The Red Squirrel Trail – the Isle of Wights favourite bike trail!

Total Length: 32.23 miles. (‘Loop’ only: 14 miles)

Duration: A chilled ride with a family will take approximately 6 hours, including stops.

By comparison, the 14 mile loop will take 3 hours although that is, obviously, without stops.

Classification: Easy riding, with gradients at Wroxall and Appuldurcombe, mainly off road. For tired legs, there is a chance to shorten the route by catching the train between Sandown and Shanklin.

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The Red Squirrel Trail – the islands favourite trail is listed as one of ‘150 Great Days Out’ by Sustrans. It is perfect for cyclists who prefer car-free cycling. Mainly flat most of this trail is based on disused railway lines. A lovely leisurely cycle through the heart of the Island’s countryside.

The Isle of Wight is a stronghold for Red Squirrels, however, you need to be on high alert though because these tufty-eared endearing animals, not surprisingly, are very shy. 

Firstly,This journey starts from our doorstep in Shanklin and immediately heads to Wroxall along the recently resurfaced old railway line.

At the end of this section carry on to Appuldurcombe House. Evidently, it is said to be extremely haunted, in fact, it is one of the most haunted houses in Britain.

Appuldurcome House – one of the most haunted in Britain.
https://www.hauntedrooms.co.uk/appuldurcombe-house-isle-of-wight

In this case, to avoid the main road or take a short cut down Coombe Park. Secondly, Follow signs to Appuldurcombe House. This English Heritage managed Baroque house is said to be the most haunted in England.

At Appuldurcome pick up the Worsley Trail GL44 (or Route 23). Follow the Red Squirrel Trail uphill across the fields to Freemantle Gate.

Freemantle Gate – a Grade II listed building
https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101292007-freemantle-lodge-gateway-to-appuldurcombe-wroxall

At Freemantle Gate, go straight down to keep on The Red Squirrel Trail. In addition, you can get on to the ‘Chalk Ridge trail‘ at this point.
https://routefifty7.com/the-new-chalk-ridge-extreme-trail/

Next, follow the gravel path downhill past the farm animals and Llamas. Definitely stop off at the pretty village of Godshill. Visit its delightful medieval church, model village, charming thatched-roofed cottages all with plenty of places to stop. Occasionally, for a drink.

Soon, carry on past Moor Farm through farmland, and on to Great Budbridge Manor, after a few minutes, you will come to a hump back bridge. Straightaway, it is here you need to take the trail to Newport or towards Sandown.

Merstone Railway Station – a much loved picnic area
https://www.gifttonature.org.uk/discover/out-in-the-country/merstone-station/

Thereafter, heading towards Newport is Merstone which is a ghostly deserted station with grass growing over the platform. In this situation, take time to look for split hazelnuts – evidence of Red Squirrels and look for squirrel nests in the trees. They are often constructed from twigs and furthermore lined with moss and hair.

Subsequently, a short distance outside of Newport you can will some of the most popular attractions on the Isle of Wight:

Carisbrooke Castle – famous for Charles I and donkeys
https://tinyurl.com/5669fe6k

1.4 miles away is Carisbrooke Castle to the West of the town centre is the 12th century fort most famous for imprisoning Charles I after his defeat in the English Civil War.

Travel 1.5 miles to the East and you will find the Isle of Wight’s most recently added animal attraction Owl and Monkey Haven, and without a doubt, the fabulous Robin Hill Adventure Park and Garden.

Carrying on up to Cowes, look out across the Medina Estuary to the far shore and soon, you will see the rusting hulk of the paddle steamer ‘Ryde’. You’ll then find yourself on a fecund avenue of green trees following the Medina estuary along a wildlife-rich former railway track.

Don’t forget, keep your eye out for the elusive Red Squirrels in the tunnel of trees. They are there!

Cowes – know the world over for yachting
https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/towns/cowes

Cowes is famous for its many independent shops, and, and let’s not forget it is famous for its sailing scene. It is, without a doubt, worth a visit. You definitely won’t want to miss out on the chance to charter your own boat for a bit of adventure on the water. Moreover, you can even jump on the town’s charming chain ferry and, subsequently, cross the river Medina to East Cowes.

Osborne House – Home of Queen Victoria
https://tinyurl.com/cphujuyc

1.2 miles from East Cowes is Osborne House, once the home of Queen Victoria. “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot” said Queen Victoria of Osborne House.

Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve
https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/alverstone-mead

Head back home past buttercup meadows, ancient woodlands and marshland to Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve. Head for the bird and Squirrel hide. The Red Squirrels here are used to visitors, so take them some snacks to get really close!

Keep your eyes out for the Red Admiral Butterflies on the nettles, listen to birds, and marvel at geese in the field flapping away with chests puffed out. The Isle of Wight is also one of the few places in England where you can still see a Glanville Fritillary Butterfly, therefore, definitely keep your eyes out for them too.

Northwood Copse
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/isle-of-wight/borthwood-copse

At Alverstone you will cross a road by the old Alverstone Rail Station marked ‘Sandown 1m’. If you detour left  half a mile you will come to Borthwood Copse. This was part of a much larger hunting forest. Queen Isabella de Fortibus, the medieval Queen of the Isle of Wight, is said to have watched the deer from here. Whilst you may not see deer this is a fantastic atmospheric walk which takes you through woods that are home to the red squirrel. Consequently, it is a particularly beautiful place to be when the trees take on their autumn colours in October. Moreover, Dormice are also prevalent here, although rarely seen.

Back on the path stop off at Peddlers which is a specialist cafe for cyclists. After that, if you like your food the Garlic Farm is a short hop from here. It has a little community of Red Squirrels living in the trees above the farm and they like to scamper along a rope to pick up food left for them.

Carry on until you reach Sandown Station by now you may be tired. For this reason, you can catch the train home, however, we strongly suggest heading to the Esplanade because the seawall path from to Shanklin is breath-taking and, is an excellent spot for an ice cream!

Shanklin Chine
https://shanklinchine.co.uk

At the end of the coast road head to Shanklin Chine – another hot spot for red squirrels.

Finally take the steep hill up past the Chine Inn and go down Everton Lane. Turm left on to Chine Avenue. Stop off in Shanklin old village with it’s pretty thatched houses and pubs for a well earnt rest!

When you are ready follow the High Street and turn left down Landguard Road. Two minutes and you are back to routefifty7

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