This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight has been named as one of the top 10 destinations in the world for cycling by a major travel guide.
The Lonely Planet Guide describes the Isle of Wight as a ‘cycling paradise that is home to some of the UK’s most varied terrain’
“Lush velvet hills”
It goes on to describe ‘lush velvet hills rolling into the sea, narrow lanes through tidy hedgerows, deep and mysterious green gullies, and the Island’s most striking feature, the ridge of white chalk cliffs stretching across its breadth.’
The Isle of Wight is listed alongside destinations including the Otago Peninsula in New Zealand, San Juan Islands in Washington in the USA and the West Coast in Tasmania, Australia.
“Good news for the Isle of Wight”, says Pugh
David Pugh, IW Council Leader said “This is very good news for the Isle of Wight, especially ahead of the annual Isle of Wight Cycling Festival which is organised by the council.
“We are blessed with stunning views and areas of outstanding natural beauty and, as a keen cyclist myself, I am not surprised the Island has made it into the top 10 destinations of the world.”
It is not the first time cycling on the Island has been highlighted by national publications. The Good Mountain Biking Guide described the Tennyson Trail as ‘possibly the best chalk trail in the UK’ while the IW Cycling Festival regularly features in national and international media.
This year the festival is held between 17 – 25 September and features over 60 rides, including the popular Hills Killer and Cycle the Wight.
More information on the Cycling Festival can be found at www.sunseaandcycling.com
Image: © IW council
