Railway Trail Bike and Beach Tour in Bermuda

Bermuda’s old railway line gives this tour its best idea: trade the busy roads for a quieter route through cedar trees, small neighborhoods, sea views, and historic sites. You’ll also visit the tiny Somerset Bridge and hike to Fort Scaur before cooling off with a swim at Willowbank Resort.

I like the mix of cycling and local history, especially the stops at Heydon Trust Chapel and Fort Scaur. I also like the finish at the beach, since a saltwater swim and complimentary soft drink make a pleasant reward after the ride. Guides such as Jamie, Lisa, Andrew, Liz, and Cameron have been praised for being attentive and entertaining.

The main caution is that this may not feel like a long bike ride. Parts of the route are rough, with dirt, rocks, roots, and walking. Some departures also include a boat transfer that can take much of the schedule, so strong cyclists may find the actual riding time shorter than expected.

Key points to know before booking

• The railway trail is partly off-road: Expect dirt, rocks, roots, and sections where you may walk the bike.
• Historic stops shape the tour: Heydon Trust Chapel, Somerset Bridge, and Fort Scaur give the outing more substance than a simple ride.
• Boat transportation may be included: Some departures use a boat to reach the cycling area and return to the Dockyard, with possible sightseeing around sea turtles and a shipwreck.
• The beach stop is part of the appeal: You get time for an ocean swim and a complimentary soft drink at Willowbank Resort.
• The ride suits moderately fit cyclists: The minimum age is 10, minimum height is 58 inches, and the maximum weight is 250 pounds.
• The group is limited to 20 people: That helps the guide manage the pace and provide attention on the trail.

What this Bermuda bike tour really offers

At first glance, this sounds like a three-and-a-half-hour cycling trip. In practice, it is better understood as an active sightseeing outing with several short rides, walks, history stops, and a beach break.

That distinction matters. If you want a steady six-mile ride with very little stopping, you may leave wishing for more time on the bicycle. If you want to see parts of Bermuda that are difficult to reach on a standard shore excursion, the combination makes more sense.

The advertised railway route covers roughly six miles, or 9.5 kilometers. It is described as relatively flat, but flat does not mean paved or effortless. The trail can include loose ground, exposed roots, and uneven sections. You should be comfortable handling a bike away from smooth pavement and willing to walk when the surface gets awkward.

The tour begins at the Island Tour Centre at the Dockyard Watersports Centre on North Arm Drive. After a safety briefing, you receive the necessary equipment and a bottle of water before setting out with the guide.

The group size is capped at 20 people. That is large enough to give the outing a social feel, but small enough for a guide to keep an eye on riders during rough sections and regroup at viewpoints.

Heydon Trust Chapel and Bermuda’s cedar trees

The first listed stop is Heydon Trust, where you ride up to Heydon Trust Chapel. Your guide explains the chapel and the surrounding plant life, including Bermuda cedar trees.

This is a good early stop because it sets the tone for the day. You are not simply pedaling from one viewpoint to another. The guide uses the route to explain Bermuda’s built and natural surroundings, and the chapel gives you a specific place to pause and take in the setting.

The scheduled stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough time for a short explanation and a look around, though anyone hoping to spend a long period exploring the site will find the visit fairly brief.

The cedar trees are a useful detail to watch for. They help make the trail feel distinctly Bermudian rather than like a generic coastal bike path. Bring your phone or camera, but keep it secure while riding. The route has uneven portions, and stopping to take pictures is best done at the designated pauses.

Riding the old Bermuda Railway Trail

The main ride follows the former Bermuda Railway route used during the 1930s and 1940s. The old railway corridor offers a different view of the island from what you see along the main roads. Expect greenery, local scenery, and glimpses of the water rather than a nonstop parade of major sights.

The trail is relatively flat, which is good news for anyone with moderate fitness. You do not need to prepare for steep mountain biking, but you do need balance and confidence on an unpaved surface.

This is where the tour’s description and the actual feel of the day can differ. Some people have found the trail more rugged than expected and have had to walk their bikes over rocks and roots. Others have appreciated that the guides accommodate riders who are less comfortable off-road.

I would treat the six-mile figure as the full route rather than a promise of six uninterrupted miles of pedaling. The tour includes explanations, stops, walks, and return sections. Some participants have estimated that they rode only four miles, or spent closer to 20 to 25 minutes actively cycling during a particular departure. That may vary by group, route, timing, and transport arrangements.

The guides are an important part of this section. Jamie, Lisa, Andrew, Liz, and Cameron have all been singled out for helpful or friendly service on different departures. You can expect commentary about Bermuda as you go, although the energy of the presentation may vary from one guide team to another.

Somerset Bridge, the small engineering marvel

The next stop is Somerset Bridge, described as the world’s smallest drawbridge. You leave the bikes for a short walk and hear the story behind the bridge from your guide.

This is a compact stop, scheduled for about 45 minutes, so the time includes walking, explanation, and taking a look at the bridge rather than a lengthy visit. It is a nice example of the tour’s style: small, specific sights that you could easily miss if you stayed on the main sightseeing circuit.

Do not expect a major attraction with a long list of things to do. Somerset Bridge is valuable because it is unusual and easy to pair with the railway route. The guide’s explanation gives the stop more meaning than a quick photo from the roadside.

The bridge also breaks up the cycling. That helps if you want a relaxed pace, but it may frustrate you if your main goal is exercise.

Fort Scaur and the uphill walk

Fort Scaur is the most physically demanding stop for some people. The tour includes a hike uphill through the woods to the historic fort, followed by commentary about the fort and Bermuda. You can explore the fort if time allows.

