Isle of Wight Coastal Walking
Isle of Wight Coastal Walking
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Isle of Wight Coastal Walking
8 Days Starting and ending in Ryde, England
Visiting: Ryde, Cowes, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, Sandown
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WOW
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Isle of Wight Coastal Walking tour, a self-guided adventure that takes you around the stunning Isle of Wight. Explore the island's rich history and natural beauty as you visit Queen Victoria's Osborne House, the Palmerston Forts, and the iconic Needles. Wander through charming towns like Old Yarmouth and the seaside village of Steephill Cove, and enjoy breathtaking cliff-top walks to Chale. Stay in cozy B&Bs and inns, with luggage transfers and an information pack provided. This tour offers a perfect blend of walking, sightseeing, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal getaway for nature and history enthusiasts.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Ryde
Location: Ryde
Accommodation Name: The Wight House
Ideally, take the train to Portsmouth and then the ferry or hovercraft over to the island. Ryde is a busy seaside town, take your time to explore and maybe try traditional fish 'n' chips on the promenade.
Accommodation: Ryde - The Wight House is situated close to the sandy beaches
Day 2 : Ryde to Cowes 15 km / 9.3 miles / 4 hours
Location: Cowes
Accommodation Name: Best Western Holmewood Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a straight forward walking day with no big hills, but with the attractions of Quarr Abbey, Osborne House and Cowes. The Coast Path is for the most part a misnomer today, you are walking quite a way inland for much of the time as there is not a path following the coast more directly on this section, just tantalising glimpses of the sea in places and of the Spinnaker Tower at Portsmouth beyond the Solent. It is a day to get into the swing of the walking and spend time visiting some of the attractions, especially Osborne House.
Accommodation: Cowes -we use the Best Western Holmewood Hotel situated on the sea front. (Please ask for details if you wish to upgrade to a sea view room).
Day 3 : Cowes to Yarmouth 24 km / 15 miles / 6.5 hours
Location: Yarmouth
Accommodation Name: The Bugle Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s walk spends some time walking close to the sea and dallies around the old estuary area near Newtown which used to be the busiest town on the island, now a nature reserve. The woodland section above Yarmouth is also very pretty with nice coastal views. There are some potentially muddy sections as you pass various sections of clay. There is a final promenade walk into Yarmouth town which has a bit of history connected with seafaring exploits and the castle.
Accommodation: Yarmouth - The Bugle Inn (room only) is a charming 16th century inn situated in the heart of Yarmouths market square and only a stone's throw from the sea & harbour.
Day 4 : Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay via the Needles 20 km / 12.4 miles / 5 hours
Location: Isle of Wight
Accommodation Name: Stroud House
Meals Included: Breakfast
This is a great walk with some fantastic views eventually over much of the island from Tennyson Down, if the weather is good, but also with a whole host of attractions. Today is the day to visit the Needles Park, view the famous sea-stacks and the military batteries, also the site of Britain's Rocket testing from the 1950s. Freshwater Bay is also quite a pretty place with its thatched church. Although the walking distance is not fundamentally great, you can spend much time visiting various sites enroute easily doubling the time spent walking.
Note: If we are unable to book you into Freshwater for a 1 night stay then we will swap your night in Yarmouth for 2 nights in Freshwater. You can easily move between Yarmouth & Freshwater by bus or alternatively we can organise taxis (own expense).
Accommodation: Freshwater Bay - Stroud House is a Grade II listed building.
Day 5 : Freshwater Bay to Chale 18 km / 11 miles / 4.5 hours
Location: Isle of Wight
Accommodation Name: The Wight Mouse Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is what the Coastal Path is all about, a steady cliff top walk into Chale which connects you to the south east of the island. An undulating route with no big hills, just some short steep sections as you negotiate ‘Chines’ the little inlets caused by streams cutting through the clays to the sea, followed by muddy sections around the inlet. Care is needed throughout the day, cliffs are undercut and the coastline recedes every year. Today it is you and the sea and a totally different perspective. Chale Bay was at one time known as the Bay of Death; sixty ships were lost here between 1746 and 1808. Nearby are the Wealdon Beds which have yielded fossilised remains of dinosaurs. As the day draws on you approach St. Catherine's Down with its mediaeval light house.
