Page dated September 22, 2002

Southern route to Newport

Short rides from Freshwater

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Draft. Check these directions on OS Outdoor Leisure Map 29. All roads, lanes, tracks, trails & paths are ridden at your own risk. The authors of this site do not accept any responsibility for anything nasty or unfortunate that might happen.

Start from West Wight Sports Centre.

From car park, turn right and head down through village to roundabout by Co-op Supermarket. Straight on A3055 to Freshwater Bay. Rocky bay with chalk cliffs and stacks. Cafe.

Head east up steep hill A3055. This is the 'Military Road'. The road climbs Afton Down with stunning views. Due to erosion, the highest point is now close to the cliff edge and has been reduced to a single lane with traffic lights. Cyclists can pass on the disused section.

The road descends into a dip, followed by a second climb. Long descent to car park at Shippards Chine (also known as Compton). The car park is rapidly shrinking due to severe erosion. Often an Ice Cream Van here during summer.

Continue on A3055 to Brookgreen. This is the first left turn. Turn here and climb through the village of Brook. As you leave the village, part way up the climb, turn right. (Do not go as far as the Church). Follow B3399 through Hulverstone (Sun Inn) and Mottistone (Mottistone Manor National Trust). Descend into Brighstone. (National Trust cottages, shop and museum in lane on left. Tea room on corner opposite Church).

Continue on B3399 past Church until the road turns sharp left. Turn right here onto 'Broad Lane' (It isn't broad). Pass farm & continue to next junction (a triangle). Turn left. You are now running parallel to the coast. Pass radio mast on left and take next left by barn and Thorncross Farm.

The lane meanders across low fields. Turn right at next junction GR442,822. Pass old water mill (not open to public) and continue to next junction. GR447,821. Turn left and keep left until you meet the B3399 again at GR458,824. Turn left for Shorwell. (Crown Inn).

In Shorwell, turn right at mini-roundabout. B3323 to Newport. The road climbs a steep hill, known as Shorwell Shute. The road is narrow and twisty. From the top, there is a long downhill. Follow the B3323 to Clatterford. This is where the 30mph limit starts on the outskirts of Newport. You can continue to Carisbrooke Church, then right into Newport. Alternatively, turn right down steep hill (Clatterford Shute), cross ford and take next left into Millers Lane. (Carisbrooke Castle above you on Right). Follow Millers Lane into back-streets of Carisbrooke or climb hill to castle.

Newport:

  • Bike shops: First Gear Cycles, Wight Mountain, Halfords.
  • Cafes, pubs and tea rooms.
  • Town Quay
  • Museum
  • Roman Villa remains
  • Castle in Carisbrooke
  • Cycle routes to Cowes & Sandown.

Although the roads and lanes on these routes are not usually dangerous in themselves, road users can create hazards. Cyclists should take every precaution to stay safe.