Five of the best short walks on the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is just a short ferry ride away from the south coast. With nearly half the island designated as a National Landscape, as well as a variety of towns, villages and resorts, it's easy to see why so many visitors are attracted to this island every year. There are over 525km of footpaths to choose from, but these five are the perfect start to exploring the Isle of Wight; mostly flat and circular with public transport links when needed.
15 Short Walks on the Isle of Wight
£9.95
Discover 15 of the best short walks on the Isle of Wight. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.
More information
The best walk to explore Headon Warren...
What: Alum Bay to Colwell
Summary: A moderate ascent up Headon Warren rewards with stunning views towards the Needles, then a long but beautiful stretch of sea wall
Start: Needles Landmark Attraction, Alum Bay
Finish: Colwell
Time: 1hr 15min
Distance: 4.4km (2.7 miles)
Climb: 70m
Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy this walk, when the heather on Headon Warren glows purple, contrasting with the blue sea and the green foliage of the heathland. Once Headon Warren is left, you descend back to the sea, then follow a broad sea wall around Totland Bay and Colwell Bay. There is a small selection of rather upmarket cafes and restaurants to choose from on this stretch.
The best walk for those visiting Shanklin and Sandown...
What: Sandown and Shanklin
Summary: An easy section of the Coastal Path between two popular resorts –cliffs on the way out, shoreline on the return
Start/finish: Sandown Pier
Time: 1hr 45min
Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)
Climb: 70m
For anyone wanting a stroll by the sea, this route around Sandown Bay is a must. Very much a walk of two halves, it starts with an ascent from the seafront at Sandown, then takes a path – sometimes gently undulating – along the top of the sea cliffs, often with wonderful sea views, to the far side of Shanklin, descending to the shoreline via Shanklin Chine. Your return is initially along Shanklin seafront, then past beachfront chalets back towards Sandown.
The best walk to the island's southern tip...
What: Niton Undercliff and St Catherine's Lighthouse
Summary: A short stretch of scenic Coastal Path, a fantastic descent to the Undercliff, then St Catherine’s Lighthouse on the island’s southern tip
Start/finish: St John the Baptist Church, Niton
Time: 1hr 45min
Distance: 6.8km (4.2 miles)
Climb: 175m
Under-visited Niton Undercliff has an almost Mediterranean ambience and feels separate from the rest of the island. This lovely walk starts high above the Undercliff, in Niton itself. After a short, steep climb to the sea cliffs, join the Coastal Path above a beautiful stretch of coastline before descending seabound on a verdant path. Descend further on delightful, quiet lanes, skirt St Catherine’s Lighthouse, then re-ascend gradually to Niton on more quiet lanes and paths.
The best walk to view the iconic Needles...
What: Freshwater to Alum Bay
Summary: A short stretch of scenic Coastal Path, a fantastic descent to the Undercliff, then St Catherine’s Lighthouse on the island’s southern tip
Start: Stroud Recreation Ground, School Green Road, Freshwater
Finish: Needles Landmark Attraction, Alum Bay
Time: 2hr 15min
Distance: 8.6km (5.3 miles)
Climb: 245m
Definitely the most dramatic walk in the book! Attractive footpaths and quiet roads bring you to the sea at Freshwater Bay. Then you ascend to the Tennyson Monument, with spectacular views all the while, and go over the downs towards an incredible viewpoint overlooking the Needles. At the island’s end, turn east and continue past the Needles Batteries towards the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay.
The best walk for day trippers from Lymington...
What: Yarmouth and the Western Yar estuary
Summary: An easy and relaxing meander beside the river estuary, then quiet lanes, fields and woodland back to Yarmouth
Start/finish: Yarmouth bus stands/ferry terminal
Time: 1hr 45min
Distance: 6.7km (4.2 miles)
Climb: 40m
This walk is ideal for day-trippers catching the ferry from Lymington. It starts with a ramble on a 3km-long broad track beside the estuary of the Western Yar river. Then, after crossing the river on a delightful bridge, you ascend to Freshwater Old Village ‒ perhaps getting a drink or bite to eat at the Red Lion ‒ and return north along field and woodland footpaths, tracks and quiet lanes.
15 Short Walks on the Isle of Wight
£9.95
Discover 15 of the best short walks on the Isle of Wight. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.
More informationAll these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks Isle of Wight. Other highlights include Afton Down and Compton Down, Newport and Carisbrooke, and Ryde to Fishbourne. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.
