With so many Scottish islands to explore I haven’t yet made it to the England’s many islands. However, my guest blogger reckons the  Isle of Wight, just off the south coast of Britain, is a great place to head, especially if you enjoy outdoor adventures. If you haven’t been, and you’re looking for an adventure in the sunny south of the UK, you can board a ferry and head across the Solent to discover the Isle of Wight and its top five outdoor activities.

Cycling: The Isle of Wight is a small island, measuring just 25 miles by 13 miles, which makes it the perfect destination for those who love to cycle. Explore quiet country lanes or cycle along the rugged coastline. There are cycle routes along disused train lines and bridleways, which also provide fun, scenic and safe cycle routes for families. As well as this, the island has a number of dedicated cycle routes that cater for all abilities, so whatever level your cycling skills are at you’ll be sure to find a route perfect for you. In fact, cycling is so popular that there is even an Isle of Wight Cycle Festival.

Sailing: Sailing is one of the most popular activities the Isle of Wight has to offer. The island’s sailing facilities have nurtured the talents of many world-famous yachtsmen and women including Ellen McArthur and Ben Ainslie. Saying this, you don’t have to be a world champion to enjoy sailing off the Isle of Wight, as sailing enthusiasts of all levels can be found navigating its waters. If you’ve never sailed before you could use it as an opportunity to try something new and sign up for lessons at one of the island’s sailing schools.

Walking: Pack a pair of good hiking boots and explore the island on foot. You can choose to follow the coastal route, which covers 67 miles of paths, all of which are relatively easy and provide stunning views of the island’s coastline. Alternatively, head inland and discover country lanes, off-the-beaten-track routes and perhaps stop at an old-fashioned pub for a well earned drink. With a climate that is usually slightly warmer than the rest of the UK, the Isle of Wight provides great walking conditions.

Horse riding: Another outdoor activity that both locals and tourists enjoy is horse riding. A fun and unique way to explore the island, horse riders also have the advantage of miles of bridleways that provide safe riding routes for all abilities. There are many riding schools on the island, making it extremely easy for those wanting to discover the Isle of Wight on horseback to saddle up.

Adventure activities: For those looking for something a bit more extreme the Isle of Wight has a number of activities that will be sure to satisfy. Activities on, and around, the island include coasteering, kayaking, surfing and windsurfing. There are also many companies offering lessons that operate on the island, so even if you haven’t done any of these sports before a holiday on the Isle of Wight is the perfect chance to learn.

Written by Derin Clark, a writer, editor and blogger.

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