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Cycling Guide: Osborne - Carisbrooke Castle

Cycling Guide: Osborne - Carisbrooke Castle

From the palatial seaside estate of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, to the castle home to the famous Carisbrooke donkeys, the Isle of Wight is steeped in history and a wonderful place to explore by bike.

This short route offers a mix of roads and cycle paths, passing through the county town of Newport on the way. Almost all of the trip is on flat terrain too, which makes it ideal for most skill and fitness levels.

Please check the individual site pages below for the latest information regarding facilities and opening hours.

KEY INFO

DISTANCE – Approximately 6.5 miles (10.5 km) one way, or 13 miles (21 km) with a return trip.
TIME – Approximately 45 minutes one way, or an hour and a half with a return trip.
TERRAIN – Mostly paved roads, paths and cycle ways with limited elevation changes. Be careful of road traffic when crossing the A3021, and the blind bend as you approach the entrance to Carisbrooke Castle.
DIFFICULTY – Intermediate/Family. Suitable for most skill levels, though road cycling experience is recommended.
See a map of the sites | View the route on Google Maps | View the route on Komoot

EXPLORE OSBORNE

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's family home. Take a glimpse into the private life of the royal family at Osborne House and enjoy the vast estate and gardens.
EXPLORE CARISBROOKE CASTLE

Explore the castle at the heart of the Isle of Wight, steeped in history from the Norman Conquest to Charles I. Home to the famous Carisbrooke donkeys.
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The Route

STARTOSBORNE

This route starts at Osborne, the family home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Consider visiting early in the day to allow plenty of time to relax in the open air and fully enjoy the house, estate and gardens before your cycle.

0.1 MILES | 0.2 KMTURN LEFT ON TO A3021

From the car park, follow the road (Prince of Wales Entrance) out to the main gates and turn left on to Whippingham Road / A3021. Go straight over at the mini roundabout when you reach it and follow the road for approximately 1 mile.

1.3 MILES | 2.1 KMTURN LEFT ON TO ALVERSTONE ROAD

Follow this road through the residential area. As you approach the bend, turn right on to the side road (opposite Mount Road) so as to stay on Alverstone Road. Follow this section until you reach the T-junction with Whippingham Road / A3021.

2.4 MILES | 3.9 KMCROSS THE A3021 ON TO EAST COWES ROAD

Be mindful here as you will need to cross both lanes of the A3021 to access the country lane opposite (East Cowes Road). The middle turning lane provides a safe stopping spot to pause if the flow of traffic is heavy. Follow East Cowes Road until you reach houses on your right, at which point you’ll see a cycle lane.

2.6 MILES | 4.2 KMJOIN THE CYCLE WAY

Join the cycle lane, which almost immediately crosses North Fairlee Road / A3054 to continue on the pavement on the other side. Turn right and follow this path for about a mile.

3.6 MILES | 5.8 KMCONTINUE ON THE CYCLE WAY

As the cycle lane ends, follow the signs and turn left on to Mews Lane / Public footpath N118. Then, keep an eye out for the signposted cycle way immediately on your right. Join the woodland cycle way and continue for another half a mile.

4.1 MILES | 6.6 KMEXIT CYCLE WAY, JOIN FAIRLEE ROAD

At the end of the cycle way, turn right out on to Halberry Lane. Then, at the T-junction, turn left on to Fairlee Road / A3054. Follow the road for 300m until you reach the advertising boards on your left, opposite Hillside road.

4.4 MILES | 7.1 KMTURN RIGHT ON TO HILLSIDE, LEFT ON TO THE QUAY

Follow the road downhill and pass through the barrier (Note: This is a no through road for cars but fine for cyclists). At the T-junction at the bottom of the hill, turn left on to the Quay and follow the road under the bridge until another T-junction ahead. Then turn right on to Sea St and follow the cycle path.

4.7 MILES | 7.6 KMTURN LEFT ON TO HOLYROOD STREET, RIGHT ON TO LUGLEY STREET

At the T-junction, turn left on to Holyrood Street (following the blue town centre cycling signs). Carry on beyond the no entry signs on your right and take the second right on to Lugley Street.

4.9 MILES | 7.9 KMTURN LEFT ON TO ST JAMES' STREET

Go straight ahead at the junction (joining the bus and bike lane) before taking the next right on to Pyle Street (signposted ‘Carisbrooke’). Follow the road as it becomes Carisbrooke Road / B3323

5.4 MILES | 8.7 KMTURN LEFT ON TO CASTLE ROAD

Turn left on to the quieter Castle Road until you meet the main road (Whitepit Lane / B3401) at the far end.

5.8 MILES | 9.3 KMTAKE 2ND EXIT ON TO CASTLE HILL

At the mini roundabout, take the 2nd exit straight over on to Castle Hill and follow the road uphill until you reach the car park. Please obey the traffic light system on the final bend, as the track narrows around a blind blend and drivers leaving the car park will be unsighted.

DESTINATIONCARISBROOKE CASTLE

You've arrived! Enjoy far reaching panoramic views from the high castle walls, enjoy the tranquil Princess Beatrice Garden, or wander the moat to discover King Charles I’s bowling green.

Key:

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Cycling Guide: Osborne - Carisbrooke Castle

KEY INFO

EXPLORE OSBORNE

EXPLORE CARISBROOKE CASTLE

Members do more