CYCLISTS
Cyclists Welcome
The Isle of Man is the perfect destination for a cycling trip, with enough testing terrain to challenge even the most serious cyclists and plenty of quiet roads and off-road tracks for sightseers and families who want to take it at their own pace.
With its unique variety of terrain, the island rewards both road and mountain bike riders of all abilities with a network of trails and tarmac that include challenging climbs, thrilling descents and unrivalled scenery.
The Isle of Man is rapidly gaining a great reputation as a location for cycling, both on and off-road and hosts a large number of annual cycling events for Mountain Bikes: End2End Mountain Bike Challenge, The Manx 100, Manx 2 Day MTB Enduro, Longest Day Longest Ride.
And there’s some great road racing too: Isle of Man Lighthouse Challenge, Isle of Man Cyclefest, Manx International Grand Prix, Isle of Man Cycle Challenge.
Staying with us
What our guests with bicycles say
The Cycle friendly Island
Cycling in the South of the Island
Erin Bike Hut
Erin Bike Hut is a friendly, independent cycle hire shop in Port Erin offering Mountain bikes and Road cycles for sale and to hire, kids bike, clothing and accessories. The shop is located on Church Road, just behind Franklins car show room and within sight of Port Erin railway station and Port Erin bus station.
Port Erin Cycle Route
Grading: Blue - Moderate
Distance: 14 - 21 miles
Start & Finish: Port Erin Railway Station
This route introduces you to the magnificent coastal scenery of the Island’s south-west, culminating in an optional ride down to the The Sound, with its views over to the Calf of Man. This is also a great place for spotting seabirds and Grey Seals.
Advice and Safety Information
Mainly A roads. Major climbs Port Erin to Cregneash, Bradda East, Sound to Cregneash. You will encounter some busy traffic in and around the Port Erin area.
BLUE Moderate – suitable for intermediate cyclists. Basic bike skills required.
Southern Comfort
Grading: Red - Difficult/Strenuous
Distance: 10-20 miles
This loop provides an exhilarating taste of the Island's southern landscape. This route starts and finishes in the village of Colby but you can easily adapt it to begin and end at at the Falcon's Nest. The route takes you past South Barrule using the infamous smugglers route of the Whisky Run with forests on both sides. Here you'll see the mountain bike trails in Cringle that are well worth investigating with both cross country and enduro trails.
You will then join the famous End to End Mountain Bike route for a section of fantastic downhill single-track with stunning views.
Castletown Cycle Route
Why not incorporate a train journey into your day out and take a trip to Castletown.
Grading: Green - Easy
Distance: 13 - 21 miles
Start: Castletown Station
Finish: Castletown Market Square
This relaxing ride covers some of the gentler slopes of the Island’s south and is suitable for all age groups and levels of fitness. The total distance of this route is 13 miles, with an optional diversion to St Michael’s Isle and to Langness, both of which run close to the shore and give panoramic sea views. A further optional diversion is to Silverdale Glen, home to picturesque woodland, a popular family park and a café.
South Barrule Mountain Bike Trails
A great introduction to mountain biking for first time visitors, new riders and children. Each trail goes through the forest at the foot of South Barrule and are fully sign posted and feature hand built single-track sections.
The 1km Blue Kipper Trail is ideal for young children and beginners to the sport providing a small loop without any real climbing which winds its way round the foot of the plantation.
The 5km Red Viking Trail is a more advanced route for fitter riders and features boardwalk and some short but steep climbs. The first half of the route is covered mainly on fast, wide fire track before suddenly climbing up to the top of the forest. The extra effort is rewarded by a longer descent that takes you back to your starting point via a longer single-track course that includes a number of purpose-build features including board walks and rock gardens.
Isle of Man Mountain Bike Map
The Isle of Man’s many forests contain a huge variety of cycle trails. Ranging from open gravel forest tracks to purpose built single-tracks, there really is something for every level of mountain biker.
Forests can be cycled individually or linked to make a full day’s riding by following way-marked routes that take advantage of the Island’s network of Byways and Greenway Roads.
