Janice Dawes, September 2025
Seven keen Epsom cyclists arrived at Hurst View Campsite in Lymington Friday evening ready for the planned camping and tour of the Isle of Wight.
Andy and Doug arrived in Andy’s camper van whilst the rest of us were in tents. Daniel had taken the train to Winchester and cycled the rest of the journey, arriving in good time. James, Graeme, Lisa and myself drove down and variously arrived late afternoon and early evening. Much help was given by those who were more expert in putting up the tents and I for one was very grateful for that.
We spent a fun Friday evening chatting over a glass of wine or beer around a campfire which was much appreciated as the evening grew cool, despite it having been a beautiful day.
Some slept ok Friday night, some didn’t, but we were all up bright and early on Saturday morning ready to cycle down to catch the 8am ferry to Yarmouth from where we planned to cycle clockwise around the island using the very well marked cycle route signs.
The forecast was cooler with the likelihood of rain and stronger winds in the afternoon. Only a few miles into the ride there was a light shower but luckily there was a planned stop just after Ryde. It was at the Isle of Wight Gin distillery and we had coffee and cake but were amazed to see a couple making short shrift of a pint of lager and 7 gin samples each (it was only 11am).
Back on the bikes, the rain had passed and we continued the journey. Sometimes we were on fairly quiet main roads and often were on very quiet country lanes. The drivers we met were all respectful and courteous and we also passed many other cyclists on the way.
Lunch was at Toni’s cafe in Ventnor, which involved a very steep zig zag descent. Great sandwiches and fantastic looking cakes but only Daniel dared to indulge as the rest of us were mindful of the steep ascent back out of Ventnor. It didn’t disappoint!
The hills continued to be unrelenting but the rain mainly held off. The wind was gaining strength however and when we turned to head north west along the exposed coast road to Freshwater we were hit by the full strength of a howling gale. It was occasionally a cross wind that caught the wheels and threatened to topple off the rider but mainly it was a tail wind. This would normally be felt as an advantage as it was strong enough to actually blow us up the hills but there was no advantage at all. It was a battle for even the most confident of us to stay upright and cycling in the intended direction. We all experienced times when the bike slewed across the main road towards fast oncoming traffic.
It was a relief to turn inland towards Yarmouth where we arrived with just enough time for a quick refreshment stop before boarding the ferry back to Lymington.
It had been a tough cycle what with the hills and the wind but we were grateful that the rain had mainly held off.
Showered and changed we had a fun evening and excellent dinner at The Chequers Pub.
Returning to the campsite, the wind was still howling and Lisa discovered her tent was in a very sorry state as the wind had snapped the main pole. Luckily many willing expert hands managed to make it habitable for the final night.
Sunday morning saw several cycling, running or walking before the homeward journey.
The trip was a great success and we hope to do it all over again next year, perhaps taking advantage of the lodges on offer at the campsite or maybe a b&b in Yarmouth.
Vital Statistics
Date: 20 September 2025
Distance – 74 miles
Elevation – 4,400 ft