9 Days & 8 Nights

4.2

Isle of Wight Coastal Path | 9 Days

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, the Isle of Wight is a very appealing destination. 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 Ryde and following the coast in an anti-clockwise direction prepare to splendour in the delights the Isle of Wight has to offer. The unspoiled 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 West Wight and Bembridge, and wonder at the natural beauty of the estuaries in the north.

From £999.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Ryde and overnight

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 (1.5 hrs), Bristol (2.5 hrs) and Southampton (1hr) frequently. If you are planning to drive to Portsmouth, 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

Accommodation

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.

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.

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.

Day 2 Ryde to Cowes 8.5 miles / 14 km

Leaving Ryde you pass the church at Binstead, where there has been a place of worship since Norman times. Strolling through woodland you reach the ruins of the original Quarr Abbey before the latest incarnation a little further along the trail. Crossing Wootton Creek you enter Wootton and minor roads take you into small copses and onto Osborn house which is worthy of a slight diversion. After East Cowes, you cross the floating bridge and into the historic town of Cowes.

Overnight Cowes

Accommodation

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.

One Fifty | Bed and breakfast

One Fifty is a large, comfortable family home offering lovely B&B accommodation, set in a lovely residential road. They have four rooms - each one is spacious with modern, elegant interiors, beautiful linen, private bathrooms/showers and everything to make your stay a relaxed and comfortable one. Flat screen TV, free WiFi access, tea & coffee trays and daily fresh fruit bowls, bath robes, Bath House toiletries and handmade soap are available in all rooms.

Best Western New Holmwood Hotel | Hotel

The Best Western New Holmwood Hotel is situated at Egypt Point, home to a multitude of world famous yachting events. The hotel offers fantastic panoramic views across the solent from its public areas with Cowes being only a 15 - 20-minute walk along the waterfront. The hotel has a superb sea facing restaurant offering top quality cuisine.

The Caledon | Bed and breakfast

The Caledon is a family run bed and breakfast in Cowes on the beautiful Isle of Wight. They offer the perfect mix of a friendly, welcoming bed and breakfast with the spacious, non intrusive feel of a small hotel. The lovely Victorian guest house has a modern feel, with original floorboards, high ceilings and lots of Victorian features. All of the bedrooms are recently refurbished in a modern, relaxed style.

Day 3 Cowes to Shalfleet, Transfer to Cowes 9 miles / 14 km

This walk follows the seafront westwards out of Cowes to Gurnard Bay. Then along the coast path proper, down to Thorness Bay with excellent views of the Solent and across to Hampshire. From here the route takes you inland, across farmland to the small hamlet of Newtown then on to Shalfleet. As there are limited accommodation options in Shalfleet, you will be transferred back to Cowes for your overnight accommodation.

Overnight Cowes

Accommodation

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.

One Fifty | Bed and breakfast

Best Western New Holmwood Hotel | Hotel

The Caledon | Bed and breakfast

Day 4 Transfer to Shalfleet, walk to Yarmouth 7.5 miles / 12 km

There are superb views over the Newtown River wetlands and the Solent on today’s walk. Lymington and Hurst Castle spit are visible on the Hampshire coast. Red squirrels are common in the woods around Hamstead and all manner of wading birds inhabit the estuary so take some binoculars just in case. As there is limited accommodation in Yarmouth you may stay overnight in Totland Bay this evening which is approx 1.5 miles further on from Yarmouth.

Furthermore, due to 2x night minimum stays in Freshwater Bay (the next overnight stop on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path) you may end up staying in Freshwater Bay instead of Yarmouth or Totland. If this is the case you will need to take a bus (runs hourly), taxi (paid locally) or walk inland (adds 3.5 miles of distance) from Yarmouth to your overnight accommodation in Freshwater Bay. Details of this are given in your included information pack.

Overnight Yarmouth

Accommodation

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.

The Bugle Coaching Inn | Inn

The Bugle Coaching Inn is a charming 16th century flagship freehouse inn situated in the very heart of Yarmouth’s market square and a stone’s throw from the sea and harbour.

Little Bassett B&B | Bed and breakfast

Little Bassett is located on the Coastal Path and just 150 metres away from the beautiful beach of Colwell Bay. Completly refurbished, Little Bassett was opened in March 2020 and is open all year round. All rooms are comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.

Medlars B&B

Originally a stone thatched barn, Medlars was converted to living accommodation in the 1950s and is now a comfortable B&B with plenty of character and high standard of accommodation. Located in a tranquil area of the West Wight and less than a mile from Yarmouth town centre (15 min walk) with its numerous restaurants and pubs, it is just off the coast path and cycle route making it a great base for exploring the stunning Isle of Wight.

