirrel Trail are great for kids that are learning to cycle, with tarmac like an iced cake, zero traffic and essential café stops. However, some parts of it involve crossing roads, rattling down steep hills and cycling along sea walls with anxiety-inducing drops.
As I said earlier, parts of the Red Squirrel Trail are great for kids that are learning to cycle, with tarmac like an iced cake, zero traffic and essential café stops. However, some parts of it involve crossing roads, rattling down steep hills and cycling along sea walls with anxiety-inducing drops.
Most of the Red Squirrel Trail is ideal for beginners, with smooth cycling and nothing to fall off...
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...but this two mile section near Shanklin has a substantial drop onto the beach below
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What's the best traffic free sections of the Red Squirrel Trail for young children
There are two answers here, as it depends whether you have your own bikes or need to hire them.
Best section for young children if you have your own bikes
We've found that bike rides with children need to be centred around somewhere you can buy an ice cream or a drink. We also like it to be completely traffic free and not have sheer drops that will have us fretting.
For this reason, the best section of the Red Squirrel Trail for children (or adults) who are new to cycling is based around Pedallers Café in a place called Langbridge near Newchurch. It is right on the cycle track and it has long traffic free sections in either direction.
From Pedallers Café, you have the choice of varying the cycle so that it's either two, four or six miles. All you really need to do is pick a direction and keep going until you reach a busy road.
There are about four free on street parking spaces near Pedallers Café. When we visited, there was one space available right by the cycle track. If it's not there when you arrive, please accept my apologies that I didn't save it for you. If you can't park there then it will be a question of dropping the bikes off and then searching for a space nearby (this is considered a 'blue job' in our house).
For this reason, the best section of the Red Squirrel Trail for children (or adults) who are new to cycling is based around Pedallers Café in a place called Langbridge near Newchurch. It is right on the cycle track and it has long traffic free sections in either direction.
From Pedallers Café, you have the choice of varying the cycle so that it's either two, four or six miles. All you really need to do is pick a direction and keep going until you reach a busy road.
There are about four free on street parking spaces near Pedallers Café. When we visited, there was one space available right by the cycle track. If it's not there when you arrive, please accept my apologies that I didn't save it for you. If you can't park there then it will be a question of dropping the bikes off and then searching for a space nearby (this is considered a 'blue job' in our house).
There are a few free on-street parking spaces at Pedallers Café
If you choose to head in the direction of Newport and Merstone then you can cycle for one mile before you meet a busy road that goes through Arreton. It's a road with traffic lights so it's perfectly safe if you want to cross over, but it's also a good point to turn around. Don't let children whoosh too far ahead here.
This section - between the A3056 road through Arreton and the Pedallers Café - is particularly smooth and wide so do this bit first. It prompted me to bellow "this is a nice bit" to my fellow cyclist (I don't think he could really hear me, but he shouted back "yeah, great!").
This section - between the A3056 road through Arreton and the Pedallers Café - is particularly smooth and wide so do this bit first. It prompted me to bellow "this is a nice bit" to my fellow cyclist (I don't think he could really hear me, but he shouted back "yeah, great!").
The Red Squirrel Trail near Pedallers Café is mostly smooth and easy
When you return to the café, you can give up and buy the ice creams or do another mile or two in the opposite direction towards Sandown.
If you decide to carry on, cross the road by the café (called The Shute in Newchurch) and then follow the blue sign that says NC9 to Sandown. This route is also nice and smooth (though not quite smooth and wide enough that I bothered to share the news with my fellow cyclist). After 1.3 miles you reach a very quiet road at Alverstone. If you cross over here then you can do another 0.8 miles before the cycle track runs out in a Sandown housing estate.
You'll want to turn round at this point, as getting to the beach involves cycling on the road for a quarter of a mile.
So, you can vary the length depending on enthusiasm quite easily.
If you decide to carry on, cross the road by the café (called The Shute in Newchurch) and then follow the blue sign that says NC9 to Sandown. This route is also nice and smooth (though not quite smooth and wide enough that I bothered to share the news with my fellow cyclist). After 1.3 miles you reach a very quiet road at Alverstone. If you cross over here then you can do another 0.8 miles before the cycle track runs out in a Sandown housing estate.
You'll want to turn round at this point, as getting to the beach involves cycling on the road for a quarter of a mile.
So, you can vary the length depending on enthusiasm quite easily.
The promise of an ice cream at Pedallers Café is key to making this trip a success
best section of the Red Squirrel Trail for a young family that needs to hire bikes
Pedallers Café is lovely, but it doesn't hire bikes and there isn't anywhere very close that does hire bikes.
