Soak in Views on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path

A nice easy walk from Ryde to Cowes, passing through Wootton Bridge and around Osborne House before crossing the River Medina. Arriving in Cowes it is a pleasant stroll along the pedestrianised High Street arriving at the esplanade with good views of the Solent.

This walk follows the sea front 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.

Starting at Shalfleet Church, the walk follows the western shores of the Newtown River, then along the coast above Bouldnor cliff. From here it descends through woodland into Bouldnor village and along past Yarmouth Bay and into the town itself.

Leaving Yarmouth, the route crosses the harbour and through the Victoria Country Park. From here the coastal path follows Colwell and Totland Bays and then goes up and over Headon Warren towards the Needles. From this iconic landmark, the path turns eastwards over Tennyson Downs, arriving in Freshwater Bay.

Leaving Freshwater Bay the route climbs over Freshwater Cliff and follows the coastline south eastwards towards St. Catherine's Point. The coastal path is almost straight, passing Compton and Brightstone Bays to finish in the small village of Chale.

Leaving Chale the route follows the cliff line above St Catherine's Point before descending through St Lawrence to the coast. From here the path leads into Ventnor and through the Luccombe Landslip to Shanklin. From Shanklin the coastal path follows the Eastcliffe Promenade before descending down to finish at Sandown Pier.

Leaving Sandown the route ascends up and over Bembridge Down with great views in every direction, then down into Bembridge itself. From here the path goes around the harbour and along the coast to the pretty resort of Seaview and on into Ryde, to finish back at the pier.