Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath
Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath
Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath
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christine s
Stourbridge, UK678 contributions
Jun 2021
As regular walkers,covering an average of 10-14 miles per day each day for a week we booked to go to the isle of wight and walk part of the coastal path,haveing done lots of long distance uk walks.
So we started at the n.eddles,walking stages as per the walk guide,1st to Yarmouth,then across the path following the solent,salfleet,cowes,bembridge,sandown,,with the bus route as a back up to return daily to our bb.
This has got to be the worst signed walk in the uk,no regular ,where you need them,we met several walkers who said the same,any extra miles incurred due to 3-4 split tracks leading away from the main route.
This needs re signing if the island wants to attract more walkers,however we also found local resistance to encoage walkers,paths blocked,some signs removed,rope paths,field paths blocked at gates.,with r0ad verges un cut forceing walking in roads en route,walking in traffic.
We will complete this walk later in the tear and hope the message of better signage is a priority.
The scenery,ever changeing ,woods,flowers,wild life all make the island a second visit,and walking allows time to view the real Isle of Wight.Stunning.
So we started at the n.eddles,walking stages as per the walk guide,1st to Yarmouth,then across the path following the solent,salfleet,cowes,bembridge,sandown,,with the bus route as a back up to return daily to our bb.
This has got to be the worst signed walk in the uk,no regular ,where you need them,we met several walkers who said the same,any extra miles incurred due to 3-4 split tracks leading away from the main route.
This needs re signing if the island wants to attract more walkers,however we also found local resistance to encoage walkers,paths blocked,some signs removed,rope paths,field paths blocked at gates.,with r0ad verges un cut forceing walking in roads en route,walking in traffic.
We will complete this walk later in the tear and hope the message of better signage is a priority.
The scenery,ever changeing ,woods,flowers,wild life all make the island a second visit,and walking allows time to view the real Isle of Wight.Stunning.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stewart C
Chatham, UK1,074 contributions
Aug 2021
Isle of Wight Coastal Footpath (Niton to Chale)
We had planned to walk a section of the Isle of Wight coastal path from Niton to the Isle of Wight Pearl on a Thursday whilst staying on the island. Unfortunately due to an enveloping sea mist reducing the visibility to something like 70 metres, we abandoned at Chale and returned the way we had come.
We started our walk at Barrak Shute in Niton and we found street parking close to where the trail started. The (signposted) path starts up what appears to be a long driveway before branching off into a field. After leaving the field the path follows the cliff top giving good elevated views over the landslip and also of St Catherines lighthouse and there are some nominated viewpoints along the way. Visitors wishing to visit the lighthouse may depart from the coastal path down a long flight of steps.
Continuing on, the walker follows the cliff edge and can gain some fine views initially over the south west coast of the island, then out over the Blackgang theme park and further away the area of coastline showing the extent of coastal erosion in this area though on the day for us, the visibility was becoming limited by the time we reached this point.
A pathway through what looks to be an overflow car park for Blackgang, brings the walker out by the Blackgang roundabout and here you will have to cross the road to find a grass verge to walk along. As the road approaches the outskirts of Chale the path diverts down towards the coast once more emerging roughly opposite St Andrews church in Chale.
With visibility now fading and also a persistent rain beginning to fall we contented ourselves with a look around the church and its burial ground before heading to the ‘Wight Mouse’ public house for a coffee before returning the way we had come back to Niton.
The section that we walked was reasonably well signposted and the path was mostly on well-marked earthen paths. The section from the Blackgang roundabout to the outskirts of Chale village requires the walker to use the grass verges of the road and also crossing the road on several occasions. There are some uphill sections to reach the cliff tops and this was steeper on the return leg when heading towards Niton.
We had planned to walk a section of the Isle of Wight coastal path from Niton to the Isle of Wight Pearl on a Thursday whilst staying on the island. Unfortunately due to an enveloping sea mist reducing the visibility to something like 70 metres, we abandoned at Chale and returned the way we had come.