Your best bet is to head for Route 57 cycle hire in Shanklin. It is based at Parkdean Resorts Lower Hyde Holiday Park.
From here, you are right by the section of the Red Squirrel Trail that goes from Shanklin to Wroxall. The only point of interest in Wroxall is the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, but it's not very near to the cycle track. You'll probably just turn round and come back, which makes a total distance of about five miles.
Shanklin has loads of cafes and attractions - but they are about one mile by road from Lower Hyde Holiday Park so you'll probably want to get back in the car and drive off for an ice cream.
The good thing about the Shanklin to Wroxall section is that it is a former railway line that is mostly wide and there are no vehicles on it.
You can read our blog about it here, which details our encounter with a horse on this route.
There are other bike hire places on the Isle of Wight that are only a short distance from the track. These include Wight Bike Eco Solutions, which is one mile from the Red Squirrel Trail at Merstone. See our main cycling page for more bike hire waffle.
Your best bet is to head for Route 57 cycle hire in Shanklin. It is based at Parkdean Resorts Lower Hyde Holiday Park.
From here, you are right by the section of the Red Squirrel Trail that goes from Shanklin to Wroxall. The only point of interest in Wroxall is the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, but it's not very near to the cycle track. You'll probably just turn round and come back, which makes a total distance of about five miles.
Shanklin has loads of cafes and attractions - but they are about one mile by road from Lower Hyde Holiday Park so you'll probably want to get back in the car and drive off for an ice cream.
The good thing about the Shanklin to Wroxall section is that it is a former railway line that is mostly wide and there are no vehicles on it.
You can read our blog about it here, which details our encounter with a horse on this route.
There are other bike hire places on the Isle of Wight that are only a short distance from the track. These include Wight Bike Eco Solutions, which is one mile from the Red Squirrel Trail at Merstone. See our main cycling page for more bike hire waffle.
The track between Shanklin and Wroxall is flat and easy to follow
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The track fizzles out when you reach this sign in Wroxall
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Another option - controversially - isn't part of the Red Squirrel Trail. We've written a separate blog about my love for the cycle track that links Yarmouth and Freshwater. It has bike hire and a café at the Yarmouth end and a wide cycle track with only a minimal risk of falling into the River Yar.
I personally found the Yarmouth to Freshwater route to be slightly more idyllic and scenic but I would go for whichever is closest to where you are staying.
I personally found the Yarmouth to Freshwater route to be slightly more idyllic and scenic but I would go for whichever is closest to where you are staying.
The Yarmouth to Freshwater cycle track gives you access to a café and bike hire
Best section of the Red Squirrel Trail for families with older children
And what about a quick family bike ride for children who aren't so wobbly?
This is a bit more subjective, but the section that I enjoyed the most was the two mile cycle track along the sea wall between Sandown and Shanklin (or four miles assuming you turn round and come back). When we visited, the sun was shining, it was low tide and I had decided I was going to buy an ice cream in Shanklin, so I was very happy.
We started this section from this point near Sandown Pier and pedalled through to Shanklin. Officially, the Red Squirrel Trail doesn't go along Shanklin esplanade but we carried on when the cycle track turned into a road. We stopped where the road runs out at Shanklin Chine.
The downside with this section of the Red Squirrel Trail is that it is a sea wall with no railings and a notable drop onto the beach below. You also need to weave around pedestrians as it's a shared pathway. The route is wide but I wouldn't have been as relaxed if my children had been with me.
There is pay and display parking at either end of this section of the trail and there are plenty of places to buy drinks or have some lunch. Free parking is more of a challenge.
This is a bit more subjective, but the section that I enjoyed the most was the two mile cycle track along the sea wall between Sandown and Shanklin (or four miles assuming you turn round and come back). When we visited, the sun was shining, it was low tide and I had decided I was going to buy an ice cream in Shanklin, so I was very happy.
We started this section from this point near Sandown Pier and pedalled through to Shanklin. Officially, the Red Squirrel Trail doesn't go along Shanklin esplanade but we carried on when the cycle track turned into a road. We stopped where the road runs out at Shanklin Chine.
The downside with this section of the Red Squirrel Trail is that it is a sea wall with no railings and a notable drop onto the beach below. You also need to weave around pedestrians as it's a shared pathway. The route is wide but I wouldn't have been as relaxed if my children had been with me.
There is pay and display parking at either end of this section of the trail and there are plenty of places to buy drinks or have some lunch. Free parking is more of a challenge.
