Cycle routes s. Wales to isle of wight

[andrewjoseph]

Hi peeps,

I'm planning a cycle camping tour to isle of Wight and back.

There seems to be plenty of options for cycle routes to keep off the main roads, but not sure of best routes through Cardiff and around Bristol to Bath. After Bath options seem easier to follow.

So, quickest and safest routes through Cardiff? will be coming in from SW on route 4. Then over bridge.

Things then get complicated. What is best, through or around Bristol?

While I'm at it, where is best place for ferry to IOW, S Hampton, or Lymington?

Many thanks.

[pedalsheep]

While I'm at it, where is best place for ferry to IOW, S Hampton, or Lymington?

Obviously it depends where you are coming from but Southampton ferry will involve cycling thro a large city whereas Lymington will be a pleasant ride through the New Forest as long as you avoid the main Lyndhurst-Brockenhurst road - there are quiet lane alternatives. Ferry takes longer from Southampton (1 hour as against 35 mins) and costs slightly more.

[andrewjoseph]

While I'm at it, where is best place for ferry to IOW, S Hampton, or Lymington?

Obviously it depends where you are coming from but Southampton ferry will involve cycling thro a large city whereas Lymington will be a pleasant ride through the New Forest as long as you avoid the main Lyndhurst-Brockenhurst road - there are quiet lane alternatives. Ferry takes longer from Southampton (1 hour as against 35 mins) and costs slightly more.

Great, that's a big help, coming from Salisbury area

Many thanks.

[TrevA]

If you are coming over the Severn Bridge then you can follow the Avon Cycleway to the north and east of Bristol. You could then follow the Bristol to Bath path from Bitton station into Bath.

[andrewjoseph]

If you are coming over the Severn Bridge then you can follow the Avon Cycleway to the north and east of Bristol. You could then follow the Bristol to Bath path from Bitton station into Bath.

Thanks Trev, you don't happen to know what route numbers these are do you? My mapping software is showing the route numbers but not names.

Thanks again

[TrevA]

Try googling Avon Cycleway. We followed the route on our JOGLE - we came over the Severn Bridge then through Aust, Olveston on minor roads and down towards Iron Acton where we picked up an off-road track that took us eventually to Bitton. We did have some help as we happened to run into the Rides Captain of the Bath CTC local section at Iron Acton and he led the way!

[andrewjoseph]

Sorry Trev, I forgot to thank you for this.

[Malky 1422]

Ive been working on the Isle, Southampton, Redfunnel Ferries are what I used, but with a bike, you can use Red Jet (same company), its half the time crossing, Google it . I rode my bike down most of the country lanes on the Isle. East Wight is harder work than West. Its all quite hilly, one of those places where you feel you should be riding faster than you are. I learned to take my time and use the easy gears.

[pedalsheep]

Malky wrote
Southampton, Redfunnel Ferries are what I used, but with a bike, you can use Red Jet (same company)

Not so I'm afraid. The Red Jet will only take folding bikes.

[Bike-Rich]

Things then get complicated. What is best, through or around Bristol?
.

The Bristol - Bath I think was the first ever route by Sustrans? I cycle it regularly and it's a great route especially when past Saltford as you go alongside the river when just outside Bath. Very scenic.
Have a look round the town and then use the Bath-Bradford on avon path to get a bit further south-east (I actually prefer this section as it follows the canals).

[andrewjoseph]

Thanks for the info peeps. Most helpful.

We've decided to go to Lymington and get ferry across there.