ISLE OF WIGHT CLUB RIDE
20th July 2025
(approximate prices quoted are 2024 prices, and will be updated nearer the time)
Join NVCC on Sunday, July 20th for our beloved annual "It's not a flat Wight" adventure to the Isle of Wight. We've crafted three distinct routes—Mochaccino, Latte, and Cappuccino—each offering a unique way to experience the island's stunning landscapes and challenging elevations.
The Isle of Wight, crowned by Lonely Planet as the world's best cycling destination, sits just off England's South Coast. This cycling paradise offers everything from scenic road routes to family-friendly cycle tracks, making it perfect for our signature coffee-paced rides.
Our day begins at Southampton's Gloucester Square car park (SO14 2GJ, £11) where we'll prepare for the 08:00 Red Funnel ferry crossing as foot passengers. Upon reaching East Cowes, we'll take the Floating Bridge to Cowes to start our anticlockwise island adventure.
All routes share the same initial direction, with Latte and Cappuccino groups planning a refreshment stop in Ventnor. The Mochaccino group has the option of stopping at either Niton (37km into the route) or The Garlic Farm (51km)—though booking is recommended for the latter.
After exploring the island's varied terrain and coastal views, all groups will converge back at East Cowes for our return ferry to the mainland. Whether you're new to island cycling or a returning enthusiast, this promises to be an unforgettable day in the saddle.
Ferry, Car Parking & Cost
Please arrange your own crossing, and car parking arrangements. There are discounts on the ferry crossings available to group bookings, so you may want to book crossings for anyone you are car sharing with.
Parking - Closest car park is Gloucester Square "Pay and display" (Southampton, SO14 2GH). All day parking is around £8. There's short-term parking in Mayflower Park (229 spaces) and surrounding streets. A good longer stay option is Gloucester Square (90 spaces) and there are large multi-story car parks serving WestQuay shopping centre (2489 spaces) and in Eastgate Street (709 spaces).
Ferry - £22.10* (Seniors £14.90 )
£14.50 each if 4 people grouped together at time of booking and travel together.
Floating Bridge - £1.00
Timings
These are only a rough guide to the timings; however, as it takes an hour to cross the Solent, we ideally need to catch the 08:00 ferry.
NOTE: The return ferries leave East Cowes at half past the hour every hour.
06:15 – Leave Newbury
07:15 – Arrive in Southampton (car park Gloucester Square - SO14 2GJ)
07:30 – Head to and meet at Ferry Terminal
08:00 – Ferry to IoW
09:00 – Arrive in East Cowes
09:15 – Floating Bridge to Cowes
09:30 – Start Ride
12:30 + – Arrive in Ventnor
13:30 + – Leave Ventnor
16:00 + – Arrive in East Cowes
16:30 + – Ferry to mainland
17:30 + – Arrive back in Southampton
(+ Estimated times based on Cappuccino ride).
Riding and the Routes
(Choose and download your route on Spond)
The signposted Round the Island route will be followed at points by ALL groups, with the Cappuccino following it the most. The blue background is Anti-clockwise, and the white background is clockwise - you can’t get lost!
Mochaccino Route
Ride Lead | James Avision | Ride with GPS link | 40.7 miles | 2716ft
Latte Route
Ride Lead | Andy Jones & Chris Dace | Ride with GPS link | 58.6 miles | 4035ft
Cappuccino Route
Ride Lead | Ride Leader TBC | Ride with GPS link | 68.2 miles | 5054ft