Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/Isle-of-Wight-Coastal-Path-sign-2.jpg" alt="Isle of Wight coastal path sign" class="wp-image-31404" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/Isle-of-Wight-Coastal-Path-sign-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/Isle-of-Wight-Coastal-Path-sign-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/Isle-of-Wight-Coastal-Path-sign-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/Isle-of-Wight-Coastal-Path-sign-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/Isle-of-Wight-Coastal-Path-sign-2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There’s nothing like a spot of sea air to clear the mind. And with its miles of coastal paths, areas of outstanding natural beauty, chocolate-box villages and outdoorsy discoveries for kids, where better to <a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/coast-and-country/year-of-the-coast-2023#:~:text=2023%20is%20the%20Year%20of,come%20and%20celebrate%20with%20us." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celebrate 2023 being the Year of the Coast</a> than the beautiful Isle of Wight? Best foot forward – here’s a few of our favourite coastal walks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-western-yar-estuary-walk-easy-3-8-miles"><a href="https://www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk/things-to-do/walking/western-yar-estuary-walk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Western Yar Estuary Walk</a>. Easy. 3.8 miles</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1085" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Western-Yar-Estuary.jpg" alt="Oystercatcher Western Yar Estuary Yarmouth Isle of Wight coastal walks" class="wp-image-31412" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Western-Yar-Estuary.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Western-Yar-Estuary-800x579.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Western-Yar-Estuary-1000x723.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Western-Yar-Estuary-768x556.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Western-Yar-Estuary-726x525.jpg 726w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Pic: <a href="https://www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk/things-to-do/walking/western-yar-estuary-walk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yarmouth Harbour</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>A pretty circular walk with loads of wildlife spotting opportunities. Start in the coastal town of Yarmouth and passing beside the estuary along a cycle path which – until 1953 &#8211; was a railway line taking passengers to Freshwater and other Island towns. Look out for coastal birds like little egrets, oystercatchers and curlews taking a rest at low tide and the Isle of Wight’s sweet native red squirrels dashing around on the tree-lined bridleway.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/dbimgs/3.Brighstone-Niton.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brightstone to Niton</a>. Moderate. 8 miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1501" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Pepperpot.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-31405" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Pepperpot.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Pepperpot-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Pepperpot-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Pepperpot-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Pepperpot-768x769.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Pepperpot-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Pepperpot-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Pepperpot-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Running parallel to the famous Military Road along the southern cliff tops, this eight-mile walk is punctuated by narrow gullies, known as Chines. Among them, the impressive Whale Chine and famous Blackgang Chine, home to the family attraction. Crossing Niton Down, look out for the octagonal Pepper Pot (aka <a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/st-catherines-oratory-the-pepperpot-p1068221" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St. Catherine’s Oratory</a>, above), the remains of a medieval lighthouse and the Salt Cellar, an unfinished 18th century lighthouse. Take a breather at rest stops and viewpoints along the way to make the most of stunning views over the English Channel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/isle-of-wight/mottistone-gardens-and-estate/a-mottistone-meander-south-to-the-sea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mottistone Meander</a>. Easy. 2.8 miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1400" height="840" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/mottistonedown033.jpg" alt="Mottistone Down coastal Walks Isle of Wight Mottistone Gardens National Trust" class="wp-image-26491" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/mottistonedown033.jpg 1400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/mottistonedown033-800x480.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/mottistonedown033-1000x600.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/mottistonedown033-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/mottistonedown033-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px" /></figure>



