The best cycling routes on the Isles of Scilly
4.5
(8)
75
riders
6
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Touring cycling on the Isles of Scilly offers exploration across tranquil landscapes and distinctive natural features. The archipelago provides a peaceful environment for cyclists, characterized by quiet roads and largely traffic-free lanes. The islands feature crystal-clear waters, rugged coastlines, and sandy beaches, with dramatic cliff walks providing panoramic vistas. The mild climate supports year-round outdoor activity.
Best touring cycling routes on the Isles of Scilly
- The most popular touring cycling route is St Mary's loop, a 6.3 miles (10.2 km) trail that takes about 40 minutes to complete. This route explores the largest island, featuring coastal paths and historic sites.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Tresco loop, an easy 3.7 miles (5.9 km) path. This route provides coastal views and access to the renowned Abbey Garden.
- Local touring cyclists also love the St Martin's loop, a 4.4 miles (7.1 km) trail leading through car-free roads and coastal views, often completed in about 35 minutes.
- Touring cycling on the Isles of Scilly is defined by quiet roads, coastal paths, and island hopping opportunities. The network offers options primarily for easy ability levels, suitable for relaxed exploration.
- The routes in Isles of Scilly are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from a few reviews. More than 70 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Isles of Scilly's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
4.5
(8)
62
riders
10.2km
00:39
90m
90m
Embark on an easy touring cycling adventure around St Mary's loop, a route designed for a relaxed pace. This 6.3-mile (10.2 km) journey offers gentle pedaling with only 299 feet (91 metres) of elevation gain, making it perfect for all skill levels. You can expect to complete the ride in about 38 minutes, enjoying tranquil roads and the island's peaceful atmosphere as you pass sparkling sandy bays and flower-rich coastal heaths. Keep an eye out for the distinctive Loaded Camel Rock and the views from Peninnis Head Lighthouse.
Planning your visit to St Mary's is straightforward, as it is the main island in the Isles of Scilly. You can easily access the starting point if you arrive via the Scillonian III Ferry Terminal. Bike hire is readily available directly on the island, with options like St Mary's Bike Hire, so you do not need to bring your own. The route is largely traffic-free, providing a safe and serene experience for your ride.
This touring cycling route offers a wonderful way to explore the unique landscape of the Isles of Scilly National Landscape. The island's coastal scenery, with its blend of sandy shores and vibrant heaths, provides a picturesque backdrop for your ride. The St Mary's loop stands out as an accessible and enjoyable option for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and calm of this special island at a leisurely pace.
9
riders
5.92km
00:57
50m
50m
Embark on the Tresco loop, an easy touring cycling route that guides you through the serene landscapes of Tresco. This tranquil journey covers 3.7 miles (5.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 177 feet (54 metres), making it perfect for all skill levels and taking about 56 minutes to complete. As you pedal, you will discover peaceful, traffic-free lanes that lead past pristine beaches and offer views of rugged granite outcrops. A highlight of the route is the renowned Tresco Abbey Garden, where you can admire over 2,000 species of tropical plants. You will also pass through sheltered bulb fields, vibrant sand dunes, and serene wetlands, experiencing the island's diverse natural beauty.
Planning your touring bicycle adventure on Tresco is straightforward. The island's lanes are mostly traffic-free, which ensures a peaceful and safe experience for cyclists. If you do not bring your own bicycle, Tresco Bike Hire is conveniently situated near the Ferry Terminal, providing a variety of bikes for rent. This makes it easy to start your loop as soon as you arrive on the island. Consider visiting during the spring or early summer to see the gardens in full bloom and enjoy pleasant weather for cycling.
This route stands out for its unique blend of cultivated beauty and wild coastal scenery, all within a compact island setting. Tresco is one of the smaller Isles of Scilly, offering a distinct charm that sets it apart from larger, more bustling destinations. The island's commitment to preserving its natural environment and providing traffic-free paths makes it an ideal location for a relaxing cycling tour. You will find a sense of calm and escape as you explore its gentle contours and picturesque views.
