Enjoy the dynamic landscapes of the Isle of Wight while walking coastal paths
Circumnavigating the island on The Isle of Wight Coastal Path is a fulfilling achievement over a week of walking. Almost half of the island has been designated as an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Coastal Footpath is a circular long‑distance footpath consisting of 67 miles (107 km), unfolding on public footpaths and minor lanes, with some sections along roads. It should be noted that the path does not follow the coastline all the way, but also diverts inland for long sections.
There are lots of attractions to break up the actual walking days, including a visit to the holiday home of Queen Victoria, known as Osborne House. Many other buildings from this period still exist including Wippingham Church, the thatched church at Freshwater Bay, the famous seaside resorts such as Ventnor, Shanklin and Sandown and the great Palmerston fortresses, built at a time when French invasion was again feared. You will see several such features every day along the trail. Beyond this are much older towns such as Yarmouth and Newtown, which have their own interesting histories.
However, the island is much more than just that, it is a place of great natural beauty with glittering sea‑views across the Solent and English Channel, the white cliffs and sea‑stacks around The Needles, Tennyson Down, and miles of sandy beaches.
The Isle of Wight is a popular holiday destination, but shoulder-season is the perfect time to visit this stunning landscape when crowds are low.
Highlights of the Isle of Wight Walking Tour
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Isle of Wight Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Ryde
Ideally, take the train to Portsmouth and then the ferry or hovercraft over to the island. Ryde is a busy seaside town, take your time to explore and maybe try traditional fish ‘n’ chips on the promenade!
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Ryde
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Ryde to Cowes
Today is a straightforward walking day with no big hills, but with the attractions of Quarr Abbey, Osborne House and Cowes, it’s an exciting route! The Coast Path is for the most part a misnomer today, you are walking quite a way inland for much of the time as there is not a path following the coast more directly on this section, just tantalising glimpses of the sea in places and of the Spinnaker Tower at Portsmouth beyond the Solent. It is a day to get into the swing of the walking and spend time visiting some of the attractions, especially Osborne House.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Cowes
Distance: 15km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cowes to Yarmouth
Today’s walk spends some time walking close to the sea and dallies around the old estuary area near Newtown which used to be the busiest town on the island, now a nature reserve. The woodland section above Yarmouth is also very pretty with nice coastal views. There are some potentially muddy sections as you pass various sections of clay. There is a final promenade walk into Yarmouth town which has a bit of history connected with seafaring exploits and the castle.
Accommodation: Yarmouth - The Bugle Inn is a charming 16th century inn situated in the heart of Yarmouths market square and only a stone’s throw from the sea & harbour.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Yarmouth
Distance: 24km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay, via The Needles
This is a great walk with some fantastic views eventually over much of the island from Tennyson Down, if the weather is good, but also with a whole host of attractions. Today is the day to visit the Needles Park, view the famous sea-stacks and the military batteries, also the site of Britain’s Rocket testing from the 1950s. Freshwater Bay is also quite a pretty place with its thatched church. Although the walking distance is not fundamentally great, you can spend much time visiting various sites enroute easily doubling the time spent walking.
Note: If we are unable to book you into Freshwater for a 1 night stay then we will swap your night in Yarmouth for 2 nights in Freshwater. You can easily move between Yarmouth & Freshwater by bus or alternatively we can organise taxis (own expense).
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Freshwater Bay
Distance: 20km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Freshwater Bay to Chale
Today is what the Coastal Path is all about, a steady cliff top walk into Chale which connects you to the south east of the island. An undulating route with no big hills, just some short steep sections as you negotiate ‘Chines’ the little inlets caused by streams cutting through the clays to the sea, followed by muddy sections around the inlet. Care is needed throughout the day, cliffs are undercut and the coastline recedes every year. Today it is you and the sea and a totally different perspective. Chale Bay was at one time known as the Bay of Death; sixty ships were lost here between 1746 and 1808. Nearby are the Wealdon Beds which have yielded fossilised remains of dinosaurs. As the day draws on you approach St. Catherine’s Down with its mediaeval light house.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Chale
Distance: 18km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Chale to Sandown
Another day of beautiful coastal, or near coastal walking, after a long dalliance with the downs around St.Catherine’s Point, the most southerly tip of the island. After bypassing Niton, you arrive at three of the main resorts, Ventnor, Shanklin and then Sandown for your penultimate evening. On the way, apart from the odd ice cream, enjoy the tiny seaside village of Steephill Cove and ancient Bouldnor Church.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Sandown
Distance: 20km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Sandown to Ryde
A last flirtation with the downs as you walk over Culver Down with excellent views back to Shanklin and also onto Bembridge and Portsmouth, you then descend to Bembridge and its attractive harbour, before regaining the coast and some pretty beaches through Seaview before returning to Ryde, via a long seaside walk. There are some optional beachside sections which could be muddy. Why not celebrate your circumnavigation with a lovely meal this evening!
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Ryde
Distance: 22km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Trip concludes after breakfast
Arrangements end after breakfast.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Isle of Wight Walking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
The departures are available daily, from March 15th to October 20th. All the prices below are per person.
- Solo traveller: $1,795 USD
- Single room (travelling with group): $1,650 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,125 USD
Accommodation on Isle of Wight Walking Tour
There is a variety of accommodation along the route ranging from bed and breakfasts, country inns and small hotels. They are run by walker friendly hosts offering rooms and a tasty breakfast to get you ready for the walk ahead. Further facilities such as washing and drying facilities, packed lunches and packed lunches are available in some accommodations, you will be advised on your listing of what is available.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel/BBs in Isle of Wight
What’s Included in the Isle of Wight Walking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included. Packed lunches can be booked and paid for on arrival at your accommodation.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes luggage transfers for your luggage; however, you are in charge of any personal transfers needed.
Also Included
- Detailed documents, guides, route maps, and GPX tracks
- Emergency telephone support hotline for the duration of the tour
- Pre-planned route
Not included
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Flights
- Guide services
- Travel insurance
- Tourist hotel tax, payable each night at hotel
- Visas if required
- Airport transfers
- Gratuities for drivers, servers, or other staff if desired
Optional Extras
- Single occupancy upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions about Isle of Wight Walking Tour
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