This cycle track linking Sandown and Shanklin is lovely...
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...and there are numerous places to stop for lunch or a drink
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The Red Squirrel Trail for anyone attempting the whole thing
Next up we will give our experiences of each section of the Red Squirrel Trail. As I said, we did it over two half days but keen beans could get up at daybreak and be back in time for breakfast. This isn't my approach, but you feel free to knock yourself out.
I've split it into sections that match the instructions and maps on the official Red Squirrel Trail website, to keep your head from exploding.
I've split it into sections that match the instructions and maps on the official Red Squirrel Trail website, to keep your head from exploding.
Red Squirrel Trail Section 1 - Cowes to Newport
The starting point for the Red Squirrel Trail depends where you are coming from. I was rather hoping there would be a big inflatable archway with a ribbon cutting to set us off, but I didn't find one. Your starting options are:
- If you have bikes hanging precariously off the back of your car, you should park somewhere around the lower end of Arctic Road (here). There is free parking on the road here.
- Visitors who have come via the foot passenger ferry to (West) Cowes need to wiggle their way towards Arctic Road whilst looking out for blue signs that say 'Newport'. There are blue signs all the way from the ferry but we got lost trying to follow these. This may have been down to my observation skills rather than the lack of signs. The jury is still out on that one.
Anyway, you are aiming to get here. Take care that you follow the signs that say Newport rather than the 'Round the Island' signs, which are a picture of the Isle of Wight with a bike in the middle. Whichever route you take, it is about one mile from the Red Funnel foot passenger ferry and requires you to cycle on quiet roads. The roads around Cowes are also pretty hilly, so this section might put you in a bad mood before you've started.
Cycling through Cowes from the Red Jet requires some hill climbing and road cycling
- If you are arriving via Red Funnel's Southampton to East Cowes car ferry then you will need to get the floating bridge that links the two sides of the river. From here, you want to head for the top end of Arctic Road where you will hopefully be able to spot blue cycling signs that point towards Newport. The floating bridge has become something of a hot topic on the Island as it is rather, er, unpredictable.
If you find yourself stuck and unable to get across then your options are either to a) put your hands over your face and begin crying or b) get to Newport via the east side of the river instead. This requires a bit of wiggling and road cycling but you will eventually join a cycle track at Whippingham. This leads into Newport and converges with the Red Squirrel Trail here. If you find this cycle track is unavailable due to its annual Isle of Wight Festival closure, then your best bet is to conclude that it just isn't your day. Get back on the ferry and vow to never return to the Isle of Wight.
The Red Squirrel's first traffic free section is off Arctic Road in Cowes
Once we reached the first proper traffic-free section of the Red Squirrel Trail then things got a lot easier.
We pedalled happily for about four miles towards Newport. The views of the river are pleasant (although it pongs a bit at low tide) and there are only two very quiet access roads to cross. The tarmac was smooth and bits of it were shaded.
We pedalled happily for about four miles towards Newport. The views of the river are pleasant (although it pongs a bit at low tide) and there are only two very quiet access roads to cross. The tarmac was smooth and bits of it were shaded.
The Cowes to Newport cycle track is smooth and quite wide, like some jazz singers
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We enjoyed glimpses of the River Medina in between the trees
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There aren't any cafes or obvious stopping points along here, but it's flat as it was a railway line until Mr Beeching decided it would be much nicer as a cycle track (or something like that).
When we reached the end of the cycle track we emerged at a car park and an industrial estate (oooh, scenic!).
When we reached the end of the cycle track we emerged at a car park and an industrial estate (oooh, scenic!).
Getting through Newport
To reach the next traffic free section of the Red Squirrel Trail we wiggled through Newport for about one mile. Newport is a moderately attractive county town, but it's quite similar to a lot of mainland towns. Don't expect a car-free paradise.
As we started this section we zipped past the Bargemen's Rest, which you might choose to stop at for a drink if anyone is whinging too loudly. I had a gut-busting rack of ribs there a few years ago with Mrs Guru and ended up making a mess with the sticky barbecue sauce. Luckily it wasn't our first date.
The general idea is to follow the blue signs for route 23, which point towards the town centre and then switch to signs that point towards Sandown.
As we started this section we zipped past the Bargemen's Rest, which you might choose to stop at for a drink if anyone is whinging too loudly. I had a gut-busting rack of ribs there a few years ago with Mrs Guru and ended up making a mess with the sticky barbecue sauce. Luckily it wasn't our first date.
The general idea is to follow the blue signs for route 23, which point towards the town centre and then switch to signs that point towards Sandown.
