Cycling to Freshwater Bay from Yarmouth

Coffee Bag Adventures

Cycling

Off Road Cycling

Isle of Wight

Sue Barrett

Cycling to Freshwater Bay from Yarmouth

Distance

12km

Time

1hr

Difficulty

Easy

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Published on March 7, 2025 2 min read

Ferry to Yarmouth, for a Sunrise Cycle at the Seaside

This route starts in Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight and follows the estuary of the River Yar down to the sea at Freshwater Bay. There are some open sections with good views of the river, and other more covered sections lined with trees. They’ll likely be some swans as well as other birdlife to spot.

It’s flat, off road cycling along an old railway line, sandwiched between some road sections at either end.

If you arrive on an early ferry from Lymington you can pedal down to the beach at Freshwater Bay within 30 minutes to see the morning sun rising behind the chalk stacks.

It’s a brilliant spot to have your coffee, listen to the sea and the gulls, and watch the light dancing off the water. You may even be tempted to go for a swim.

The scientist Robert Hooke was born in Freshwater and there is now a trail named after him with information plaques, some of which are on this cycle route.

Other notable folks who lived in Freshwater include the photographer Julia Margaret Cameron and poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson. There is an interesting museum and gallery at Dimbola Lodge showcasing Cameron’s life and work.

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12km (7.5 miles)
Easy
Ascent 59m
Bike Hire from ‘Off the Rails’ , Yarmouth , which is about a 10 minute walk from the ferry terminal.
Toilets and car parking in Yarmouth , Freshwater and Lymington Ferry terminal.
The ferry journey takes about 40 minutes from Lymington to Yarmouth. Bikes are currently free with your foot passenger fare.

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Explore More Coffee Bag Adventures

This route guide is part of the Taylor’s of Harrogate Coffee Bag Adventures Collection and was created by OS Champion Sue Barrett

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