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7.10km
00:35
80m
80m
Embark on the St Martin's loop for an easy touring bicycle ride, offering peaceful coastal views and clear waters. This route covers 4.4 miles (7.1 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 259 feet (79 metres), making it a relaxed journey that takes about 35 minutes. You'll cycle past scenic spots like Little Bay Beach, enjoying vistas towards the rocky island of Tean and the distant Eastern Isles. The car-free roads provide a quiet atmosphere as you pass through flower fields and marram-covered dunes.
Planning your trip to St Martin's is straightforward, but remember the island is largely car-free. You won't find parking for personal vehicles, so arranging your access by ferry is essential. Once on the island, you can easily rent a bicycle to start your adventure. This ensures a tranquil cycling experience without the hustle of traffic.
This loop is set within the beautiful Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, highlighting its unique natural charm. The island's commitment to being car-free creates a serene environment, perfect for a leisurely cycle. It's a great way to experience the distinctive landscape and quiet beauty that sets St Martin's apart.
4.44km
00:23
30m
30m
Embark on the Bryher Loop for an easy touring bicycle ride, covering 2.8 miles (4.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 100 feet (30 metres). This route takes approximately 22 minutes to complete, offering a peaceful journey across the island. You will experience a varied landscape, from tranquil sandy beaches like Rushy Bay in the south to the dramatic, heather-covered plateau and low rocky cliffs of the northern coast. The compact size of the island ensures a serene cycling experience.
This accessible route is suitable for all skill levels and is perfect for family-friendly cycling. The trail primarily uses paved surfaces, making for a smooth ride. You can easily explore Bryher's unique scenery within a relatively short timeframe. Consider starting your ride in the morning to enjoy the quiet roads and the best light for coastal views, especially as you approach Hell Bay.
The Bryher Loop is renowned for its scenic beauty, showcasing the diverse coastline of the Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As you cycle, you will encounter striking Atlantic-facing views, particularly around Hell Bay, which stands out as a highlight. The route allows you to immerse yourself in the island's wild charm, transitioning from sheltered bays to windswept headlands, making it one of the most picturesque touring cycling options on Bryher.
3.30km
00:14
30m
30m
Embark on an easy touring cycling loop around St Agnes, covering 2.1 miles (3.3 km) with a gentle 100 feet (31 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 13 minutes to complete. You will experience a tranquil ride with stunning coastal views, often on mostly paved surfaces. Look out for the unique "wind-pruned heath" of Wingletang Down, dotted with distinctive granite formations, and from the western side, you can spot the iconic Bishop Rock lighthouse.
This short loop is ideal for leisurely exploration and is suitable for any fitness level. While the island is small, bikes can be brought to St Agnes via ferry, allowing you to enjoy the largely traffic-free roads. Given the island's size, walking is also a popular way to get around, but cycling offers a different perspective on its beauty.
St Agnes is one of the inhabited islands of Scilly, and cycling here is often part of a broader island-hopping adventure. The island is known for its peaceful atmosphere and unspoiled beauty, offering constant coastal views. You can also discover local gems like Troytown Farm, famous for its artisanal ice cream, or explore the tidal causeway to Gugh.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Tips from the Community
Actually, a bike is too much for Tresco because it can't be used to explore the paths in the northern part and the beautiful meadow path along the bays in the west.
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A beautiful island with a campsite
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Really good quality beach front dining in a lovely café/restaurant. Mediterranean inspired food using local ingredients. Meals and snacks, as well as a nice place to stop for a drink. Open seasonally: End of March to end of Sep 9:00 - 21:00. Over the winter 10:00 - 20:00.
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Popplestone is apparently named after the noise that the beach makes as the retreating waves suck the sand and pebbles with them. It's a wonderful wild beach on the west coast of Bryher. Protected by deep headlands on either side, it's a wonderful place to take a stop.
