Your comprehensive guide to enjoying England's charming island through authentic bed and breakfast experiences
Discover the Isle of Wight on foot with our detailed walking maps and guides. Whether you're a casual stroller, an enthusiastic hiker, or planning a walking holiday, the Isle of Wight offers some of the most scenic and accessible walking routes in the UK.
The Isle of Wight is a walkerβs paradise. With over 500 miles of well-maintained footpaths, including clifftop trails, woodland walks, and coastal paths, itβs no wonder the island is known for its walking festivals and outdoor lifestyle.
Highlights include:
The Isle of Wight Coastal Path β a 70-mile circular trail with breathtaking sea views.
Tennyson Trail β a ridge walk with sweeping views and literary history.
Stenbury and Worsley Trails β peaceful countryside routes through ancient woodland and rolling hills.
Plan your journey with our free, printable walking maps. Each map includes:
Route descriptions and estimated time
Terrain details and difficulty ratings
Points of interest, pubs, and public toilets
Waymarking tips
Ventnor to Shanklin (Coastal Path) β Easy, 3 miles
Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay β Moderate, 5 miles
Tennyson Down Circular Walk β Challenging, 7 miles
Ryde to Bembridge via Brading Marshes β Wildlife-rich, 6 miles
Prefer to explore with a local? The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, held every spring and autumn, features over 100 guided walks across the island β from historic tours to ghost walks and nature rambles.
Check the weather before heading out β coastal routes can get windy.
Wear sturdy shoes, especially after rain - clay surfaces may be slippery .
Respect wildlife and farmland β keep dogs on leads where required.
Pack water and a snack, even on short routes.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or staying longer, walking is the best way to experience the natural beauty, heritage, and hidden gems of the Isle of Wight.
Get your maps, plan your route, and start exploring!
Explore one of the Isle of Wightβs most iconic landscapes on this scenic circular walk from Alum Bay. Highlights include panoramic cliff-top views, a visit to The Needles viewpoint, a stroll over Headon Warren, and the colourful sands of Alum Bay beach. Optional chair-lift ride and tearoom stop add extra charm to this enjoyable route.
Difficulty: Moderate 5 miles (8km)
Discover a gentle and picturesque circular walk between Yarmouth and Freshwater on the Isle of Wight. Stroll along riverside paths, an old railway line, and peaceful countryside tracks with lovely views and local landmarks.
Difficulty: Easy 4.5 miles (7km)
Enjoy a scenic circular walk from St. Michael the Archangel Church in Shalfleet, taking in peaceful woodland paths, sweeping coastal views, and the tranquil shores at Hamstead. Perfect for nature lovers.
Difficulty: Easy 6.5 miles (10km)
Named after the famous poet, this trail follows chalk ridges with panoramic views.
Difficulty: Moderate 4 miles (6.5km)
Birdwatcher's favourite with RSPB reserves and quiet rural tracks.
Difficulty: Easy 6 miles (10km) | Highlights: Nature & Wetlands
π Read the full Ryde - Brading Marshes - Bembridge walk guide β
Peaceful estuary and coastal walk through historic scenery and wildlife areas.
Length: 5 miles | Difficulty: Easy β Moderate
We recommend the following maps and guidebooks:
OS Explorer Map OL29 β Isle of Wight
Wightlink & Red Funnel Walking Guides
Island Trails App β GPS-supported routes with offline use
You can find these at
local tourist information centres, bookshops, and online.
Discover England's largest island, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Located just off England's south coast and separated by the Solent, the Isle of Wight measures 23 miles by 13 miles, making it the perfect size to explore during your holiday. With over 60 miles of stunning coastline and beaches, the island has earned the nickname "England's Garden Isle" for its natural beauty.
The island enjoys a milder climate than much
of the UK mainland, with more sunshine hours and less
rainfall, making it an ideal year-round destination.