Red Squirrel Ride

Red Squirrel Ride

Welcome to the first Red Squirrel Ride!

Unlike many challenge events, the Red Squirrel Ride is largely traffic-free, making this a family - friendly, leisurely great day out making extensive use of the Island’s network of old railway paths and cycle trails.

Choose between two circular routes – 34 and 16 miles. Both can be taken at a leisurely pace. The shorter route is ideal for families and new cyclists, whilst the longer option adds extra challenge and a few more hills.

Cycle at your own pace, taking time to explore the Isle of Wight’s glorious scenery and beautiful beaches.

We have two start points - with the RSPCA Animal Centre at Godshill as above, or if you’re travelling from the mainland head to the Quarr Abbey Checkpoint, just a few minutes’ ride from the Wightlink ferry terminal at Fishbourne.

By joining the Red Squirrel Ride you’ll be helping the RSPCA Isle of Wight work assisting animals in need on the Island. We’re an independent charity that supports the work of the RSPCA locally.

20% off your ferry travel

Save 20% on foot, car and motorcycle ferry travel to the Island for the Red Squirrel Ride, on September 20th 2025. Simply click the link below to book your tickets.

https://www.wightlink.co.uk/explorer/the-great-rspca-isle-of-wight-dog-walk

https://www.wightlink.co.uk/explorer/red-squirrel-ride

Full Route Description - 34 miles

Starting from the RSPCA Centre near Merstone, follow the old railway path towards the Island’s ‘capital’ Newport (5½ miles). The ride continues through a short railway tunnel and along the old railway trail towards Wootton station (9 miles).

Things get a bit hillier as you head to the Fishbourne ferry terminal, the arrival point for mainland cyclists. From here it’s just a short ride to the Quarr Abbey Checkpoint (11 miles) – take time to relax around the Abbey and its Café.

Next stop is the seaside town of Ryde. There’s a lovely level section along the promenade to Puckpool Park Checkpoint (15 miles).

Follow the coast road to the charming seaside town of Seaview, then its uphill along quiet roads and bridleways to St Helens (18 miles). From here the route heads inland, initially following the old Bembridge branch line, to the historic town of Brading. Quiet country lanes lead on to the Alverstone Checkpoint (23 miles) where you can restock on tea and cakes.

Back on an old railway trail the next stop is Sandown. From here it’s a lovely easy ride along the promenade to the nearby resort of Shanklin (27 miles). There’s a short, but steep climb up from the beach to the station from where another peaceful traffic-free railway path takes you to Wroxall (30 miles).

Just outside Wroxall are the imposing ruins of Appuldurcombe House (free admission). The ride takes a bumpy grass track heading uphill to the Freemantle Gate, once the grand entrance to the estate. This is the roughest section of the ride, but the reward is a sweeping panorama across the Island.

With the climb now complete, it’s a long downhill towards Godshill then along gravel paths to the RSPCA Animal Centre (34 miles). Collect your medal and celebrate your achievement.

Family Ride - 16 miles

Starting from the RSPCA Centre near Merstone, follow the old railway path towards east along the Yar Valley. Take your time to enjoy this lovely leisurely section with easy gradients and attractive scenery. Pass the popular Pedallers Café at Newchurch (3½ miles), then on to the Alverstone Checkpoint (5 miles) where you can restock on tea and cakes.

Back on an old railway trail the next stop is Sandown (7½ miles). From here it’s a lovely easy ride along the promenade to the nearby resort of Shanklin (9 miles). The first short but steep climb heads up from the beach towards the town. After Shanklin station join another peaceful traffic-free railway path which takes you to Wroxall (12 miles), the southernmost point of the ride.

Just outside Wroxall are the imposing ruins of Appuldurcombe House (free admission). The ride takes a bumpy grass track heading uphill to the Freemantle Gate, once the grand entrance to the estate. This is the roughest section of the ride, but the reward is a sweeping panorama across the Island.

With the climb now complete, it’s a long downhill towards Godshill from where a network of gravel paths leads back to the RSPCA Animal Centre (16 miles). Collect your medal and celebrate your achievement.