The route through Newport includes some quiet and fairly attractive riverside bits...
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...and some busy bits through Coppins Bridge
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We continued through a big car park near Isle of Wight Council's pig-ugly HQ.
This area is known as Coppins Bridge, which is the Isle of Wight's equivalent of Spaghetti Junction, with two or three lanes trying to figure out where to go. When you learn to drive on the Isle of Wight you spend hours looking at diagrams of Coppins Bridge so you know what you do when the examiner says "head for Sandown" as you drive down Newport High Street.
Some helpful person at the council had slapped down a lovely green cycle track on the pavement so we didn't get run over. It was the weekend of the Isle of Wight Festival so there were a few people wandering gormlessly in the cycle track but they soon moved when they saw me zipping along.
Crossing the road by the cinema is probably the most hazardous part of the whole track but we achieved it without being flattened. We then went past the big cinema and KFC. I gave Ian a look as we passed KFC, but we resisted The Colonel's temptations and kept going.
After that, we got onto a riverside cycle track in the corner of the Matalan car park that goes to Shide.
At this point we met a local character who was peddling something similar to a green Sinclair C5. We had a lovely chat about how he had bought it from the Netherlands and that it could keep out the rain. He didn't offer me a go so we moved on.
Needless to say, this one mile section through Newport is not the most scenic but we found it to be well signposted. It would be fine with sensible older children but I wouldn't take young and wobbly children this way.
This area is known as Coppins Bridge, which is the Isle of Wight's equivalent of Spaghetti Junction, with two or three lanes trying to figure out where to go. When you learn to drive on the Isle of Wight you spend hours looking at diagrams of Coppins Bridge so you know what you do when the examiner says "head for Sandown" as you drive down Newport High Street.
Some helpful person at the council had slapped down a lovely green cycle track on the pavement so we didn't get run over. It was the weekend of the Isle of Wight Festival so there were a few people wandering gormlessly in the cycle track but they soon moved when they saw me zipping along.
Crossing the road by the cinema is probably the most hazardous part of the whole track but we achieved it without being flattened. We then went past the big cinema and KFC. I gave Ian a look as we passed KFC, but we resisted The Colonel's temptations and kept going.
After that, we got onto a riverside cycle track in the corner of the Matalan car park that goes to Shide.
At this point we met a local character who was peddling something similar to a green Sinclair C5. We had a lovely chat about how he had bought it from the Netherlands and that it could keep out the rain. He didn't offer me a go so we moved on.
Needless to say, this one mile section through Newport is not the most scenic but we found it to be well signposted. It would be fine with sensible older children but I wouldn't take young and wobbly children this way.
Red Squirrel Trail Section 2 - Newport to Merstone
The next section of the Red Squirrel Trail starts from Shide, which is on the outskirts of Newport (click here for the exact location). It's about 3.5 miles to Merstone, with one busy road to cross.
Ian took great pleasure in converting Shide's name into a rude word before I told him to grow up.
Shide's notable achievement is that it has a Roman Villa crammed into a residential street. The theory is that the rest of the villa is underneath the neighbour's houses but it seemed a bit rude to demolish their houses to find out. You can read about it in our guide to Isle of Wight attractions that you've probably never visited.
Shide is one of several good starting points if you want to do a shorter version of the Red Squirrel Trail. It makes the ride about 22 miles if you start and finish here and head towards Sandown.
There is free parking and it is almost traffic free until you reach the outskirts of Sandown (I'll explain what I mean by 'almost traffic free' in a minute).
We followed the track from Shide along the River Medina. It is mostly shaded and there are only occasional sections where we would have fallen in the river if we had wobbled too much.
It's worth saying that we found this section of track to be a bit bumpier than the Newport to Cowes section. It's certainly not what I would call off-road, but it's a bit more of a bottom shaker and not a tarmac paradise. I'm sure you will be fine on a standard bike without suspension but you'll be glad that other sections are smoother.
Ian took great pleasure in converting Shide's name into a rude word before I told him to grow up.
Shide's notable achievement is that it has a Roman Villa crammed into a residential street. The theory is that the rest of the villa is underneath the neighbour's houses but it seemed a bit rude to demolish their houses to find out. You can read about it in our guide to Isle of Wight attractions that you've probably never visited.
Shide is one of several good starting points if you want to do a shorter version of the Red Squirrel Trail. It makes the ride about 22 miles if you start and finish here and head towards Sandown.
There is free parking and it is almost traffic free until you reach the outskirts of Sandown (I'll explain what I mean by 'almost traffic free' in a minute).
