Explore the Isle of Wight with day walks through dramatic cliffs, rolling downland, marshes, woods, and historic villages, suitable for walkers of all abilities. Plus, discover the full 125km (78-mile) Coastal Path that circles the island, showcasing over 80% of the National Landscape and its iconic landmarks in a rewarding multi-day challenge.

This guidebook presents all the options you need for walking on the Isle of Wight. 21 graded day walks, each taking between 2 and 8 hours to complete, allow walkers of all abilities to experience the best that the coast and countryside on the island has to offer, from cliff tops and beaches to ancient woodlands and quiet downland. Complementing these is the fully described Isle of Wight Coastal Path, a long-distance route that circumnavigates the island anti-clockwise in eight stages, with options to complete it in five to eight days.

• Each walk and Coastal Path stage is supported by clear, step-by-step route descriptions and 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps, helping you navigate confidently whether on a day walk or planning a multi-day adventure
• Day walks start from easy access points, including Newport, Cowes and Shanklin, and the guidebook includes practical information on refreshment stops and public transport options to explore without relying on a car
• Discover local highlights such as The Needles, Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle and ancient woodlands, as well as quieter harbours, downland views and seasonal wildlife
• Accommodation listings in coastal towns and villages, plus notes on island buses linking Coastal Path stages, are provided so you can use one central base or continue around the island in one loop 
• Downloadable GPX files are provided for all routes as a digital navigation option on both smartphones and GPS devices 

Immerse yourself in the island’s coastal beauty, historic villages, and varied countryside. Whether you choose day walks, the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, or a combination of both, this practical, trusted guidebook gives you everything you need to navigate and plan your walking adventures with confidence.

Walking on the Isle of Wight – Quick Facts

Guide name: Walking on the Isle of Wight – The Isle of Wight Coastal Path and 21 walks 
Location: Isle of Wight, southern England, UK 
Coastal Path distance: ~125 km / ~78 miles (circuit of the island) 
Day walks: 21 graded day walks (varied distances ~8–30 km / 5–19 mi) 
Typical duration: Day walks ~2–8 hours; Coastal Path ~5–8 days (staged) 
Start / Finish: Island‑wide network; Coastal Path circumnavigates anti‑clockwise 
Walk type: Combination of long‑distance coastal route + day countryside & coastal strolls 
Difficulty: Easy to moderate–strenuous (graded; average fitness recommended) 
Terrain: Dramatic cliffs, rolling downland, marshes, woods, forests & historic villages 
Navigation: Clear step‑by‑step descriptions, 1:50 000 OS maps & GPX files included

Author Highlight 

“While there are jaw-dropping views such as those from the magnificent coastline of West Wight, St Boniface, Culver and Brading Downs, around St Catherine’s Point and The Needles, there is also a gentler, more intimate beauty at numerous locations unknown even to many islanders. These include the peaceful haven of Newtown Harbour, the utterly beguiling Niton Undercliff on the southern tip of the island, and the forests of Parkhurst and Brighstone, which provide a lonely but rich walking experience.”

- Paul Curtis, author of Walking on the Isle of Wight

Map key 
Route summary tables 
Stage facilities planner 
Overview profile/staging options

Introduction 
Geography and landscape 
A potted history 
Modern society 
Principal locations 
Wildlife 
When to go 
Getting to the island 
Getting around 
Accommodation 
What to take 
Safety 
The countryside 
Walking in groups 
Walking with children 
Using this guide 

COASTAL PATH 
Stage 1 Cowes to Shalfleet 
Stage 2 Shalfleet to Yarmouth 
Stage 3 Yarmouth to Alum Bay 
Stage 4 Alum Bay to Brook 
Stage 5 Brook to Ventnor 
Stage 6 Ventnor to Sandown 
Stage 7 Sandown to Ryde 
Stage 8 Ryde to East Cowes 

WEST WIGHT 
Walk 1 Newport and Shorwell figure of eight 
Walk 2 Shorwell to Whitwell 
Walk 3 Brighstone circular 
Walk 4 Brighstone to Yarmouth 
Walk 5 Yarmouth circular 
Walk 6 Freshwater circular 
Walk 7 Shalfleet and Newtown circular 
Walk 8 Shalfleet to Newport 
Walk 9 Tennyson Trail 

EAST WIGHT 
Walk 10 Shanklin circular via Nettlecombe 
Walk 11 Shanklin circular via America Wood 
Walk 12 Niton circular (the two lighthouses walk) 
Walk 13 Ashey and Newchurch circular 
Walk 14 Ryde to Ventnor 
Walk 15 Brading and St Helens circular 
Walk 16 Wootton Bridge circular 
Walk 17 Wootton Station to Newport 
Walk 18 Bembridge Trail 
Walk 19 Worsley Trail 
Walk 20 Arreton to Brading 
Walk 21 Godshill to Ventnor 

Appendix A  Accommodation listings 
Appendix B  Useful contacts 

Seasons

The Isle of Wight enjoys a more temperate climate than the mainland. Late spring to autumn is ideal for inland walks, while the Coastal Path is well suited to winter, offering wild and dramatic scenery. Some inland routes can be very muddy during the winter months.

Centres

Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor, Godshill, Ryde, Yarmouth, Newport

Difficulty

Walks are graded from ‘easy’ to ‘moderate–strenuous’. Routes marked ‘easy’ can be enjoyed by children at the discretion of parents, but the guide is best suited to adults with at least average fitness. No special equipment is required for any of the walks.

Must See

The Isle of Wight boasts a magnificent and varied Coastal Path with constant outstanding views. Highlights include St Catherine’s Lighthouse, fossil-rich Compton Bay, and red squirrels in ancient woodlands. Explore honey-pot villages with cosy pubs, the historic Carisbrooke Castle, and the unique microclimate of Ventnor. Discover under-explored gems like the peaceful Newtown Harbour. Over half the island is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and was home to poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Walkers can follow the Tennyson Trail (Walk 9) to experience the landscapes that inspired his work.

July 2025

Coast path diversions

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