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The Firethorn transports visitors from St Mary's to Bryher and neighbouring Tresco. Boats run every day, but tides and weather alter the timing, so check the timetable for your travel days, this is posted at the pier the day before. There is always a boat from St Mary's to Bryher about half an hour after the Scillonian arrives from Penzance. Boats land at either the low water quay here or the high-water quay a bit further south on the same coast. The timetable boards will tell you which one to expect.
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We were not consciously looking for this place. We didn't know this place existed. And so we were very surprised by the variety of plants, flowers, colors, scents. And that in the middle of the Atlantic. A dream place.
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Beautiful gardens laid out in the ruins of an old Benedictine abbey by Augustus Smith, Lord Proprietor of the Scillys in the 19th century. The garden is now home to over 2000 plant species from tropical and subtropical areas.
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Wonderful gardens laid out around the ruins of an old Benedictine abbey by Augustus Smith, Lord Proprietor of the Scillys in the 19th century. Today it is home to more than 2000 tropical and subtropical plant species.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes on the Isles of Scilly?
The touring cycling routes on the Isles of Scilly are predominantly easy, making them suitable for relaxed exploration. All 6 routes listed in this guide are rated as easy, with gentle paths and largely traffic-free lanes.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available on the Isles of Scilly?
Yes, many of the routes on the Isles of Scilly are designed as loops, allowing for convenient circular tours. Examples include the St Mary's loop, Tresco loop, and St Martin's loop, which offer scenic rides around their respective islands.
What kind of natural features and landmarks can I expect to see while cycling?
The Isles of Scilly offer diverse scenery, from crystal-clear waters and rugged coastlines to tranquil sandy beaches. You can explore historic sites like Star Castle and Innisidgen Burial Chamber. On Tresco, the renowned Tresco Abbey Garden is a highlight, showcasing exotic plant species. Dramatic cliff walks and secluded coves are also abundant across the islands.
Is it possible to cycle between the different islands?
While you cannot cycle directly between islands, a key feature of the Scilly Isles is the ability to easily hop between its five inhabited islands (St. Mary's, Tresco, St. Martin's, Bryher, and St. Agnes) via regular 'tripper' boats. This allows you to take your bike and explore different islands daily, each offering unique cycling routes.
Are there family-friendly cycling options on the Isles of Scilly?
Yes, the Isles of Scilly are very family-friendly for cycling. The quiet roads and largely traffic-free lanes, combined with the easy difficulty of most routes, make them ideal for families. The Tresco loop, for instance, is an easy 3.7-mile path with coastal views and access to the Abbey Garden, suitable for all ages.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling on the Isles of Scilly?
The Isles of Scilly benefit from a mild climate year-round, making outdoor activities enjoyable for much of the year. The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant weather for cycling, with longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, ideal for exploring the islands' diverse landscapes.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling on the Isles of Scilly?
The Isles of Scilly are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Cyclists often praise the tranquil landscapes, the unique experience of island hopping, and the largely traffic-free roads that allow for peaceful exploration and stunning coastal views.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting while cycling?
Yes, the islands are a haven for wildlife. While cycling, you might spot various bird species, and boat tours between islands offer excellent opportunities to see seals and even dolphins. The natural environment is a significant draw for visitors.
How long does it typically take to complete a touring cycling route on the Isles of Scilly?
The duration varies by route, but most are relatively short and can be completed in under an hour. For example, the St Mary's loop takes about 40 minutes, while the St Martin's loop is typically completed in about 35 minutes, allowing plenty of time for stops and exploration.
Are there any historical sites or ancient monuments to visit along the cycling routes?
Absolutely. The Isles of Scilly are rich in history. You can visit ancient sites like Bant's Carn Burial Chamber on St. Mary's or explore various castles such as Cromwell's Castle and King Charles's Castle, which offer glimpses into the islands' past.
What are the options for public transport to and around the Isles of Scilly for cyclists?
Access to the Isles of Scilly is primarily by ferry or plane. Once on the islands, regular 'tripper' boats connect the inhabited islands, and most allow bicycles, facilitating island hopping. For detailed information on transport options and schedules, it's advisable to check the official tourism website: visitislesofscilly.com.
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