We followed the track from Shide along the River Medina. It is mostly shaded and there are only occasional sections where we would have fallen in the river if we had wobbled too much.
It's worth saying that we found this section of track to be a bit bumpier than the Newport to Cowes section. It's certainly not what I would call off-road, but it's a bit more of a bottom shaker and not a tarmac paradise. I'm sure you will be fine on a standard bike without suspension but you'll be glad that other sections are smoother.
The Shide section has free parking and is traffic free until you reach Blackwater
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The track here isn't very smooth but a normal bike will cope with it
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We stopped at Blackwater to cross over the busy road by the Toyota garage. At this point my heart sank as the cycle track was closed. I may have shook my fist in the air. Luckily, the detour was only 200m long and was only a temporary thing to upgrade the track.
We worked our way towards Merstone, which includes a section where you are cycling along a bumpy track used to access about 20 houses. We didn't meet any cars, but it's certainly possible that you will meet a slow moving (and excessively wide) car so don't let children race ahead too far.
Eventually we arrived at Merstone, which still has the original railway platform in place.
We worked our way towards Merstone, which includes a section where you are cycling along a bumpy track used to access about 20 houses. We didn't meet any cars, but it's certainly possible that you will meet a slow moving (and excessively wide) car so don't let children race ahead too far.
Eventually we arrived at Merstone, which still has the original railway platform in place.
Merstone has free parking some relics of its former life as a railway station
There was nowhere to buy a drink or have a wee on this section of track (beyond a hedge).
Merstone has its own free car park, so it's another place you could start from if you wanted to do a shorter version of the track (or spread it over two days). If you started at Merstone and headed towards Sandown and back then the total would be about 15 miles by my count.
Merstone is in the middle of nowhere so don't expect to spend hours exploring its wide range of attractions. I do wonder how many people used the railway station here...
Merstone has its own free car park, so it's another place you could start from if you wanted to do a shorter version of the track (or spread it over two days). If you started at Merstone and headed towards Sandown and back then the total would be about 15 miles by my count.
Merstone is in the middle of nowhere so don't expect to spend hours exploring its wide range of attractions. I do wonder how many people used the railway station here...
Red Squirrel Trail Section 3 - Merstone to Sandown
After reading a few signs about the history of railways on the Isle of Wight, we set off again.
You need to cross this quiet road once you leave Merstone and head for Sandown
The next section was more of the same really with a flat gradient and a fairly narrow and moderately smooth bit of cycling. Half way along this section we reached a busy road (the A3056 through Arreton). Someone has helpfully placed the traffic lights next to the cycle track so it was easy to cross over. They were the special traffic lights with a picture of bicycle on them, which makes you feel like they've been installed just for you.
Once we were over the busy road, it turned into a wide and smooth ride. As mentioned earlier, I enthused about the smoothness of the tarmac with my fellow cyclist. I stuck my legs out and made 'weeeeeee' noises that a child would make whilst going down a slide.
Once we were over the busy road, it turned into a wide and smooth ride. As mentioned earlier, I enthused about the smoothness of the tarmac with my fellow cyclist. I stuck my legs out and made 'weeeeeee' noises that a child would make whilst going down a slide.
The approach to Pedallers Cafe in Newchurch was smooth and wide
To add to my joy, we then arrived at Pedallers Café in the sunshine. It was a lovely day when we visited, and we did our best to blend in with the other cyclists. We suspect they noticed that we were very unfit and using electric bikes on full turbo mode to avoid doing any actual exercise.
I gorged on a fish finger sandwich and said "ahhhh, this is very civilised". My mate Ian had a Caesar salad with a side of chicken and said something similar. Other diners wondered why we were making strange noises.
I gorged on a fish finger sandwich and said "ahhhh, this is very civilised". My mate Ian had a Caesar salad with a side of chicken and said something similar. Other diners wondered why we were making strange noises.
Pedallers Café provided a welcome break right on the cycle track
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My fish finger sandwich, in case you are interested
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Once we had finished lunch we crossed over the quiet road by the café and continued towards Sandown. This wasn't quite as wide, straight and smooth as the previous mile, but we went past a pretty nature reserve at Alverstone Mead before the cycle track ended and we arrived at a (less pretty) housing estate.
The final section of cycle track before you reach Sandown is pretty decent
Red Squirrel Trail Section 4 - Sandown to Wroxall via Shanklin
I have mixed opinions about the Sandown to Shanklin section of the Red Squirrel Trail. It has plenty of cafes and the best sea views of the whole lot, but it also requires a lot of road cycling and a slight risk of falling into the sea.
