The best cycling routes around St. Helens
4.5
(298)
3,201
riders
142
rides
Touring cycling routes around St. Helens, Isle of Wight, traverse a landscape characterized by diverse coastal and inland features. The region offers a mix of flat marshlands, gentle rolling hills, and scenic coastal paths. Routes often pass through charming seaside villages and along estuaries, providing varied terrain suitable for different cycling abilities.
Best touring cycling routes around St. Helens
- The most popular touring cycling route is Sandown Pier – Bembridge Windmill loop from Nettlestone and Seaview, an 18.5 miles (29.8 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 51 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers views of the coastline and passes by a historic windmill.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Ryde Pier – Appley Tower loop from St. Helens, a moderate 13.3 miles (21.4 km) path. This route follows the coast, featuring views of Ryde Pier and Appley Tower.
- Local touring cyclists also love the The Harbour View – Crispin's Way Marshes loop from Bembridge, a 15.8 miles (25.4 km) trail leading through marshlands and offering harbour views, often completed in about 1 hour 36 minutes.
- Touring cycling around St. Helens is defined by coastal paths, marshlands, and rural lanes. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging moderate routes.
- The routes in St. Helens are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 295 reviews. More than 3000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore St. Helens's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
4.2
(11)
113
riders
29.8km
01:52
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
36
riders
21.4km
01:24
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.0
(1)
10
riders
20.8km
01:21
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
25.3km
01:36
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
15.5km
01:07
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
These old windmills are the best proof that people were clever enough a number of centuries ago - long before the discovery of electricity and the inventions that resulted from it - to harness the power of the elements for their own purposes: no human or animal muscle power is required for the grinding process, but the wind captured by the wings is enough to drive the heavy millstones and thus, for example, to grind flour from grain (grain mills) or to press oil from olives (oil mills). Unfortunately, they are often only technical and historical evidence of a long tradition of craftsmanship, because most of the old mills have been abandoned over time.
2
0
Nowadays, only a few of them are still in operation in their original function, but are often just technical-historical monuments to a long tradition of craftsmanship: the heavy millstones inside were moved using the power of the wind as the driving force, for example to grind grain into flour (so-called grain mills) or to press oil from fruits (e.g. olives) (so-called oil mills). These old windmills are therefore the best proof that people were clever enough to harness the power of the wind a number of centuries ago - long before the discovery of electricity and the inventions that followed.
2
0
The track can be muddy, but there are benches to sit on and enjoy the bird life on the marshes.
0
0
An amazing array of boat, household and clothing items.
0
0
A great beach with miles of sand to enjoy walking on at low tide. Plenty of railings to lock bikes up to.
0
0
Great seafront Cafe with Restaurant level food. Enjoy the views over Ryde Sands and the Solent towards the mainland.
0
0
Sensibly priced Cafe with outside seating, petanque and mini-golf. There is also a child's play park opposite the cafe.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around St. Helens, Isle of Wight?
There are over 140 touring cycling routes around St. Helens, Isle of Wight, offering diverse experiences for cyclists. These include 35 easy routes, 67 moderate routes, and 44 more challenging options.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in St. Helens, Isle of Wight?
The terrain around St. Helens, Isle of Wight, is varied, featuring a mix of flat marshlands, gentle rolling hills, and scenic coastal paths. Routes often pass through charming seaside villages and along estuaries, providing diverse landscapes suitable for different cycling abilities.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in St. Helens, Isle of Wight?
Yes, St. Helens, Isle of Wight, offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. An example is the Appley Tower – Gravel Path Past Stables loop from St. Helens, which is 9.6 miles (15.5 km) long and features gentle gradients.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see along the touring cycling routes?
Many routes offer views of significant landmarks and natural features. You can cycle past the historic Bembridge Windmill, enjoy views from Yarborough Monument, or explore the tranquil Bembridge Harbour. The Sandown Pier – Bembridge Windmill loop from Nettlestone and Seaview is a great option to see coastal views and the windmill.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around St. Helens, Isle of Wight?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in St. Helens, Isle of Wight, are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular circular routes include the Ryde Pier – Appley Tower loop from St. Helens and The Harbour View – Crispin's Way Marshes loop from Bembridge.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in St. Helens, Isle of Wight?
The best seasons for touring cycling in St. Helens, Isle of Wight, are typically spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these periods, you can enjoy mild temperatures and vibrant natural scenery, making for comfortable rides. Summer can also be pleasant, though routes may be busier.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in St. Helens, Isle of Wight?
The touring cycling routes around St. Helens, Isle of Wight, are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 295 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse coastal and inland features, the charming seaside villages, and the varied terrain suitable for different abilities.
Are there routes that explore the marshlands around St. Helens, Isle of Wight?
Yes, the region is known for its marshlands, and several routes traverse these unique landscapes. The Brading Marshes – Crispin's Way Marshes loop from St. Helens is an easy 4.1-mile (6.6 km) route that takes you through these scenic marshlands.
Can I find routes with coastal views in St. Helens, Isle of Wight?
Absolutely. Many touring cycling routes in St. Helens, Isle of Wight, offer stunning coastal views. The region's character is defined by its coastal paths, providing picturesque vistas of the sea and coastline. The Ryde Pier – Appley Tower loop from St. Helens is a great example, following the coast and featuring views of Ryde Pier.
Are there any routes that pass by historical sites or monuments?
Yes, you can incorporate historical exploration into your cycling. For instance, the Quarr Abbey and Ruins is a notable historical site that can be visited in the wider area, offering a glimpse into the region's past. Routes often pass through or near charming local villages with their own historical character.
What are the typical distances and elevation gains for touring cycling routes in St. Helens, Isle of Wight?
Route distances vary widely, from shorter loops like the Brading Marshes – Crispin's Way Marshes loop from St. Helens at 4.1 miles (6.6 km) with minimal elevation, to longer rides such as the Sandown Pier – Bembridge Windmill loop from Nettlestone and Seaview, which is 18.5 miles (29.8 km) with around 925 feet (282 meters) of elevation gain. The region generally features gentle ascents and descents.
Most popular routes around St. Helens
Most popular attractions around St. Helens
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
