Discover 15 of the best short walks on the Isle of Wight, all carefully chosen to showcase the island’s coast, countryside and much-loved landmarks in under three hours. From resort promenades and quiet estuaries to castle ruins and clifftop views, this collection offers a relaxed way to experience the island on foot with confidence, without tough climbs or challenging terrain – perfect for families, casual walkers and anyone holidaying on the Isle of Wight.

• This guidebook focuses on easy to moderate routes that are generally short and straightforward, with only gentle ascents and no technical ground, making them suitable for children, older walkers and mixed-ability groups
• Each of the 15 short walks includes clear, easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps tied to numbered route descriptions, helping you stay on track from start to finish
• Routes span from charming villages and seaside towns like Godshill and St Helens to discovering famous attractions like The Needles, Carisbrooke Castle, Quarr Abbey and the Tennyson Trail
• All details of your day out are covered, including where to park, and refreshment opportunities along the route and in key locations such as Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor and Ryde
• The walks are viable all year round, with off-season visits offering less-crowded trails, though you should be prepared for some mud after wet weather

Part of Cicerone’s Short Walks series, this Isle of Wight guidebook brings together everything you need for simple, enjoyable days out with family: short, generally easy routes, straightforward navigation, and plenty of ideas for what to see along the way. Whether you’re visiting on a day-trip from Lymington or a longer holiday, it’s an ideal companion for discovering the island’s famous views, historic sites and classic seaside charm on foot.

Author Highlight

“Most walks feature dramatic sea views as a matter of course, and a few follow the island’s famed Coastal Path. These sea views are often best appreciated from the island’s many areas of downland, such as St Catherine’s Down in the south (Walk 8), and High Down near the Needles (Walk 10). There are other charms, such as the lovely walk around Newtown Harbour Nature Reserve (Walk 13) and the pretty inland ramble through the woodland around Newchurch (Walk 4).”

- Paul Curtis, author of 15 Short Walks on the Isle of Wight

Using this guide
Route summary table
Map key
Introduction
Walking on the Isle of Wight
Where to stay
Getting there and around
The Walks
Walk 1 St Helens village and shoreline

Walk 2 Brading and Nunwell Down

Walk 3 Sandown and Shanklin

Walk 4 Newchurch and the River Yar
Walk 5 Godshill and Freemantle Gate

Walk 6 Ventnor and Bonchurch

Walk 7 Niton Undercliff and St Catherine’s Lighthouse

Walk 8 St Catherine’s Down

Walk 9 Afton Down and Compton Down

Walk 10 Freshwater to Alum Bay

Walk 11 Alum Bay to Colwell

Walk 12 Yarmouth and the Western Yar estuary

Walk 13 Newtown and Newtown Harbour

Walk 14 Newport and Carisbrooke

Walk 15 Ryde to Fishbourne
Useful information

Seasons

The walks are viable all year round, but mud can be an issue after wet weather. Go off-season to maximise tranquility, although the island seldom feels crowded.

Centres

Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor, Freshwater and Yarmouth

Difficulty

The walks are all short and generally easy, suitable for children and pensioners as a rule. There is some ascent on most walks, but never too steep or too long. Wear sensible clothing, especially footwear.

Must See

Famous attractions The Needles, Carisbrooke Castle and Quarr Abbey; popular seaside resorts of Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor and Ryde; picture-postcard Godshill; magnificent views including the ‘Back of the Wight’ from St Catherine’s Oratory Lighthouse, two coasts from the Tennyson Trail, and Sandown Bay from the top of Brading Down.

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