We emerged from the cycle track into a housing estate in Sandown, near to Fairway Holiday Park. This is not a scenic section but we continued to follow the blue signs for the Red Squirrel Trail without too much bother. Look for 'Town Centre' and 'Esplanade' signs rather than the ones for Newport (which is where you came from).
The roads were mostly quiet but we had to cross two busy roads before we reached Sandown Pier. There's a steep downhill section, so I enjoyed another opportunity to say "weeeeeeeeeeee!". Apologies to anyone staying on one of the many guest houses on this route who may have heard me.
The on-road distance is about a quarter of a mile so it only takes about 5-10 minutes depending on how fast you pedal.
We emerged from the cycle track into a housing estate in Sandown, near to Fairway Holiday Park. This is not a scenic section but we continued to follow the blue signs for the Red Squirrel Trail without too much bother. Look for 'Town Centre' and 'Esplanade' signs rather than the ones for Newport (which is where you came from).
The roads were mostly quiet but we had to cross two busy roads before we reached Sandown Pier. There's a steep downhill section, so I enjoyed another opportunity to say "weeeeeeeeeeee!". Apologies to anyone staying on one of the many guest houses on this route who may have heard me.
The on-road distance is about a quarter of a mile so it only takes about 5-10 minutes depending on how fast you pedal.
Getting to Sandown beach requires you to cycle on the road for a quarter of a mile
Once we reached Sandown Pier we headed to the start of the sea wall that leads to Shanklin (here on the map).
This section made me a very happy bunny, with the sun shining on my face and the sea breeze blowing. The coastal path is popular with walkers, so we ended up wiggling around them and cycling at half speed. I'd like to return at a quieter time so I could whoosh along with a little more freedom.
I can't help feeling it would have been far less relaxing if the children had been with me. The sea wall is wide but I estimate that Mrs Guru would have said "be careful" 26 times and "stay away from the edge" at least 15 times to our younger child. The drop down to the beach is about two metres in places. If you were lucky you'd land on a bit of soft sand. If you were unlucky you'd land on a bucket and spade.
This section made me a very happy bunny, with the sun shining on my face and the sea breeze blowing. The coastal path is popular with walkers, so we ended up wiggling around them and cycling at half speed. I'd like to return at a quieter time so I could whoosh along with a little more freedom.
I can't help feeling it would have been far less relaxing if the children had been with me. The sea wall is wide but I estimate that Mrs Guru would have said "be careful" 26 times and "stay away from the edge" at least 15 times to our younger child. The drop down to the beach is about two metres in places. If you were lucky you'd land on a bit of soft sand. If you were unlucky you'd land on a bucket and spade.
The two mile sea wall from Sandown to Shanklin is delightful - but also quite precarious for children
When we reached the end of the shared path we were in Shanklin. A couple of the cafes along the sea wall in Lake/Dunroamin Beach looked very appealing and we contemplated stopping there. This is roughly halfway if you started from Cowes, so a gut-busting lunch stop is justifiable.
Once we reached Shanklin, we decided to temporarily leave the Red Squirrel Trail and cycled along the seafront to the clock tower and towards Luccombe. The official route takes you straight up the hill out of Shanklin.
The esplanade is open to traffic, but it's a slow road. At one point I nearly flattened a pedestrian who had drifted into a relaxed seaside state and stepped out into the road without looking. My brakes were up to the task thankfully.
As we peddled, I offered Ian a game of minigolf or a trip to the amusement arcades but we settled for a Biscoff sundae at the café at the end of the esplanade. We agreed not to tell our wives about the massive ice cream.
Once we reached Shanklin, we decided to temporarily leave the Red Squirrel Trail and cycled along the seafront to the clock tower and towards Luccombe. The official route takes you straight up the hill out of Shanklin.
The esplanade is open to traffic, but it's a slow road. At one point I nearly flattened a pedestrian who had drifted into a relaxed seaside state and stepped out into the road without looking. My brakes were up to the task thankfully.
As we peddled, I offered Ian a game of minigolf or a trip to the amusement arcades but we settled for a Biscoff sundae at the café at the end of the esplanade. We agreed not to tell our wives about the massive ice cream.
We left the trail and cycled along Shanklin Seafront for an ice cream
After the ice creams it was time to rejoin the Red Squirrel Trail.
