Isle Be Cycling: UK Island-Hopping Challenge is my personal goal to explore the islands around the UK by bike, one circular ride at a time. The idea is simple: each island needs to offer a circular cycling route of at least 20km. I am including the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands too, so there should be plenty of opportunities for island hopping along the way.
For me, this is a reason to get out on the bike, visit places I might otherwise overlook and spend a little longer exploring them. Some rides will fit into a day trip, while others will become part of a longer adventure. There is no race or deadline, just a growing list of islands to work through.
What counts?
There are two main criteria:
- The island must have a route that can be cycled in a loop, rather than simply riding out and returning along the same road.
- The circular cycling route must be at least 20km long.
The route does not need to follow every bend in the coastline, but it should be a proper opportunity to explore the island by bike. Islands connected by bridges or causeways are included, provided the island route meets the criteria.
The list below is a working list; feel free to suggest others.
- Isle of Wight ✅
- Isle of Portland.
- Walney Island.
- Isle of Sheppey.
- Hayling Island ✅
Scotland
- Isle of Skye.
- Isle of Mull.
- Isle of Arran.
- Islay.
- Jura.
- Tiree.
- Coll.
- Lewis and Harris ✅
- North Uist.
- South Uist.
- Benbecula.
- Bute.
Wales
- Anglesey ✅
- Holy Island (Ynys Gybi).
Isle of Man and Channel Islands
- Isle of Man ✅
- Jersey ✅
- Guernsey ✅