Day 5 Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay 9.5 miles / 15 km

In this section, you are treated to stunning views at almost every turn. From Headon Warren, the Hampshire Coast with Hurst Castle Spit looks almost close enough to touch, with Yarmouth and the Solent over your shoulder. Arriving at the Needles, take the short detour to the battery viewpoint for the best panorama of the sea stacks and lighthouse. From Tennyson Downs, you have views of both sides of the island stretching into the distance. On a clear day, you should be able to make out Portsmouth and the Spinnaker Tower in the distance.

Due to a 2x night minimum stay in Freshwater Bay at weekends, you may be starting from Freshwater Bay today, therefore you will need to make your way back to Yarmouth. If this is the case you will need to take a bus (runs hourly), taxi (paid locally) or walk inland from Freshwater Bay (adds 2.5 miles to your walking distance) to the start of your walk-in Yarmouth. Details of this are given in your included information pack.

Overnight Freshwater Bay

Accommodation

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.

Ruskin Lodge | Bed and breakfast

You can expect a warm welcome and friendly atmosphere at Ruskin Lodge. This late Victorian property has been sympathetically and tastefully restored. All their rooms are comfortable and spacious with original art work and period features.

The Bay Boutique Bed and Breakfast | Bed and breakfast

The Bay is a small, family run boutique bed and breakfast accommodation located in a quiet road just a few minutes’ walk from Freshwater Bay in West Wight; an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Day 6 Freshwater Bay to Chale 11.5 miles / 18.5 km

The route is a proper coastal path, following the cliff line all the way to Chale. There are good views south-eastwards to St.Catherine’s Point and back to Tennyson Down and the Needles. The change in geology is very marked on this coast with the transition from chalk to softer sandstones and clay. The result is some spectacular coastal erosion and landslips.

Overnight Chale

Accommodation

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.

Wight Mouse Inn | Inn

You can enjoy great food, fantastic service and a warm welcome at The Wight Mouse. Their restaurant offers lunch, afternoon coffee or dinner in this most unique of locations. With spectacular sunsets and wonderful views right down to the Needles, The Wight Mouse is the perfect place for a pre-dinner aperitif on the patio.

Day 7 Chale to Sandown 12.5 miles / 20 km

After Chale, you see the quirky 14th-century Pepper Pot on Niton Down, built as a penance from the Pope for the ‘misappropriation’ of wine from a shipwreck. Traversing above the undercliff to St Lawrence you rejoin the cliff path that takes you to charming Ventnor. After spending time at Ventnor, its Botanical gardens and strolling along the seafront to nearby Bonchurch you ascend over Luccombe cliffs, hugging the coastline to the Victorian promenades of Shanklin and Sandown.

Overnight Sandown

Accommodation

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.

Inglewood Guesthouse | Bed and breakfast

A deceptively large Victorian house built around 1900 which retains many original features. Inglewood has 8 bedrooms all with en suite or private bathrooms, flatscreen Freeview TV/DVDs, tea, coffee & hot chocolate making facilities.

The Clifton | Hotel

Relax and unwind in this Victorian seaside villa with stunning sea views.

The St Leonards | Bed and breakfast

The St Leonards offers a warm, friendly atmosphere, comfortable surroundings and freshly prepared home cooked food.

Day 8 Sandown to Ryde 12.5 miles / 20 km

Great views are afforded from Bembridge Down in every direction, over the eastern approaches to the Solent and the busy waterway of the Channel. There are lovely coastal sections around Whitecliff Bay and Bembridge Harbour to enjoy. The small coastal village of Seaview is a delight before returning to the more workmanlike ferry port of Ryde. There is a great sense of achievement knowing you have completed the circuit of the island.

Overnight Ryde

Accommodation

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.

Royal Esplanade | Hotel

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.

Day 9 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 8kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 8kg is equivalent to 12 pints of local beer at the bar. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

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.

Trip 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&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Coastal Walking

Grade & Terrain

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.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation Information

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.

Navigation What's Included

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 Travel & Transfers

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

Baggage 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.

Info & FAQ

General Information

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

Coastal Path diversions

It should be noted that the Isle of Wight Coastal Path is subject to numerous path diversions year after year due to coastal erosion and path maintenance. An up-to-date list of the current closures is found here: https://www.iow.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-heritage/recreation-and-leisure/public-rights-of-way/current-closures/

Walking Direction

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

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

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.