The walk is not a bike ride. In fact, some people have questioned why the bikes are not taken up the road toward the fort. That is useful to know before you book: the outing includes more walking than the phrase bike tour might suggest.

The payoff is the view. Fort Scaur provides one of the strongest outlooks on the route, with broad views toward Bermuda’s water and surrounding areas. If you enjoy old defensive sites and scenic overlooks, this may be your favorite stop.

The scheduled visit is about 30 minutes. That gives you time for the guide’s explanation and a short look around, but not an extended fort exploration. The pace can feel brisk if you need extra time on hills or uneven ground.

Good shoes matter here. Cycling shoes are not required, but sandals with poor grip could make the walk less comfortable. The operator requires a moderate fitness level and says participants should be in good physical shape. That warning is worth taking seriously because the day combines cycling, walking, and an uphill hike.

The beach finish at Willowbank Resort

After the trail and historic stops, you head to Willowbank Resort and Conference Center for a beach break. You can swim in the ocean and enjoy a complimentary soft drink.

This is one of the tour’s smartest features. The water gives you a chance to cool off after the trail, and the beach adds a relaxed end to an outing that can otherwise feel fairly active. It also gives people in a mixed-ability group something pleasant to do while they catch their breath.

The beach visit is scheduled for about 30 minutes, so think of it as a refreshing swim rather than a full afternoon at the shore. Timing can be affected by late departures, boat transfers, or the pace of the group. Some people have found the beach portion shorter than expected.

Bring swimwear under your cycling clothes or in an easy-to-reach bag, plus a towel if the operator does not specifically provide one. The confirmed inclusions are equipment and bottled water, while the soft drink is part of the beach stop. Do not assume that beach time will be long enough for a leisurely change of clothes and extended sunbathing.

The boat transfer can change the feel of the day

One of the most important practical points is that some departures include a boat ride between the Royal Naval Dockyard and the cycling area. The boat may be used to speed up the transfer, but it can also become a sightseeing component.

Reports describe a boat ride of about 20 minutes in some cases, while other departures spent much longer on the water. The boat may pause to look for sea turtles or a shipwreck, and it can also be shared with a kayak excursion.

That will delight some people. Bermuda’s water is a fine introduction to the island, and a friendly captain can make the ride entertaining. If you booked this mainly for cycling, though, the extra time on the water may feel like lost riding time.

I would confirm the current transfer plan when booking, especially if you are arriving on a cruise ship and have a fixed return schedule. The published duration is about three hours and 30 minutes, but the division between boat travel, cycling, walking, and beach time may vary.

Is the $116.67 price fair?

At $116.67 per person, this is not a budget bike rental. You are paying for a guide, equipment, bottled water, transport arrangements when used, historical stops, and the beach portion.

The value depends on what you want from Bermuda. For a visitor who wants an organized way to reach the railway trail, hear local stories, visit Fort Scaur, and finish with a swim, the price can be reasonable. You do not have to arrange bikes, plan a route, or work out how to connect several out-of-the-way stops.

For a strong cyclist seeking maximum time in the saddle, the value is weaker. You may spend a meaningful part of the schedule on the boat, listening to explanations, walking to the fort, or waiting at stops. A self-directed ride could offer more cycling, but it would not provide the same guided context or organized beach visit.

The 4.3 rating from 42 reviews points to a generally positive but mixed experience. The most consistent praise goes to the guides, the scenic view from Fort Scaur, the unusual Somerset Bridge, and the chance to see Bermuda beyond the main roads. The sharpest criticism concerns limited cycling, rough trail conditions, and the amount of boat transportation.

Who should book this outing?

I would recommend it to you if you want an active half-day with several kinds of sightseeing. It works well for families with older children, couples, and cruise visitors who want a guided introduction to Bermuda without spending the entire day on a coach.

The minimum age is 10, the minimum height is 58 inches, and the maximum weight is 250 pounds. You should be comfortable riding a bike and walking on uneven ground. The operator specifically asks for moderate fitness and good physical shape.

This is less suitable if you have knee, balance, or mobility problems, or if you dislike rough trails. It is also a questionable choice for serious cyclists who want a continuous ride. The route may be described as six miles, but the day is built around stops and short walks.

Morning and afternoon departures are available. Choose based on your wider Bermuda schedule, but allow enough flexibility for boat movements and the full three-and-a-half-hour duration.

Final call: book it for variety, not mileage

I would book this tour if your ideal Bermuda outing includes a little cycling, a little hiking, local history, water views, and a swim. The guides can add real value, and Fort Scaur, Heydon Trust, and Somerset Bridge give the day a clear sense of place.

I would skip it if your main goal is a long, smooth bike ride. The rough trail, walking sections, possible boat transfer, and short beach stop mean the experience is broader than its title suggests.

Before paying, ask how much of your departure will be spent on the boat and how much time is expected on the bikes. If you are happy with a varied outing rather than a pure cycling workout, the mix can be a very enjoyable way to see Bermuda from a quieter angle.

FAQ

How long does the Railway Trail Bike and Beach Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes, including the cycling, sightseeing stops, walking, and beach visit.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at the Island Tour Centre, Dockyard Watersports Centre, 4 North Arm Drive, Sandys MA 01, Bermuda. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Is the Bermuda Railway Trail paved?

The trail is relatively flat but can include dirt, rocks, roots, and uneven sections. You may need to walk your bike in some places.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour visits Willowbank Resort and Conference Center, where you can swim at the beach and receive a complimentary soft drink.

What are the age, height, and weight requirements?

The minimum age is 10 years. The minimum height is 58 inches, or 147 centimeters, and the maximum weight is 250 pounds.

What happens if the tour is canceled because of weather?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants, and the same options apply if that minimum is not reached.