These boots were made for walking

Get ready to lace up your hiking boots and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Isle of Wight’s breathtaking landscapes. With our diverse terrain, stunning coastline, and picturesque countryside, the Island offers a huge choice of routes suitable for every type of explorer. From leisurely strolls along sandy beaches to challenging hikes through some of our ancient woodlands, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Read on to uncover some of the must-do routes across the Island, complete with scenic views, historical landmarks, and, of course, tasty pit stops to refuel along the way…

Northern Navigations

Cowes to Gurnard Coastal trail:

• Distance: Approximately 2 miles

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: This flat walk is a great option for those with wheelchairs or prams, as it follows the flat promenade all the way from the sailing town of Cowes, to the pretty village of Gurnard. The views over The Solent towards Lymington and Yarmouth to the west, and Portsmouth to the East are nothing short of gorgeous. The promenade continues along ‘The Green’, flanked by a large grassy area with benches on one side and a pebble beach on the other. From here, you can watch sailing yachts racing 'around the cans' in close proximity to each other. Finish your walk with a stop at The Woodvale where the elevated position has to be one of the top spots for a dramatic Isle of Wight sunset. 

• Take a look at the walk here.

Ryde to Quarr Abbey:

• Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: This walk will take you from the bustling seaside town of Ryde to the peace and tranquillity of Quarr Abbey, home to a small group of Benedictine monks. From the pier, simply follow the coastal path as it takes you up through the town, through the pretty village of Binstead and then ancient woodland as you enter the grounds of the Abbey. Be sure to stop and look for the ruins of the original abbey built in 1132, very near to the site of the current one, which was rebuilt in 1912. At the Abbey, enjoy the pretty grounds, art gallery, a cup of tea and a slice of cake in the tea shop, before feeding the onsite pigs and their piglets - an absolute must!

• Take a look at the walk here.

Eastern Escapes

Bembridge to St Helens Coastal Walk:

• Distance: Approximately 5.8 miles

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Highlights: Enjoy panoramic views of The Solent as you stroll along the coastal path from St Helens to Bembridge. Look out for the iconic forts rising up out of the sea and the stunning sand dunes of St Helens Duver Nature Reserve, managed by the National Trust. After your walk, refuel at The Crab & Lobster pub in Bembridge, tucked away on Bembridge Ledge with its garden overlooking the sea you can dine with breathtaking views.

• Take a look at the walk here.

Culver Down Circular Walk:

• Distance: Around 3.8 miles

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Climb to the top of Culver Down and soak in the breathtaking vistas of the Island's eastern coastline, with sweeping views over Whitecliff Bay and Sandown Bay. Explore the historic Culver Down Battery, built in the 1860s to defend against French invasion. Whilst at the top, treat yourself to a hearty meal at The Culver Haven Inn, offering traditional pub fare and stunning views before descending back down to Yaverland. 

• Take a look at the walk here.

Southern Stomps

Ventnor Downs:

• Distance: Approximately 2 miles

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Wander across the scenic Ventnor Downs, where you will stumble across beautiful views and possibly a herd of the National Trust’s goats! At the highest point, you are 787ft (240m) above sea level and the chalky downland cliffs are the perfect place to spot the rare Adonis blue butterfly, which flies from late spring until late summer. Take a circular route following the many signs and you’ll end up back at the car park which was once home to a radar station which was built in 1937 and played an important role in the Battle of Britain, tracking enemy aircraft. Head into Ventnor for a bite to eat at The Spyglass Inn, where the views out over the English Channel will be worth the walk alone.

• Take a look at the walk here.

St. Catherine's Oratory Walk:

• Distance: Around 1 mile

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Highlights: You can park in the viewpoint car park just opposite before ascending to the summit where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Island's ‘Back of the Wight’ coastline. Explore the shell of a medieval lighthouse, known locally as ‘The Pepperpot’. It was built in 1314 as a penance for stealing wine from a merchant ship that ran aground on the treacherous rocks of nearby Atherfield Ledge. After your walk, relax at The Wight Mouse Inn in Chale, which was originally known as The Clarendon Hotel and was named after a famous shipwreck in the nearby waters when the ship Clarendon sunk in Chale Bay. Some of the wood in the pub came from that very shipwreck.

• Take a look at the walk here.

Western Wonders

The Needles Coastal Walk:

• Distance: Approximately 5.4 miles

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: Walk through the beautiful heather-rich Headon Warren before the iconic Needles come into view. As you follow the coastal path, marvel at the Needles Rocks and the stunning Alum Bay before arriving at The National Trust’s Needles Old Battery, a Military fort built to protect the Needles passage and the naval dockyard at Portsmouth from the threat of French attack in the 19th century. Discover the fascinating history of the battery and enjoy a cuppa and a slice of cake in the cafe, with its panoramic views, about as up close and personal to the chalky landmark as you can get without being in the water!

• Take a look at the walk here.

Tennyson Trail to Freshwater Bay:

• Distance: Around 7 miles.

• Difficulty: Challenging.

• Highlights: Follow in the footsteps of the famous poet laureate, Alfred, Lord Tennyson as you traverse the Tennyson Trail from Carisbrooke to Freshwater Bay. Drink in the breathtaking scenery of rolling countryside followed by dramatic cliffs, including Tennyson Down and the striking Mermaid Rock at Freshwater Bay. Recharge at Dimbola Museum & Galleries in Freshwater, the former home of the pioneering Victorian photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron. The tea room here is known for its delicious lunch options and choices of homemade cakes and is decked out in William Morris decor, a nod to the rich heritage of the area.

• Take a look at the walk here.

Central Charms

Brighstone Forest Circular Walk:

• Distance: Approximately 6 miles

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Escape into the heart of the Island's countryside with a circular walk through Brighstone Forest, the largest forest on the Isle of Wight. Wander beneath towering trees, keeping an eye out for red squirrels and other wildlife. You’ll find trails for walkers and cyclists and some of the best views around as you reach the highest point of the forest, looking out over downland towards the West Wight. After your walk, take a trip to the Isle of Wight Pearl Cafe, where you can enjoy a cosy atmosphere, stunning views and delicious food using local produce. 

• Take a look at the walk here.

Whippingham to Newport River Walk:

• Distance: Around 2 miles

• Difficulty: Easy.

• Highlights: The small village of Whippingham has many royal ties thanks to Queen Victoria making her summer home here. Spot Osborne, her former holiday home and the small church which was redesigned by her husband Prince Albert (the Queen’s personal pew can still be found inside.) From the church, follow the path that runs alongside the River Medina, and past the popular “sailors stop” the Folly Inn where you can grab a bite to eat and maybe catch some live music. Just past the Marina, you will see the sizeable remains of the Ryde Queen, a former paddle steamer which operated a ferry service back to the mainland before being moved to her current moorings to operate as a unique nightclub in the 1970s. Stick to the river along the paths and bridges until you reach Seaclose Park – the site of the iconic Isle of Wight Festival.

• Take a look at the walk here.