Isle of Wight Coastal Path - 9 Days & 8 Nights

If you enjoy wide, open spaces, stunning sea views and the sound of waves crashing into the high cliffs, then the Isle of Wight is for you. Graded from Easy upwards, walking the coastal path circuit can be enjoyed by everyone.

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

Solo Travellers

The grade of your trip depends on the itinerary you choose. Most of the walks on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path vary from easy to moderate in difficulty but are mainly flat and easy-going with the exception of a few short (and sometimes steep) climbs, such as ‘Devil’s Chimney’ just outside Ventnor. Currently, we offer three variations of this coastal walk, a 9, 8 and 7-day variant. The 9-day version is easiest going, shortening the distances each day, whereas the 8 and 7-day tours are a little bit more challenging with longer days. 

The path is predominantly coastal, apart from a few northern sections where the path leads away from the coast and heads inland between Ryde to Yarmouth (first two walking days). These walks bring variety to the route, taking you through fragrant gardens, along high cliffs, and wooded tracks. From Yarmouth onwards the route is nearly entirely coastal, visiting secluded beaches, skirting around cliff edges, and discovering rural areas. It should be noted that due to the natural effects of coastal erosion, there are a few sections (particularly along the south coast) where necessary de-tours have to be made inland where landslips have taken place. These will always be clearly marked but you may find yourself walking on roads for short sections on these de-tours. 

One of the highlights of this walking trip is the high standard of accommodations dotted along the coastal route. We have specifically chosen these Inns, Guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We always try and book your accommodation as close as possible to the line of the trail. Occasionally a short transfer may be required and this is always included in the price of your holiday.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

We welcome solo walkers on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path and single rooms can be booked upon request.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included to allow you to enjoy what the seaside towns have to offer. Most accommodations are more than happy to provide a packed lunch - this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs or restaurants.

Extra Nights

Many of our clients choose to add extra nights along the walk to sample more of the wonderful walking and attractions available on the island. Yarmouth, Freshwater Bay, Chale, Ventnor and Sandown are great choices for extra days. These pleasant and uncrowded towns and villages often feature additional day walks, wildlife opportunities or great beaches that can easily soak up a day!

Ryde and Cowes can offer attractive extensions and you shouldn’t forget Newport in the centre of the island – ideal for additional day walks and visiting the historic and imposing Carisbrooke Castle.

Bird watchers may want to take advantage of the isolation of the island which has preserved areas like the Medina Estuary between Ryde and Cowes, the Newtown Estuary north of Yarmouth, The Yar Estuary south of Yarmouth, and the wetlands at Bembridge—all prime spots to observe the wealth of wildlife on the island.

The route is waymarked extensively and clearly.  Usually with wooden posts with 'Coastal Path' noted on them. We also provide detailed maps and route notes you will also have access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS so you will have no problems finding the way. We recommend keeping an eye out for any signposts marking diversions - due to the nature of coastal walking these can happen at short notice. 

The Isle of Wight is said to have one of the mildest and sunniest climates in the UK and some areas of the island are sheltered by large cliffs. The Isle of Wight coastal path is best enjoyed between spring and autumn. July and August are the busiest time of year on the island when coastal towns can get quite busy. For a quieter visit, you may want to consider visiting early summer or autumn. That being said, we believe that anywhere between April and October should offer a wonderful experience!

NOTE: Due to the Isle of Wight Festival taking place in mid-June, accommodation is limited at this time and the island gets very busy.

Getting to the Isle of Wight is easy, it is an accessible island just off the South Coast of England. 

By Air—The closest airports to Portsmouth/Southsea (for ferries) are Bournemouth and Southampton. Slightly further afield you have London Gatwick, with many international connections.

By Rail—Portsmouth is on the main train line and takes approx 2hrs from London, 1.5hrs from Brighton and from Bristol its 2.5hrs.

By Car—the M27 spur runs off the M3 directly into the heart of Portsmouth, making driving an option.

You can save money and reduce the impact of tourism on the island by leaving your car in Portsmouth and catching a passenger ferry.  You can leave your car in the multistory car park for a nominal fee.

By Sea—Passenger ferries run from Portsmouth (crossing time 22 mins). Hovercrafts run from nearby Southsea (an incredible short crossing time of only 10 minutes)

If you need to take a car you should catch a ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourn, followed by a short drive to Ryde.

For more information about trains, ferries, or flights please read our Getting To & Around The Isle of Wight blog.

By Air—The closest airports to Portsmouth/Southsea (for ferries) are Bournemouth and Southampton. Slightly further afield you have London Gatwick, with many international connections.

By Rail—Portsmouth is on the main train line and takes approx 2hrs to London, 1.5hrs to Brighton and to Bristol it's 2.5hrs.

By Car—the M27 spur runs off the M3 directly into the heart of Portsmouth, making driving an option.

You can save money and reduce the impact of tourism on the island by leaving your car in Portsmouth and catching a passenger ferry.  You can leave your car in the multistory car park for a nominal fee.

By Sea—Passenger ferries run to Portsmouth (crossing time 22 mins). Hovercrafts run to nearby Southsea (an incredible short crossing time of only 10 minutes)

If you need to take a car you can drive from Ryde and then catch a ferry from Fishbourn to Portsmouth.

A good source of reference for travel details is the travel line website: www.traveline.org.uk  

Enjoy the ease of having your luggage transferred daily, allowing you to walk with just a light daypack and your packed lunch. Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved on to your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person.