Walking
The Isle of Wight has more than 500 miles of carefully maintained public rights of way, a network providing access to most of its 147 square miles of glorious coast and countryside. This offers an excellent environment for walkers and the perfect destination for a walking holiday.
Over half of the Island has been designated by the Countryside Commission as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are almost 30 miles of 'Heritage Coast' a designation applied to coastlines of only the highest quality in England and Wales. The diversity of this unspoilt landscape makes walking holidays a delight. Discover the panoramic views from the high downs, much of which are in the care of the National Trust, the tranquillity of ancient forests, the picturesque farms and villages nestling in fertile valleys and some 60 miles of stunning, unspoilt coastline.
In 1998 the Isle of Wight Council was the first authority in England to achieve the Countryside Commission's National Target for Rights of Way.
- Tertiary Navigation
Newton Estuary
A national nature reserve of remote, flat landscape of mud-flats, salt marshes, ancient woodlands and meadows, accessed from a rickety bridge with boggy mud-flats on both sides. There are actually five estuaries to explore, crammed with exotically-named flora and fauna.
St Boniface Down
High above south coast Ventnor and Bonchurch. This is an energetic walk uphill past grazing sheep but well worth it for panoramic views of the Isle of Wight and beyond.
Walking with Dinosaurs
The walking with dinosaurs territory at Hanover point and the surfers’ paradise Compton Bay, where you might stumble on the clay footprint of a dinosaur from 120 million years bc and your dog might unearth a prehistoric bone.
Freshwater Causeway
A long, flat waterside walk to Yarmouth estuary – great for a sustained run. Once an old railway track, this scenic route along the river estuary is one of the best places to spot a host of birdlife and, if you are lucky, red squirrels.
Little Colorado
The ‘little Colorado’ landscape above St. Catherine’s lighthouse, spectacular for its unparalleled views of the disappearing cliffs of south coast Isle of Wight. This is the perfect dog walk away from civilisation with splendid views of majestic red cliffs all around, some challenging hill walking (a real test of fitness levels) and the option to clamber down, through admittedly-boggy land, to a long stretch of virgin sand below.
Tennyson Down
Tennyson down, the famous cliff walk from freshwater westward towards the Needles. This is a dramatic walk through a part of the island deservedly designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Bonchurch Landslip
Bonchurch landslip, a 1½ mile cliff walk from Victorian Bonchurch along narrow leafy lanes to pretty Luccombe Chine, with the sea far below. This is an area of continuing cliff erosion, so expect the changes to the walk as time progresses
Ventnor
Ventnor, a long expanse of red sand beach with crashing waves. Great in winter, whether you’re on two legs or four, it’s all about beating the tide on Ventnor beach. Breakers come crashing into the red sands, knocking the adventurous flat. The game is to avoid getting drenched.
The Duver
At low tide this east coast resort near Bembridge is a feast of rock-pools. The Isle of Wight may be famous for its sandy beaches but the rock-pools and this long shingle stretch make great exploring for dogs and children.
Tiny Steephill Cove
West of Ventnor, is a well-kept local secret. Accessed down a steep, narrow lane, what this beach lacks in sand, it makes up in rock pools. It’s a great place for beachcombing and sniffing out all manner of treasures.