The next section was another necessary-but-not-particularly-enjoyable bit that took us up a steep road from Shanklin seafront to Lower Hyde Holiday Park. We got particularly lost on this section, even though it is only a mile. I was using a map on Strava which I believe is the official one for the Red Squirrel Trail. It seemed to send us down a one way street, or perhaps I misread it. Somehow Ian and I became separated (still now sure how that happened) and we ended up phoning each other to get back on track.
Eventually I found the blue sign I was looking for. The key is to look for signs that point towards Wroxall.
The next section was another necessary-but-not-particularly-enjoyable bit that took us up a steep road from Shanklin seafront to Lower Hyde Holiday Park. We got particularly lost on this section, even though it is only a mile. I was using a map on Strava which I believe is the official one for the Red Squirrel Trail. It seemed to send us down a one way street, or perhaps I misread it. Somehow Ian and I became separated (still now sure how that happened) and we ended up phoning each other to get back on track.
Eventually I found the blue sign I was looking for. The key is to look for signs that point towards Wroxall.
We eventually left Shanklin via this steep road from the esplanade...
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...but got split up whilst following the route to Lower Hyde Holiday Park
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Signs along the Red Squirrel Trail are generally very good, but I did wonder if it might have been better to say something like "Red Squirrel Trail Clockwise". Pointing towards Wroxall does rather rely on you having an overall understanding of where the route is taking you.
Anyway, Ian and I reconvened at the entrance to Parkdean Resorts' Lower Hyde Holiday Park. As mentioned earlier, there is a bike hire place here so it's a good place to start if you don't have your own bikes.
Once you get to the cycle track at Lower Hyde Holiday Park, it is nice and simple. It's a former railway line that is about two miles long without any traffic at all. You might encounter a horse or other people, but it's an easy and flat 2.5 miles until you get to Wroxall.
Anyway, Ian and I reconvened at the entrance to Parkdean Resorts' Lower Hyde Holiday Park. As mentioned earlier, there is a bike hire place here so it's a good place to start if you don't have your own bikes.
Once you get to the cycle track at Lower Hyde Holiday Park, it is nice and simple. It's a former railway line that is about two miles long without any traffic at all. You might encounter a horse or other people, but it's an easy and flat 2.5 miles until you get to Wroxall.
We got split up trying to follow the suggested route to Lower Hyde Holiday Park...
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...but eventually got onto the nice track between Shanklin and Wroxall
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Red Squirrel Trail Section 5 - Wroxall to Merstone
This final section of the Red Squirrel Trail is by far the most off-road and bumpy of the lot. We enjoyed it greatly but we were using mountain bikes with full suspension and it hadn't rained for a few days.
In winter, I imagine it is a muddy mess and it wouldn't really be any good for wobbly children.
I also own a little folding commuter style bike, which I call the Kings Cross Flyer as it's clearly only designed for tarmac. If I had attempted this section of track with that bike then it would have been a heap of bent metal and busted screws by the time I reached Merstone.
We began with an on-road section through Wroxall. This could be quite tricky with small children as it is on the road and quite hilly. Wroxall is a back-of-beyond sort of place but there were still quite a few cars to deal with.
The route took us to the drive leading to Appuldurcombe House, which is a ruined manor managed by English Heritage. It is free to visit so I insisted that we ignored the suggested route across a field and climbed the hill to see the house.
Alas, my fist began shaking again as it was closed off for a wedding. I cursed the happy couple before peddling back down the hill. Take note that it closes on Saturdays.
The route across the field to the Freemantle Gate (route GL44) was hard work, even in summer on an electric bike. In winter on a proper bike it would be like wading through treacle whilst someone blows cold air in your face.
I then did some further investigation and doubling back for the benefit of you, dear reader. Ian pretended to be looking at a map so he could have a rest.
I eventually figured out that you are probably best to climb the hill to Appuldurcombe House and then take the more substantial track, which is signposted GL47. This is particularly the case if you a) have an electric bike which takes the agony out of a climb or b) are a lunatic who enjoys climbing hills.
In other words, you can either endure a long climb and an easy track to Freemantle Gate or endure a steady climb across a bumpy field. It's a bit like voting at a General Election. You don't really like the sound of either so you go for the least bad option.
The other advantage of climbing to the top of the hill is that you can spend half an hour exploring Appuldurcombe House (if it's not closed for a wedding). It features in our guide to historic attractions on the Isle of Wight and has a saucy history about a scandal that become internationally famous.
In winter, I imagine it is a muddy mess and it wouldn't really be any good for wobbly children.
I also own a little folding commuter style bike, which I call the Kings Cross Flyer as it's clearly only designed for tarmac. If I had attempted this section of track with that bike then it would have been a heap of bent metal and busted screws by the time I reached Merstone.
