Sunshine Trail
5 miles · Easy
The Sunshine Trail is a five-mile seafront route between the neighbouring resorts of Sandown and Shanklin on the Isle of Wight's east coast. Named for the area's claim to be the sunniest place in Britain, a distinction based on decades of Met Office data showing consistently high sunshine hours, the trail follows the esplanade and coastal path along the broad sweep of Sandown Bay. It is flat, fully surfaced, and suitable for riders of all ages and abilities.
Sandown has been a seaside resort since the 1860s, when the arrival of the railway opened the east coast to tourism. The long sandy beach stretches in an unbroken arc from Yaverland in the north to Shanklin in the south, and the promenade that backs it forms the basis of the cycling route. The path runs close to the beach for most of its length, with the sound of waves and the smell of salt as constant companions.
Leaving Sandown's esplanade, the route passes the former pier site and continues south along the seafront. The path here is wide and well-maintained, with separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians in the busiest sections. To the left, the beach drops away to the sea, while to the right the town rises in terraces of Victorian and Edwardian hotels and guest houses. Many of these buildings retain their original ironwork balconies and decorative facades, giving the seafront a period character that has survived subsequent redevelopment.
The middle section between Lake and Shanklin is slightly more rural, with the path running between the low cliffs and the beach. Lake is technically a separate settlement but has merged with its neighbours to form a continuous coastal strip. The cliffs here are low and sandy, quite different from the dramatic chalk and clay formations found elsewhere on the island.
Shanklin marks the southern end of the trail. The old village sits above the seafront at the top of the cliff, reached by a steep zigzag path or the cliff lift. Shanklin Chine, a deep wooded ravine cut through the sandstone, is the village's most famous feature and has been a visitor attraction since the early 19th century. The chine drops 55 metres through dense vegetation to the beach below and is home to rare ferns and mosses.
The Sunshine Trail is busiest during summer school holidays, when the seafront fills with families. Early morning and late afternoon rides are quieter and benefit from the best light along the coast. The route connects at both ends with other cycling routes, including the Red Squirrel Trail at Sandown and the Sandown to Wroxall route via Shanklin.
Highlights
- Sandown Bay seafront and its long sandy beach
- Victorian and Edwardian resort architecture
- Shanklin Chine and the old village above the cliff