Accommodation: Chale - The Wight Mouse Inn, is peacefully located.
Day 6 : Chale to Sandown 20 km / 12.5 miles / 5.5 hours
Location: Sandown
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another day of beautiful coastal, or near coastal walking, after a long dalliance with the downs around St.Catherine’s Point, the most southerly tip of the island. After bypassing Niton, you arrive at three of the main resorts, Ventnor, Shanklin and then Sandown for your penultimate evening. On the way, apart from the odd ice cream enjoy the tiny seaside village of Steephill Cove and ancient Bouldnor Church.
Accommodation: Sandown - We use a number of different accommodation in this busy town.
Day 7 : Sandown to Ryde 22 km / 14 miles / 6 hours
Location: Ryde
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A last flirtation with the downs as you walk over Culver Down with excellent views back to Shanklin and also onto Bembridge and Portsmouth, you then descend to Bembridge and its attractive harbour, before regaining the coast and some pretty beaches through Seaview before returning to Ryde, via a long seaside walk. There are some optional beachside sections which could be muddy. Why not celebrate your circumnavigation with a lovely meal.
Day 8 : End of Tour
Location: Ryde
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast make your way to the pier to catch your return ferry to the mainland.
What's Included
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6 breakfasts
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7 nights accommodation in B&Bs / Inns on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available (1 night in an Inn on a room only basis)
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Digital information pack including route notes & maps
What's Not Included
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Lunches, dinners & beverages
Lunches, dinners, and beverages are not included in the tour package.
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Travel to and from Ryde
Travel expenses to and from Ryde are not covered.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to attractions and sites are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not provided and must be arranged separately.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not covered.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Guide
This is a self-guided holiday; no guide is provided.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including raincoat, lunch supplies, waterbottle, warm top, camera etc.Grading
This trip involve walking between 5 - 7 hours per day. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.Accommodation
7 nights in hotels and guesthouses. Described is the normal accommodation that we use on this tour. At the time of booking please be aware that other accommodation might be used instead, if these choices are full or closed for whatever reason. Rooms generally do not have baths, the main reason being that they take up a lot of space, some hotels/guesthouses may have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests, but on the whole it is generally showers.Mode of Transport
Travel to and from Ryde is not included. Transfers required during the walk are provided. Ideally, take the train to Portsmouth and then the ferry or hovercraft over to the island.Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Isle of Wight Coastal Walking tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in hotels and guesthouses. The normal accommodation used on this tour generally does not have baths, but some hotels/guesthouses may have a separate room with a bath available to guests. Rooms typically have showers.
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Are meals included in the Isle of Wight Coastal Walking tour?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts. Lunches, dinners, and beverages are not included in the tour package.
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What should I carry during the walks on the Isle of Wight Coastal Walking tour?
You only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including a raincoat, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and camera.
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Is there a guide provided for the Isle of Wight Coastal Walking tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday; no guide is provided.
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What level of fitness is required for the Isle of Wight Coastal Walking tour?
You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health, as the trip involves walking between 5 to 7 hours per day.
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Are transfers included during the Isle of Wight Coastal Walking tour?
Transfers required during the walk are provided, but travel to and from Ryde is not included.
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What happens if the usual accommodation is full or closed during the Isle of Wight Coastal Walking tour?
If the usual accommodation is full or closed, other accommodation might be used instead.
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What is the luggage transfer policy for the Isle of Wight Coastal Walking tour?
The tour includes 6 luggage transfers with a total weight limit of 15kg.
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What is the starting and ending location of the Isle of Wight Coastal Walking tour?
The tour starts and ends in Ryde, England.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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