We began with an on-road section through Wroxall. This could be quite tricky with small children as it is on the road and quite hilly. Wroxall is a back-of-beyond sort of place but there were still quite a few cars to deal with.
The route took us to the drive leading to Appuldurcombe House, which is a ruined manor managed by English Heritage. It is free to visit so I insisted that we ignored the suggested route across a field and climbed the hill to see the house.
Alas, my fist began shaking again as it was closed off for a wedding. I cursed the happy couple before peddling back down the hill. Take note that it closes on Saturdays.
The route across the field to the Freemantle Gate (route GL44) was hard work, even in summer on an electric bike. In winter on a proper bike it would be like wading through treacle whilst someone blows cold air in your face.
I then did some further investigation and doubling back for the benefit of you, dear reader. Ian pretended to be looking at a map so he could have a rest.
I eventually figured out that you are probably best to climb the hill to Appuldurcombe House and then take the more substantial track, which is signposted GL47. This is particularly the case if you a) have an electric bike which takes the agony out of a climb or b) are a lunatic who enjoys climbing hills.
In other words, you can either endure a long climb and an easy track to Freemantle Gate or endure a steady climb across a bumpy field. It's a bit like voting at a General Election. You don't really like the sound of either so you go for the least bad option.
The other advantage of climbing to the top of the hill is that you can spend half an hour exploring Appuldurcombe House (if it's not closed for a wedding). It features in our guide to historic attractions on the Isle of Wight and has a saucy history about a scandal that become internationally famous.
Heading to Freemantle Gate? Take your pick from this grass track at the bottom of the hill...
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...or this much better track at the top of hill, near Appuldurcombe House
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If it's not Saturday, you can also stop off at Appuldurcombe House (which is free to visit)
Once we reached Freemantle Gate, we discovered that the next section was a thrilling downhill track on bumpy ground. I zoomed down with the 15 year old version of me telling me to pedal faster and the older version of me questioning what might happen if I fell off.
This section was truly thrilling, and I reached the bottom at lightning pace. If Team GB's selection team had been watching they would have signed me up on the spot.
Ian appeared a few minutes later, as the voice telling him to slow down had been somewhat louder.
This section was truly thrilling, and I reached the bottom at lightning pace. If Team GB's selection team had been watching they would have signed me up on the spot.
Ian appeared a few minutes later, as the voice telling him to slow down had been somewhat louder.
Freemantle Gate can be found near to Appuldurcombe House
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It leads to a steep downhill track which is slippery and bumpy
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We emerged at the road that goes through Godshill. If you fancy a cream tea or an Isle of Wight souvenir tea towel then this is the place to go. It is only about a quarter of a mile from the cycle track to Godshill's village, but it is along a fairly busy road.
We cautiously crossed over the road and carried on in the direction of Merstone and Newport. The tracks here are farm tracks and are very bumpy (and presumably muddy in winter).
We cautiously crossed over the road and carried on in the direction of Merstone and Newport. The tracks here are farm tracks and are very bumpy (and presumably muddy in winter).
The Red Squirrel Trail becomes quite bumpy and rough between Godshill and Merstone
After a while we turned onto East Lane. It is technically a road but it was exceedingly quiet and we didn't see any cars.
We then found a rather confusing junction as you approach Merstone (just here). You need to head down a little track off East Lane. You then reach a fork in the cycle track (to misquote Green Day).
This is the point where the long straight part of the Red Squirrel Trail meets its big loop. Go straight on here. The right fork takes you back round to Sandown. Taking the wrong turning here would be a hilarious anecdote to tell at a later date, but would be rather irritating at the time.
Assuming you take the correct path you end up back at Merstone.
To get back to the start of the trail you then need to retrace your route all the way back to Newport and eventually back to Cowes. Try to resist KFC on the way back through Newport.
We then found a rather confusing junction as you approach Merstone (just here). You need to head down a little track off East Lane. You then reach a fork in the cycle track (to misquote Green Day).
This is the point where the long straight part of the Red Squirrel Trail meets its big loop. Go straight on here. The right fork takes you back round to Sandown. Taking the wrong turning here would be a hilarious anecdote to tell at a later date, but would be rather irritating at the time.
Assuming you take the correct path you end up back at Merstone.
To get back to the start of the trail you then need to retrace your route all the way back to Newport and eventually back to Cowes. Try to resist KFC on the way back through Newport.
Look out for this track off East Lane...
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...and then choose the left fork to head back to Merstone
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And yes, my bottom was sore by the end of the ride.