<p>This pretty coastal walk stretches south from <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/mottistone-gardens-isle-of-wight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mottistone Gardens</a> to the cliffs at Sudmoor Point. Along the way, enjoy sea views and maybe an encounter with hares, birds and a rare orange butterfly that are all known to flit about in the grassy verges. Reaching the coast, there’s views of the beautiful Back of the Wight between Compton Bay and St. Catherine’s. Leave time for a meander around the gardens and some well-earned tea and cake in the café. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/dbimgs/5.Sandown-Ryde.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandown to Ryde</a>. Moderate. 12 miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-coast-around-seaview.jpg" alt="Coastal Walks Isle of Wight Seaview " class="wp-image-31403" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-coast-around-seaview.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-coast-around-seaview-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-coast-around-seaview-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-coast-around-seaview-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-coast-around-seaview-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Starting off on Sandown’s Victorian promenade, this 12-mile walk takes you up on to the National Trust-owned Bembridge Down and Culver Cliff with its imposing <a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/earl-of-yarborough-monument-p1068261" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earl of Yarborough Monument</a>, then down through woodlands near Whitecliff Bay. Head on to Bembridge, its beaches and harbour set against the spectacular backdrop of Culver Down, on through the sandy dunes and beautiful dunes at <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/isle-of-wight/st-helens-duver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Helens Duver</a>, through the pretty village of Seaview, finishing up in the port town of Ryde.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/dbimgs/1.Cowes-Yarmouth.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cowes to Yarmouth</a>. Challenging. 16 miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="986" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Newtown-Nature-Reserve.jpg" alt="Newtown nature reserve Isle of Wight coastal walks" class="wp-image-31407" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Newtown-Nature-Reserve.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Newtown-Nature-Reserve-800x526.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Newtown-Nature-Reserve-1000x657.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Newtown-Nature-Reserve-768x505.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Newtown-Nature-Reserve-799x525.jpg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Take the scenic route from the yachtie town of Cowes all the way to Yarmouth in West Wight. Wandering past woodlands and along cliff tops, this meandering coastal walk takes in views over the Solent to the mainland. Well worth a look, this coastal walk takes in the tranquil, National Trust-run <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/isle-of-wight/newtown-national-nature-reserve-and-old-town-hall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newtown River estuary and Old Town Hall</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/shanklin-walking-route" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandown to Shanklin</a>. Easy. 2 miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Shanklin-beach.jpg" alt="Visit Isle of Wight Shanklin beach" class="wp-image-31411" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Shanklin-beach.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Shanklin-beach-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Shanklin-beach-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Shanklin-beach-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-Shanklin-beach-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A leisurely stroll between the golden sand bays of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/towns/sandown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandown&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/towns/shanklin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shanklin</a>, this family-friendly walk takes you past&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/wildheart-animal-sanctuary-p145521" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildheart Animal Sanctuary</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/dinosaur-isle-p143561" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dinosaur Isle</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/sandham-gardens-p1728101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandham Gardens</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/sandown-pier-p139771" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandown Pier</a> – plenty to keep young explorers busy.&nbsp;For a family paddle, swim and sandcastle building, <a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/small-hope-beach-p974631" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Small Hope Beach</a> (to the left of Shanklin esplanade) is ideal. Wander on to The Old Village to find thatched cottages, quirky gift shops and traditional tea rooms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/dbimgs/Walk_Freshwater.pdf">Freshwater Bay to the Needles</a>. Moderate. 6 miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-The-Needles.jpg" alt="Visit Isle of Wight The Needles" class="wp-image-31402" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-The-Needles.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-The-Needles-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-The-Needles-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-The-Needles-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/07/VIOW-The-Needles-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>One of the most stunning coastal&nbsp;walks on the Isle of Wight, this circular route between Freshwater Bay and The Needles provides panoramic sea views of the English Channel towards France and the Solent. From Freshwater Bay, ascend towards the cross-shaped <a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/tennyson-monument-p1068241">Tennyson Monument</a>, making the most of rest stops on the way. With the most challenging climb over, its onwards to <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/isle-of-wight/the-needles-old-battery-and-new-battery">the Needles New and Old Battery</a>, the heathlands of <a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/headon-warren-west-high-down/?gclid=CjwKCAjwzJmlBhBBEiwAEJyLu7Ho2bFc-346HO0MSMyBHPrwJwutPNZNvrB-1bR85rqiTpGL12rt6BoCKrYQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">Headon Warren</a> and past Dimbola Lodge, once home to the pioneering photographer Julia Margaret Cameron.</p>



<p><em>For more information on walks, travel, accommodation and things to do on the Isle of Wight see <a href="https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/">Visitisleofwight.co.uk</a>.</em></p>


7 Stunning Isle of Wight coastal walks

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