Rog Wigmore is a volunteer at Cycling UK's head office in Guildford.

I have tackled this route in both directions and probably prefer the clockwise option, and going overseas just for the day is always appealing!

This is a beautiful ride around the Isle of Wight taking you through villages with thatched houses and over the chalk downs that make this route unique. 

Can be started from any point but for those visiting for the day crossings from the mainland will take you into Ryde (from Portsmouth), Fishbourne (Portsmouth), East Cowes (Southampton) and Yarmouth (Lymington).

There are some steep climbs on this route and it is exposed to southerly winds around the Military Road up to Freshwater Bay. It is well signposted and can be tackled in either direction. Between Freshwater and Yarmouth the route takes you on a gravel cycle path but this can be easily avoided.   

There are plenty of places to stop en route for refreshments.