Isle of Wight Views is so called due to the exceptional view of the Isle of Wight on pretty much any day! Not just any part of the Isle of Wight either, nothing less than the Island’s most famous landmark – The Needles. Being only 8 miles in length, this is perfect for when you want to get a quick loop in before Dinner or only have very limited time available. Being short does not mean it has to be lacking!
Map key:
- Cliff road – takes you along the Milford on Sea cliff top – stunning views of the Isle of Wight and Christchurch bay
- The Gun Pub at Keyhaven is a great place to make an excuse to stop
- If cycling the route clockwise, this is one of our favourite moments when at the top of the short climb you are rewarded with fantastic views across the fields to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight
- At the Downton crossroads, take extra care as cars are often traveling fast along this stretch of road.
Route Overview
As with any of our routes, you can start where you like, but for our descriptions here, we always start and finish in Hordle, heading in a clockwise direction.
At the crossroads with Everton Road, Woodcock Lane and Hordle Lane, head south along Everton Road. Go right to the end of the road until you meet the junction with the A337 or Christchurch Road. Turn left and then take the next right signposted Milford on Sea. Then you will want to take the first left onto Lymore Lane.
Lymore Lane is on our list of ‘favourite forest roads’ as it is fairly quiet and yet has stunning views across to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. In early summer the fields are often full of Rape Seed – giving an almost “Le Tour” feel.
Follow right to the end of Lymore Lane where you will come to a triangle – with the left taking you into Keyhaven and the Gun Pub, but you will need to take a right onto Keyhaven Road, which will take you towards Milford on Sea.
You’ll soon be entering the village of Milford, where you’ll want to take the left onto the rather aptly named ‘Sea Road’. This is of course, unless you feel the need to stop for some refreshment. Yes, this may only be an 8 mile route, but cyclists rarely need an excuse to stop! Milford is also home to a rather fantastic fish and chip shop – Mr Pinks. So now you know.
Back on Sea Road, follow it to the end where you’ll see the Needles on the Isle of Wight and the Needles Eye Cafe. Turn right at the t-junction and keep on the road till you get to the next t-junction where you’ll turn left onto Cliff Road.
Climbing the short hill you will pass the newly re-furbished Beach House Pub (if you like Badger Ales, then this is the place to stop – they also serve great coffee and have a fantastic terrace round the back – with views to the Isle of Wight). Cycling along the Cliff Road, you will have Christchurch Bay in front of you, where on a clear day, it’s possible to see right over to Swanage.
You’ll leave Milford behind you, follow the round round to the left and past the old Hordle Church – where only the grave yard is left. Then you’ll take a right onto Downton Lane. Down the dip, over the bridge and up (past Shorefields holiday park on the right) and up the climb to the end of the road.
Take care at this junction – you’ll be doing a ‘dog leg’ – almost straight across. Once on Hordle lane, continue right to the end (keep an eye out for deer in the fields) and you’ll be back at the start.
Allez!