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| Isle of Wight Coastal Path | |
|---|---|
 AboveAlum Bay | |
 | |
| Length | 67 mi (108 km) |
| Location | Isle of Wight, England |
| Trailheads | Circular walk, accessible by bus or train at many points |
| Use | Dog Walking, Hiking, Running, Cycling |
| Difficulty | Easy: A few significant hills, varied surfaces |
| Season | All year |
TheIsle of Wight Coastal Path (orCoastal Footpath) is a circularlong-distance footpath of 70 miles (110 km) around theIsle of Wight, England. It followspublic footpaths and minor lanes, with some sections along roads.
The path is waymarked in both directions and can be started at any point, but is described hereclockwise from the pier atRyde (grid referenceSZ594929).
From the bus station byRyde Pier, the path follows the Esplanade close to the beach. It passesAppley Tower andPuckpool Point before rejoining the coast road toSeaview. It then climbs inland on footpaths, skirting Priory Woods, before returning to sea level atThe Duver nearSt Helen's Old Church. Then the path crosses the edge ofBembridge Harbour on the old mill wall, using Embankment Road to pass the houseboats in the harbour. The path then continues into Bembridge and to the Lifeboat Station.[1]
The path follows the coast around the eastern tip of the Island at Foreland, then skirts the cliffs aboveWhitecliff Bay. This part is subject to regular erosion; as of 2012 a section at Foreland is closed (walkers may prefer to divert and walk through Bembridge village). From Whitecliff Bay and its caravan park the path climbs steadily toCulver Down and the Yarborough Monument, with impressive views acrossSandown Bay and across the Solent toPortsmouth. Dropping fairly steeply away from Culver Down, the path meets the beach again atYaverland, then passes theIsle of Wight Zoo and entersSandown.
The two-mile coastal walk between Sandown and Shanklin[2] is a popular attraction, with a choice of the moderately undulating coastal (cliff) path or the flat sea wall promenade. At Shanklin, there is a "cliff lift" (open Summer only), which may help make the decision. There are a couple of cafes on the cliff open during the summer months.
FromShanklin[3] the path passes the Fisherman's Cottage pub on the beach at the foot ofShanklin Chine, before climbing Appley Steps up the side of the cliff and then through the edge of Shanklin. It continues uphill on a minor road, passingLuccombe village, where there are magnificent views across Sandown Bay. It then follows paths and steps through the woods of theBonchurch Landslips (where a side path ascends to theDevil's Chimney) before reaching the sea again atHorseshore Bay. It then follows the sea wall for two miles until reachingVentnor.
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Description of Niton to Brighstone IOW coastal path
Starting 100 metres west of The Albion Hotel, the path is a steady climb ascendingTennyson Down where at its peak stands the Tennyson memorial. The path continues forward to theNeedles Old Battery (National Trust) with views overAlum Bay.
Away from the approaches to East Cowes and Yarmouth, the majority of this section follows inland roads and many unmade, muddy public footpaths. Between Thorness Bay andHamstead Point the path takes a circuitous 7 mile route viaNewtown andShalfleet to avoid a rifle range and theNewtown River.
The total official length of this section is 17 miles.[4]
Walking on roads until the outskirts ofFishbourne, then along a track pastQuarr Abbey andRyde Golf Course, then roads intoRyde.
The route is circular and one can join at any point.
The route is easily accessible by public transport:Ryde andYarmouth Bus Stations are on the route, andSouthern Vectis bus routes stop near the route. Ferry services from the mainland arrive atYarmouth,Cowes,East Cowes,Fishbourne andRyde, all of which are on the route. Additionally,Ryde Esplanade andLake railway stations are on the path, andShanklin andSandown stations are less than 750m away.
There are some sections, notably between Blackgang andBrook, where public transport is limited. Small public car parks are located along theMilitary Road, most of which are free. In other locations, car parking on the route is within an urban or semi-urban area and a fee is charged.
TheOrdnance Survey maps covering the route are:
Both publications cover the entire route, although theExplorer has the greater detail.
The route is mostly waymarked with signs, showing a seagull symbol and the words "Coastal Footpath" Some signs include the next destination(s) on the route, with the distance in miles.
The route can be completed in as little as two long days but that is not advisable.
| Unitary authorities | |
|---|---|
| Major settlements (cities in italics) | |
| Rivers | |
| Topics | |
50°43′58″N1°09′35″W / 50.73269°N 1.15969°W /50.73269; -1.15969
