Discover the top 10 places to explore on foot on the Isle of Wight, from beautiful beaches to stunning clifftop walks.
If you’re looking to explore the Isle of Wight on foot, there’s no shortage of beautiful destinations to choose from. Each explore below will provide you with wonderful sights to see and give you a unique viewpoint of the island.
Each destination offers a unique experience to explore the island’s natural beauty. You can be walking in lush sub-tropical surroundings on the south coast of the Island enjoying the famous micro-climate, or climbing steep paths that wind their way up to wonderful viewpoints. The old railway lines are around every corner to explore, or adventure into one of the many forests and enjoy the stunning countryside. There is literally to many places to cram into a short blog, but we have listed 10 favourites below for you to enjoy!
The Needles
The Needles is a beautiful and iconic destination on the Isle of Wight. There are many ways to explore and view the stunning chalk cliffs. Depending on how far you want to walk, you can either start at the Needles landmark car park or and head up towards Headon Warren to get a panoramic view of The Needles, pack a picnic and sit and enjoy the view on a clear day. Or park in Totland or Freshwater bay and take a circular walk (Around 6 miles) over Headon Warren, past Alum Bay and then along the Down to the Needles Battery. Don’t forget to pack your sun cream and hat if going in the summer, this area is very exposed with little shelter. Check out this Headon Warren Walk
Tennyson Down
Tennyson Down offers some of the most stunning views of the South coast of the island, with rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful coastal vistas. The footpath along the ridge is an exhilarating walk and not for the feint hearted, with sheer steep cliff faces, you will feel like you are on top of the world!. (Check the weather strong winds may stop you from wanting to walk up there!). Start and end in Freshwater, there is plenty of parking. Check out this Trail Guide
Alum Bay
Alum Bay offers a unique and colourful experience with its multi-coloured sands and cliffs. Take a stroll along the beach and explore the beautiful landscape. This is a short walk (Less than 1 mile) down to the beach via steep steps. The steps run from the Needles attraction down to the beach (you can take the chair lift back up if you wish!) and you can get really up close to see the coloured sand cliffs. It is worth a walk to just explore the beach and get a wonderful view up close of Alum Bay and the coloured sands.
Steephill Cove
Steephill Cove is a hidden gem, tucked away on the southern coast of the island. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views while exploring the footpaths and coastal trails. It’s a lovely little cove with fabulous coastal walks going in all directions.
There is plenty of parking in Ventnor, and well marked footpaths going along the seafront. We find it easy to park in Ventnor Botanic Gardens (£5 for all day parking) and walk down along the coastal paths into Steephill.
This is also a perfect spot for Lizard spotting on a warm day! Again this is a short walk depending on where you park, but with plenty of footpaths to choose from to access Steephill you will be spoilt for choice.
St. Catherine’s Oratory
St. Catherine’s Oratory is an iconic landmark on the island, locally known as the Pepperpot and dating back to the 14th century – its free to visit. Explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy the stunning views of the island. You really will feel on top of the world. There is a car park directly below the landmark. This area of the island is simply magnificent and wild, you can spend hours exploring the paths in this area. Learn more
Compton Bay
Compton Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, it feels wild and isolated, with its rolling waves and dramatic cliffs – it is very different to the more popular beaches of Sandown, and Ryde for example. We recommend planning a day at Compton. Take a walk along the beach and explore the surrounding footpaths and trails. With plenty of parking and even an ice cream van if your lucky, it’s a great place to see the fascinating south coast of the Island. Walk along the beach but take care at high tide as the beach narrows. You can walk in both directions along the beach, and explore the landscape, at low tide you can fossil hunt for hours.
We recommend packing a picnic or you can head to the Isle of Wight Pearl restaurant for some refreshments. More details here
Bonchurch – Luccombe Landslip
The Bonchurch Landslip is a fascinating geological formation that has been shaped by landslips and erosion over thousands of years. The area offers a unique and interesting walking experience. With plenty of marked footpaths you can spend days exploring this area on foot. It can get pretty steep in areas so take care.
Check out this blog on exploring the Undercliff
Newtown Nature Reserve
The Newtown Nature Reserve is a peaceful and beautiful destination, offering a variety of walking trails through woodland and along the estuary. It’s also a great spot for bird watching, paddle boarding or just sitting and watching the world go by.
Park in the National Trust Car park, there is refreshments and toilets available. The local National Trust team are so helpful and can help answer any questions you may have about the area and what you may see.
There is walks in all directions from the car park, our favourite is through the woods then along to the creek and hide.
Bembridge Down
Bembridge Down offers stunning views of the island’s eastern coast, with its rolling hills and dramatic cliffs. The footpath along the ridge is a great way to explore the area. There is so much to explore from Bembridge Fort (Check opening times) to the battery remains, and the views across the Solent on a clear day are breath taking. With plenty of parking on the Down you will be spoilt for choice on places to explore.
Ventnor Botanic Garden
Ventnor Botanic Garden offers a unique and beautiful walking experience, with its exotic plants and stunning views of the coastline. Take a stroll through the gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. You will genuinely feel like you are in a sub-tropical country with the micro-climate, on a sunny day your explore will be sheltered and restorative.
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