Isle of Wight Coastal Path ( 9 Days & 8 Nights)

Isle of Wight Coastal Path - 9 Days & 8 Nights

9 Days & 8 Nights 4.3 Read 53 reviews

Follow the coastal path along deserted sandy beaches and hidden bays
Marvel at the island's iconic landmark 'The Needles' chalk rocks
Stay in bustling harbour towns where a warm welcome is guaranteed
Admire the white cliffs and far-reaching views from Tennyson Down
Hunt for prehistoric fossils on deserted sandy beaches

With over half of the island designated as an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, almost 30 miles of heritage coast and an abundance of sunshine make the Isle of Wight a very appealing and welcoming destination in Britain. Add to this the wonderful 67-mile coastal path circumnavigating the island and you have a walker's paradise just waiting to be explored. Starting in the historic town of Ryde and following the coast in an anti-clockwise direction prepare to splendour in the delights the Isle of Wight has to offer. The unspoilt landscape has so much to offer, you can visit the blue flag beaches at Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor and wander through the charming towns of Cowes and Yarmouth. Escape into the wide open spaces of Tennyson Down, watch the wildlife of the West Wight and Bembridge, and wonder at the natural beauty of the estuaries in the north and the rolling downs running south to the sea.

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What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

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

Tour Type:

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!

Activity:

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

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Coastal Walking

Activity Level & Terrain

The grade of your trip depends on the itinerary you choose – currently we offer variations of this coastal walk between 4 and 7 walking days. 7 days being easy, 6 and 5 days being easy to moderate, 4 days being moderate to strenuous. Most of the walks on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path are easy-going and mainly flat, except for a few short (and sometimes steep) climbs, such as ‘Devil’s Chimney’ just outside Ventnor. The route is a mixture of paths, tracks and minor roads.

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.

Navigation

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.

Accommodations

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.

Included

Overnight stays in handpicked B&B's, Guest Houses and small hotels
Door to door baggage transfers
A detailed information pack, maps, and route notes
Access to the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our offices

Excluded

Lunches, snacks, dinners, and drinks
Suitable travel insurance
Travel to/from Ryde and public transport
Personal equipment

Extras

Extra nights

When To Go

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!

Getting to the Start

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.

Getting from the End

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.

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

Luggage Transfer

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.

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.

Walking Direction

Our itineraries follow an anti-clockwise direction, as this is the preferred route for baggage transfer services.

Dogs

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers do not accept pets.

Equipment

You will need good walking shoes (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack as well as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. This route involves a few climbs where you may find it useful to have your walking poles. As this route primarily follows the coast, we recommend bringing windproof clothing to make it easier to progress.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Starting Point: Ryde

Ryde is located on the East coast of the Isle of Wight and is serviced by regular transport from Portsmouth (South England). You can catch a high-speed passenger catamaran (Wightlink) which connects with railway stations at either end in less than 22 mins.

Direct mainline train connections run from Portsmouth to London Waterloo (1.5 - 2 hrs), Brighton (1.5hrs), Bristol (2.5 hrs) and Southampton (1hr) frequently. If you are planning to drive to Portsmouth then you can leave your car at the port in the long-stay multi-story car park for a charge. You can also catch the superfast hovercraft (Hovertravel) service from Southsea to Ryde in just 10 mins.

Ryde itself boasts wide beaches with shallow waters and a beautiful Victorian Pier. Ryde is the gateway to the Island, a busy seaside town full of life.

Overnight Ryde

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ryde Castle Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

The stately Ryde Castle sits on Ryde Esplanade. Character, history, and fantastic sea views across the Solent make this majestic building the ideal place to stay on the Isle of Wight.

Some of their rooms have four-poster beds, most have fantastic sea views, but all are inviting, and offer wonderful comfort, fabulous décor and the promise of a restful night’s sleep.

Park Lodge B&B | Bed and breakfast

Park Ryde B&B is a small B&B offering a very warm welcome in the centre of Ryde. Enjoy their tasty breakfasts and a good night's sleep in their comfortable rooms.

Royal Esplanade | Hotel

The seventy room Royal Esplanade Hotel is a listed building pleasantly situated, facing the Solent, in the centre of the attractive sea-side town of Ryde. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. The newly refurbished Harry’s Bar and Brasserie is open to residents and non-residents and offers a relaxed dining experience. The décor is classically styled - reminiscent of the golden age of Bogarde and Casablanca - complete with Kensian Palms.

Day 2 Ryde to Cowes 8.5 miles / 14 km Day 3 Cowes to Shalfleet, transfer to Cowes 9 miles / 14 km Day 4 Transfer to Shalfleet, walk to Yarmouth/Totland Bay. 7.5 miles / 12 km Day 5 Yarmouth/Totland Bay to Freshwater Bay 9.5 miles / 15 km Day 6 Freshwater Bay to Chale 11.5 miles / 18.5 km Day 7 Chale to Sandown 12.5 miles / 20 km Day 8 Sandown to Ryde 12.5 miles / 20 km Day 9 Onward Travel

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