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Your Isle of Wight coastal path guide
Many holidaymakers want to experience what nature offers during their getaways, and the Isle of Wight coastal walks are some of the best examples of this.
The Isle of Wight, coastal path walks are among the most popular things to do on this extraordinary island, and they are even better when you’re situated at an Isle of Wight holiday park located right next to the coast.
If you want some help planning your next trip, surrounded by the beauty of the best coastal walks on the Isle of Wight, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to get your holiday started right!
The top 14 best spots along the Isle of Wight coastal path
The Isle of Wight coastal path is around 70 miles, so it's a great stretch that can take a couple of days or up to a month to complete.
This is why many people walk certain parts of it on their trip instead of the whole thing, especially as some parts of the route are very rural.
Depending on what you want to see, there are many parts of the Isle of Wight coastal path that you can walk along.
Here are some of the hotspots along the path that you may want to visit during your scenic seascape getaway:
Sandown to Shanklin
Starting at the vibrant Sandown known for its Victorian pier and sandy beaches. The walk then winds along the cliff edge – the English Channel looks amazing from here! Travelling further, you can witness the evolving coastal landscapes—walking from the bustling beachfront of Sandown to the charming seaside town of Shanklin.
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Yarmouth to Totland
On the island's western side, this Isle of Wight coastal walk is from Yarmouth to Totland. Starting in the historic town of Yarmouth, the landscape gradually transforms as you follow the Isle of Wight Coastal Path. View the Solent and the distant mainland, appreciating the evolving coastal scenery.
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Niton to Blackgang Chine
Visit the southwestern landscapes with a linear walk from Niton to Blackgang Chine. You can start in Niton, a village perched on the cliffs, and follow the coastal path towards Blackgang Chine, the UK's oldest amusement park. Appreciate the natural and cultural aspects of the region, which give it such an eccentric charm.
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Compton Bay to Brook
If you're after a more rugged coastal experience, why not embark on a linear walk from Compton Bay to Brook – although it can also be made into a circular walk? Compton Bay is known for its fossil-rich cliffs and golden sands, and this walk along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path will take you towards the village of Brook.
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Culver Down to Bembridge
Take on this linear walk from Culver Down to Bembridge along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, which can also be a circular walk if that suits you best and you want to increase your steps. Start near Bembridge, and you'll ascend Culver Down, where panoramic views of Whitecliff Bay. Gradually descending towards Bembridge, and explore elevated cliffs.
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Steephill Cove to Ventnor
Take in the natural beauty of the Isle of Wight's southern coast – from Steephill Cove to Ventnor -along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, which can be both a linear and circular walk. For a tranquil experience, you'll start at Steephill Cove, framed by cliffs. Walk from an intimate cove to the bustling seaside town of Ventnor.
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Shanklin to Ventnor
Starting at the vibrant Sandown known for its Victorian pier and sandy beaches. The walk then winds along the cliff edge – the English Channel looks amazing from here! Travelling further, you can witness the evolving coastal landscapes—walking from the bustling beachfront of Sandown to the charming seaside town of Shanklin.
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Tennyson Down to Freshwater Bay
From Tennyson Down to Freshwater Bay, you'll start at Tennyson Down, a prominent chalk ridge named after the renowned poet Lord Alfred Tennyson. The path meanders along the cliff edge, revealing panoramic vistas that inspired Tennyson's famous poetry. As you head toward Freshwater Bay, the rugged cliffs give way to a picturesque bay.
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Freshwater Bay to Colwell Bay
On the western side of the Isle of Wight, this linear coastal walk from Freshwater Bay to Colwell Bay will show you some of the island's wonders. Begin at the dramatic Freshwater Bay, where the cliffs rise dramatically from the sea. This Isle of Wight coastal walk takes a linear progression, so you can have an immersive journey along the coast.
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Bembridge to St. Helens
The walk from Bembridge to St. Helens traces the eastern coastline along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, making it either a linear or circular walk. Starting near Bembridge Harbour, you can walk through the maritime atmosphere that sets the tone for the rest of the walk. You'll witness the changing landscapes.
Find out moreIt's time to immerse yourself in nature: Uncover circular walks on the Isle of Wight
While taking on the Isle of Wight coastal path and visiting some of the best Isle of Wight hotspots, you should also know some of the other walking routes you can take along the path. Most people like to take circular walks, which involve starting at one point, walking in a big loop, and ending up back where you started.
Ventnor and Bonchurch Circular Walk
Firstly, the Ventnor and Bonchurch Circular Walk allows you to discover the southern allure of the Isle of Wight. Starting in the Victorian seaside town of Ventnor, you can catch some stunning views of the English Channel along the way. As you arrive at the quaint village of Bonchurch, you can immerse yourself in its picturesque cottage.
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Brighstone and Mottistone Circular Walk
If you want to experience the rural beauty of the Isle of Wight, you can try the Brighstone and Mottistone Circular Walk. This circular route starts in Brighstone, a village known for its thatched cottages and Norman church. It then takes you through the rolling countryside. Along the way, you can pass by the Mottistone Manor Gardens.
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Ryde to Seaview Circular Walk
On the eastern coast of the Isle of Wight, this is a popular circular walk from Ryde to Seaview and back. The circular route starts in the vibrant town of Ryde known for its sandy beaches and Victorian pier. You can enjoy views of the Eastern Solent and pass through the charming village of Seaview to take in the maritime surroundings.
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St. Catherine's Oratory and Knowles Farm
If you love history and natural beauty, this Isle of Wight coastal walk is perfect! With the St. Catherine's Oratory and Knowles Farm Circular Walk, you start near Blackgang Chine, which will take you along the coastal path. It has views of St. Catherine's Oratory, a medieval lighthouse known as the Pepperpot.
Find out moreIsle of Wight Coastal Path FAQs
The Isle of Wight Coastal Path is extremely long, so you’ll likely have various questions to help you tackle sections of it in the best way for you!
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your next getaway, which will include plenty of walking and stunning views along the way!
How long does walking the Isle of Wight coastal path take?
The Isle of Wight coastal path takes approximately six days of walking to complete, as it covers 112 kilometres (70 miles).
This is why many people cover the path in sections, as it’s a great deal of walking to cover, especially whilst on holiday.
The time it takes to walk the entire coastal path may vary depending on whether you count rest days! But, if you want to walk the entire Isle of Wight coastal path, you can do so over a set of days if you fancy exploring the whole thing, or you can try out shortened versions of the walk.
How long is the coastline of the Isle of Wight?
The entire coastline of the Isle of Wight is approximately 92 kilometres (57 miles), giving you plenty of space to walk along it and take in some stunning views.
Parts of the coastline are perfect for everyone—children, adults, and even dogs in dog-friendly areas.
How hard is it to walk the Isle of Wight coastal path?
The Isle of Wight coastal path is a well-signposted trail that is considered to be of moderate difficulty. To make the path a more leisurely experience, if that’s what you’re after during your next holiday, you can always split the trail into manageable day walks and stay within the towns along the route.
Fortunately, you can tailor the path to suit your needs so you can have the most enjoyable experience possible!