We started our walk at Barrak Shute in Niton and we found street parking close to where the trail started. The (signposted) path starts up what appears to be a long driveway before branching off into a field. After leaving the field the path follows the cliff top giving good elevated views over the landslip and also of St Catherines lighthouse and there are some nominated viewpoints along the way. Visitors wishing to visit the lighthouse may depart from the coastal path down a long flight of steps.
Continuing on, the walker follows the cliff edge and can gain some fine views initially over the south west coast of the island, then out over the Blackgang theme park and further away the area of coastline showing the extent of coastal erosion in this area though on the day for us, the visibility was becoming limited by the time we reached this point.
A pathway through what looks to be an overflow car park for Blackgang, brings the walker out by the Blackgang roundabout and here you will have to cross the road to find a grass verge to walk along. As the road approaches the outskirts of Chale the path diverts down towards the coast once more emerging roughly opposite St Andrews church in Chale.
With visibility now fading and also a persistent rain beginning to fall we contented ourselves with a look around the church and its burial ground before heading to the ‘Wight Mouse’ public house for a coffee before returning the way we had come back to Niton.
The section that we walked was reasonably well signposted and the path was mostly on well-marked earthen paths. The section from the Blackgang roundabout to the outskirts of Chale village requires the walker to use the grass verges of the road and also crossing the road on several occasions. There are some uphill sections to reach the cliff tops and this was steeper on the return leg when heading towards Niton.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex
London, UK21 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Shanklin to Sandown is amazing! Sandown to Bembridge is good, and to St Helen is ok (mainly road). The Priory Bay part was a nightmare!
That part where you can't walk on the beach and have to climb into the forest - the local government neglects it, and according to locals, there is also a lobby of hotel and apartment owners who want people to stay away as they claim in their ads that beaches are private (they're not).
Priory Bay is dangerous if you take the Coastal Path, and please be careful.
Also, if you had enough in that area: going to the bus stop is another adventure and another danger. The bus stop toward Ryde is hidden in the overgrown bushes behind thorns, and you might be required to stand on the road to wave to the bus.
That part where you can't walk on the beach and have to climb into the forest - the local government neglects it, and according to locals, there is also a lobby of hotel and apartment owners who want people to stay away as they claim in their ads that beaches are private (they're not).
Priory Bay is dangerous if you take the Coastal Path, and please be careful.
Also, if you had enough in that area: going to the bus stop is another adventure and another danger. The bus stop toward Ryde is hidden in the overgrown bushes behind thorns, and you might be required to stand on the road to wave to the bus.
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrsmuffinmon
Ryde, UK64 contributions
Aug 2020
This usually beautiful walk is closed for a while due to landslip. This was a pretty serious landslip affecting the middle and Bembridge areas of the path. Be aware that the path is REALLY dodgy and unless you're very foolhardy, wait till it's fixed.
Written October 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travellerflynn
Woking, UK31 contributions
Aug 2020
Great, free and maintained resource in the Isle of Wight! We enjoyed beautiful coastal views and lots of good exercise. However, some of the routes (particularly the stretches between Ryde and Cowes and around Shalfleet) we spent more time on pathless and busy roads than on the coast. Highlights included around The Needles, the Niton undercliff and Ventnor to Shanklin.
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
902mavis
Swanage, UK22 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
First visit to the Iske if Wight. We walked a lot of different footpaths, really enjoyed how well marked they are. Between five and ten miles most days, but there always seemed shorter routes if you needed them So much diversity from the coast line to forest and countryside. The circular walk from Bembridge was our favourite. Tip, take coffee and snacks with you, lots of pubs etc not open on Mondays and Tuesdays and some paths were very muddy.
Written May 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JudithandPaul2006
Peterborough, UK70 contributions
Sep 2021
A great walk through various terrain and challenging as a result. It was certainly hillier than we thought and certainly stretched our stamina. We went over four days, but would recommend at least five days. Plenty of good places to eat and drink along the way. Scenery stunning if you get the right weather. Better signposted than some had mentioned, but still room for improvement.
