Chris

In search of the Polishing Stone, one of only 2 known polishing stones (in situ) in the UK. Extremely muddy

relatively fast, undulating journey east from Dorchester along the Frome Valley to Bovington Tank Museum and back to finish in Poundbury. Last few kms some good sharp hills. Mostly on very quiet country lanes. However caution needed coming back to Dorchester at the Stinsford roundabout crossing the main A35

Perfect 1hr lumpy spin around countryside and hills surrounding , B-roads mostly and some gravel tracks. 32mm needed and beware of a few potholes. Caution needed at the Stinsford roundabout crossing the A35 especially at rush hour

For the first 10km great but then far too much urban riding on busy roads and chaotic signage. Rather sad if there isn't anything better than national cycle route 23. Certainly wouldn't recommend this.

Varied & rewarding route linking Newport with Cowes with sections of the Coastal Path and Parkhurst Forest. Good mix of countryside, woodland, sea views glorious beaches. Much of the route follows well-defined paths, but it’s not without challenges. Parts of the official coastal path currently affected by landslips, detours necessary — these can be passable for the adventurous but require care, as the terrain very uneven and narrow with ovegrown vegetation some sections can be very muddy, particularly after rain. Council has actually closed part of this coastal path but you only find this out later so be prepared to make your own judgements and proceed cautiously. The walk through Parkhurst Forest is scenic but can also be boggy when entering from the south east. Trekking poles could have been helpful. Overall a moderate-to-challenging walk that rewards persistence with varied landscapes and peaceful natural surroundings. Ideal for experienced walkers who don’t mind a bit of adventure and don’t expect a perfectly maintained trail. Consider more carefully the route you'd take from Newport Quayside to the begining of the Forest. Was not particularly appealing the route we took via car parks, Industrial estates, housing estates and the Islands main prison.

Fantastic and adventurous hiking following coastline from Ryde to Shanklin, offering magnificent views. Be aware that this route often deviates from the official Isle of Wight Coastal Path, which frequently routes you significantly inland. The walk is a dramatic mix of long, flat beach sections and steep climbs up the cliffs. Key Challenges & Warnings * Tide Dependent: Several sections of this route involve magnificent beach walks. These are highly tide-dependent * Path Conditions: Be prepared for difficult terrain especially through the section of woodland off the beach of Priory Bay which takes . There have been some landslips here and the path through the woods although very pretty can be very muddy and slippery. The path is often very overgrown, extremely muddy, and very slippery. * Council Warnings: The council has placed warnings about the state of this path. Conditions are challenging and unlikely to improve, even in summer. Trekking poles would have been extremely useful and are highly recommended for stability on the slippery and steep sections. As you get close to the Warner Hotel in Bembridge, you must stick to the official coastal path route that goes around the hotel. Do not attempt to continue through the hotel grounds along the coast; there is no exit and no access anymore to the beach below Overall, this is a rewarding and rugged coastal walk for those prepared for a challenge, offering views you won't get on the main inland path.

Started from East Cowes and followed the route south along the River Medina, as the official coastal path here runs inland rather than by the water. This alternative offers a quieter and more scenic experience through some of the Isle of Wight’s lesser-known landscapes. The walk combines stretches of riverside track, shaded woodland trails, and rural lanes, largely avoiding urban areas. The section between Whippingham and Binfield Marina can be very muddy and waterlogged after rain, but it’s peaceful and atmospheric. Further inland, the route winds through woodland and farmland with gentle gradients and occasional open viewpoints across the island. Key highlights include St Mildred’s Church at Whippingham — a fine example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture with royal connections — and Quarr Abbey, whose distinctive red-brick buildings and nearby medieval ruins make an ideal rest stop. The route finishes by descending towards the coast, ending in Ryde with its long beaches and classic seaside character. Overall, this is an easy to moderate walk: scenic, varied, and well-suited to anyone wanting to explore the island’s heritage and countryside between two historic harbour towns.

At times very nice, but lesson is don't trust Strava to create an route for you. Back toward Lucca sent me down some very busy roads when there was no need. In addition, cycle signage more or less non existent. This route could be much improved