Camping on the Round the Island Cycle Route: Where to Stop Overnight on the Isle of Wight

The Round the Island cycle route is one of those rides that people talk about for years afterwards. Sixty-two miles of road cycling around the Isle of Wight, taking in coastal roads, rolling countryside and views that make the ferry crossing feel like the best decision you've made all year.

Some people do it in a day. Plenty don't. And if you're splitting it over two days, or basing yourself on the Island for a few days of riding, the question of where to sleep becomes a pretty important one.

I've ridden this route three times. My husband is an ex-triathlete and Ironman who could probably do it before breakfast without breaking a sweat. I am not my husband. I'm a six-hour cyclist who earns every mile and enjoys every cafe stop along the way. Between the two of us, we reckon we've got most types of rider covered.

Here's what we actually know about it.

First, an honest word about the hills

The Round the Island route is hillier than most people expect. Significantly hillier. It is not a gentle coastal cruise and if you're planning it based on the flat bits you've seen in photos, you need to have a word with yourself before you set off.

The southern section in particular, along the Military Road and up through the Undercliff, will sort out the riders who've done their training from the ones who thought they had. That said, every climb earns you something on the other side and the views from the higher sections are genuinely worth every pedal stroke. I've done it three times and I'd do it again tomorrow.

The thing is, every single one of those hard hills up has a weeeee down on the other side. That's not me being relentlessly positive, that's just physics. And those downhills on the Isle of Wight are proper ones. The kind where you stop pedalling, tuck in and grin like an idiot. Worth every climb to get there.

If you're on an e-bike, you're laughing. Genuinely. The whole thing becomes a completely different ride and the hills stop being a threat and start being a feature.

The good news is the route is well signposted in both directions, clockwise and anticlockwise, so you can choose whichever way suits your legs or your ferry arrival point.

How long does it take?

My husband's answer and my answer to this question are very different. Seriously strong riders do it in four to five hours. Most people take six to eight. If you're touring with loaded panniers, add an hour or two on top of that. Don't underestimate it on a heavy bike, especially on the southern section.

The natural split point for two days is roughly the southern coast, around the Whitwell and Godshill area. That puts you at almost exactly halfway and sets you up for a much more enjoyable second day than if you'd pushed on tired and grumpy.

Getting to the Island — and a note on your bike

Your bike travels free on the ferry, which is one of the best things about this route. We also have discount codes for foot passenger crossings for our guests, so ask us when you book or just turn up and we'll sort you out.

The main crossings are Red Funnel from Southampton to Cowes, Wightlink from Portsmouth to Fishbourne or Lymington to Yarmouth, and Hovertravel from Southsea to Ryde. All take bikes.

Where can you camp on or near the Round the Island route?

Options are more limited than you'd think for a route this popular, particularly on the southern half.

The northern section around Cowes, Newport and Ryde has more accommodation options but fewer campsites right on the route. The western section along the Military Road has a couple of clifftop campsites but they're exposed and facilities are basic.

The southern section, where most people want to stop if they're splitting over two days, is where options get thin. There's accommodation in Ventnor if you want a town, and a pub with rooms at Chale. For camping specifically, you need to know where to look.

Rusty Meadow Campsite sits 3.5 kilometres from the Whitwell Junction, putting you at almost exactly the halfway point of the 62-mile loop. It's a short easy detour off the route and a straightforward roll back onto it the next morning.

Why stop at the halfway point?

Splitting the route at Whitwell makes practical sense. You're roughly 30 miles in from either Cowes or Fishbourne, which means two broadly equal days of riding. The southern coast section you've just come through is the hardest part of the route, so stopping here rather than pushing on tired makes the second day a completely different experience. Trust me on this one.

What's at Rusty Meadow for cyclists?

Bike lock points, a solar charging hut for phones and lights, drinking water and a washing up station. Firepits to hire for the evening. Pitch up from £15 a night. Book in advance or just turn up and pay by QR code. No faff, no nonsense.

If your legs have had enough, Rusty's Retreat is our bell tent with a super king bed, armchairs, fairy lights and a brew station. Lean the bike outside and sleep like a proper human being for one night. You've earned it.

Godshill village is a 15-minute walk for pub food, tea rooms and a small shop. Two pubs are within easy cycling distance if you'd rather ride than walk after all that. Some people do. We respect that.

Getting back on the route the next morning

From Rusty Meadow it's 3.5 kilometres back to the Whitwell Junction. From there the route continues in whichever direction you're riding. The morning section heading east towards Ventnor and Shanklin is some of the most scenic riding on the whole loop, so it's worth being up and out early while the roads are quiet and your legs are fresh.

Distances from the ferries to Rusty Meadow

Rough riding times on a loaded bike:

• Cowes (Red Funnel): about 12 miles

• Fishbourne (Wightlink): about 14 miles

• Yarmouth (Wightlink): about 17 miles

• Ryde (Hovertravel): about 12 miles

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Want the ferry discount codes? Just ask when you book or drop us a message at rustymeadow.co.uk