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerry G
Upper Marham, UK8 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
My husbabd and I did snippets of the coastal path due to having booked a cottage. The signage was very clear but only posted for a change in direction, there is a lot of road walking on all sides so do not think it is a true coastal path with sea views everywhere. The paths were well kept and there are lots of additional routes, all well signposted if you have a map and see a more scenic route.
Written May 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
656KarenG
York, UK11 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
There are 2 ways to walk from Shanklin to Sandown, we walked over the top following the costal path which is in parts hilly ok for abled bodied or reasonably agile people. There are seats along the path to rest your weary bones. We walked the way back from Sandown to Shanklin via the beach path and passed various beach huts and rock faces, this was a completely flat walk and easy on the joints. You follow the sea all the way and this was a lovely walk, lots of people used this including people with dogs, wheelchairs and babies so great for all. Total distance there and back about 3.5 miles
Written October 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Supersox2015
Newbury, UK19 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
We started out full of optimism for the five mile walk or clamber.when we reached our highest point Culver down We had in mind a couple of pints in the pub but the pub was closed so we walked on to Sandown. I'm 73 and my wife is 71 and to be honest it was one hill to far. To put it in context a young man ran past us and five minutes later past us going back down ( oh to be young again !) It was worth it for the stunning views and to say we had done it, but next time it will be the car.
Written March 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ed H
Houston, TX10 contributions
We can only spend 1 and 1/2 days in IOW but would like to walk some. Wish we had more time but would like to see the best of the best and hoping you can recommend. Looking for a 5 to 7 mile stretch with the best scenery.
Any advice you can lend would be appreciated.
robnrachel
Isle of Wight, UK12 contributions
Freshwater bay to the needles and back through alum bay
Tricky_Dicky69
St Mary's Bay, UK718 contributions
I'm going to be walking from Yarmouth to Sandown via The Needles etc. Is it all well signposted or are there any sections that are particularly difficult to find your way.
Helen A
Upton upon Severn, UK221 contributions
The bit I walked on from Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay was well signposted, but we made sure we followed the directions published online.
Richard L
Mariental, Namibia64 contributions
Can somebody please tell if there are any water taps around the island and locations? Especially between Fresh Water Bay and West Cowes. Planning on running the whole Island in a day with just a waterbottle and some gels :)
Margaret C
5 contributions
Shall be in Sandown at end February. How easy or difficult to find coast path up to Culver .Down and back, in an afternoon.......before dark?
Have not been there for many years.
Thank you.
kassandrus
Gouda, The Netherlands84 contributions
we had never any trouble finding the coast path.
Uli D
Yarmouth, UK7 contributions
where does the path start
Daisymoouk
Portsmouth, UK81 contributions
It rings the island look out for blue signs with a white bird.
2Barnetts2015
Rutland, UK
We are thinking about using the Hover craft, so would be coming via a bus from Ryde, please could you give me some information on which buses/stops to use.
Richard S
Seaview, UK31 contributions
Hi,
Open the Island buses website it is a mine of information included fares, timetables and places to see near the bus routes. Call into the ticket office at Ryde bus station for lots of help and advice.
Ryde hovercraft terminal and the bus station are pretty much adjacent.
The coastal path rings the Island and the Ryde section is directly outside the Hovercraft terminal.
Things to remember - the pay often has to swing inland so be prepared to walk along roads with limited footpaths, it's an Island so there are hills and cliffs and that's what stops us being flooded, much of the path follow the hills so stout shoes and strong legs are needed.
Enjoy.
Lil0ux
London, UK9 contributions
Hello, can we do the costal walk with a baby pushchair?
Thanks
Richard S
Seaview, UK31 contributions
Hi,
It depends. Pavement sections around the Island, no trouble and you are often next to the sea. Grassland sections are usually hilly but usually dry under foot. Some sections are along beaches and foreshore that are cut off at high tide.
Do your homework, plan ahead, be realistic and don't be over ambitious.
Enjoy.
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