Walking
The Isle of Wight has more than 500 miles of carefully maintained public rights of way, a network providing access to most of its 147 square miles of glorious coast and countryside. This offers an excellent environment for walkers and the perfect destination for a walking holiday.
Over half of the Island has been designated by the Countryside Commission as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are almost 30 miles of 'Heritage Coast' a designation applied to coastlines of only the highest quality in England and Wales. The diversity of this unspoilt landscape makes walking holidays a delight. Discover the panoramic views from the high downs, much of which are in the care of the National Trust, the tranquillity of ancient forests, the picturesque farms and villages nestling in fertile valleys and some 60 miles of stunning, unspoilt coastline.
In 1998 the Isle of Wight Council was the first authority in England to achieve the Countryside Commission's National Target for Rights of Way.
- Tertiary Navigation
Across the Island
Across the Island
Ryde
The route: 42 miles, Recommended maps and route guides: OS Landranger sheet 196,OS Explorer sheet OL29, Coastal Path and Inland Trails on the Isle of Wight (available from Isle of Wight Tourist Information Centres). Worth a stop: Quarr Abbey; Arreton Church; Carisbrooke Castle; Dimbola Lodge; Tennyson Monument.
Bonchurch Landslip
BonChurch
Ventnor
Bonchurch landslip, a 1½ mile cliff walk from Victorian Bonchurch along narrow leafy lanes to pretty Luccombe Chine, with the sea far below. This is an area of continuing cliff erosion, so expect the changes to the walk as time progresses.
Steephill Cove
Steephill Cove
Ventnor
PO38 1SS
Steephill Cove to the Spyglass Inn,Ventnor. Moderate walking. 2 1 /2kms /1 1 /2mls.3 /4-1 hour.Steep in places so care is needed with the elderly and infirm. High spots: Great views of Ventnor ’s Victorian skyline as you approach the traditional seaside resort. Take time out to explore the interest-filled shoreline of Steephill Cove at the start.
Coastal Walk 1
Seaview Hotel
Seaview
PO34 5EX
Seaview village to Priory Bay. 4 1 /2kms /2 3 /4mls.1-1 1 /2 hours. Ideal family walking, mostly on sand. Dogs prohibited from beach May-September and owners must clean up after dogs October-April. High spots: At low tide,the vast tree- backed sandy beach of Priory Bay is well worth the walk as is the ever-changing light on the shore-line rocks at Seaview.Grading: Easy walking.
Coastal Walk 2
Seaview Hotel
Seaview
PO34 5EX
Seaview village to Priory Bay. 4 1 /2kms /2 3 /4mls.1-1 1 /2 hours. Ideal family walking, mostly on sand. Dogs prohibited from beach May-September and owners must clean up after dogs October-April. High spots: At low tide,the vast tree- backed sandy beach of Priory Bay is well worth the walk as is the ever-changing light on the shore-line rocks at Seaview.Grading: Easy walking