Isle of Wight Coastal Path

Arrive in Cowes, a thriving harbour town where in addition to the world-famous Cowes Week in early August, there tends to be boating events on at most times throughout the season.

From Cowes, the trail follows the promenade along the sea wall out of town and heads onto the clifftop path to Gurnard Head. It descends onto the beach at Thorness Bay where you are likely to see wading birds, including oystercatchers, ringed plovers and redshanks.

Next head inland to Newtown Estuary and the village of Shalfleet beyond which is one of the most tranquil and aesthetically pleasing parts of the island, especially during the summer months.

This seclusion continues as the walk meanders through Bouldnor Forest and ends just before picturesque Port of Yarmouth with its delightful high street, beautiful houses, and independent shops.

A spectacular section of the path as the trail heads towards the remote western end of the island.

From Yarmouth, the route follows the sea wall, heads briefly inland and returns to the sea again at pretty Colwell Bay. After Totland Bay, a gradual climb leads to a magnificent vista across to High Down and the iconic Needles. Descend to visit the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay, where a rest will be well earned.

Next, you ascend the white cliffs towards the iconic Needles where a slight detour takes you to a scenic viewpoint. The trail follows the chalk ridge of Tennyson Down affording spectacular views of this part of the Island and beyond. It descends to peaceful Freshwater Bay and continues along the coast to the pretty little village of Brighstone.

This section begins by ambling over the cliff tops allowing superb views of the crumbling coastline.

The chines (steep gullies) are a special coastal feature of this area and as you meander along the clifftop it is easy to imagine the smuggling trade of old making good use of this relatively remote stretch of coast.

After the peaceful village of St Lawrence, the walk along the cliff path takes you to charming Ventnor with its Mediterranean-feel and esplanade. Stroll along the seafront to Bonchurch, over Luccombe cliffs and along the Victorian promenade into the lively seaside resort of Shanklin.

The next day of this wonderful coastal trail begins by walking alongside the sandy beaches of Shanklin and Sandown with their Victorian promenades. The path then climbs up to the sea cliffs of Bembridge Down offering sweeping views of Sandown Bay and its sandy beach behind.

After descending gradually to magnificent Whitecliff Bay, enjoy a well-earned rest at the Crab and Lobster Inn in pretty Bembridge with its substantial harbour and wetlands reserve.

Explore sublime Priory Bay, Seagrove Bay and the lovely seaside village of Seaview, before continuing along the shoreline to Ryde. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Island’, the town enjoys several miles of golden, sandy beaches and a beautiful Victorian Pier. The seafront is packed with pubs, restaurants and shops.

Your final day on the coastal path links the two historic towns of Ryde and Cowes. You will meander past abbey ruins, a formal Royal residence, and a modern-day vineyard.

The Coastal Path leaves Ryde and heads towards the little-known but magnificent Quarr Abbey. Running a little further from the coast than in later sections it moves inland to pass stunning Osborne House.

After East Cowes, the trail crosses the floating bridge to West Cowes where your walk will end.

After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path.