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Teasels and other spring wildflowers bloom by St Helens lagoon at low water
The path by the lagoon on the fringes of St Helen’s Duver | © National Trust / Chuck Eccleston ARPS
Isle of Wight

Down on the Duver circular walk

A short but varied coastal walk exploring St Helens Duver, a sandy spit of land on the eastern tip of the Island that is rich in wildlife and history. The gentle circular route passes Bembridge Harbour, the historic Isle of Wight Golf Club and the village of St Helens with its famous Old Church. Keep an eye out for a wide variety of birdlife along the way, from waders in the harbour to whitethroats, wheatears, chiffchaffs in the dunes.

Total steps: 6

Total steps: 6

Start point

St Helens Duver National Trust car park, grid ref: SZ637892

Step 1

Leave the National Trust car park by following the hedge to the left of the interpretation panel and parking meter, and go on up the sandy path by the green dog bin. Cross the grass and go on over the road, aiming for the boats in Bembridge Harbour. Bembridge Fort is on the skyline.

Parched summer grasses on St Helens Duver used to be manicured fairways
The grassy areas of St Helens Duver were once fine golf links | © National Trust / Chuck Eccleston ARPS

Step 2

Turn right at the water’s edge then follow the raised causeway path between the lagoons and around buildings to Mill Quay. Take the first tarmac road on the right by Mill House. Go up the hill to the top, passing caravans on both sides.

Step 3

Bear right along the bottom edge of St Helens Green, claimed to be one of the largest village greens in England. Bear right again at the end, then carry straight on into Duver Road when the main road swings sharply left at a bend.

Step 4

Just before some traffic lights, turn right onto a path by an interpretation panel (signed R88 to the Duver) which leads past St Helens Common. This is the Gaggen Path, which gets its name from press gangs which used to hide here and then gag their victims. Go down the path to the end.

Step 5

Upon reaching the Duver by a wooden bridge, follow the path behind the interpretation panel round to the left and meander along to the Old Golf Club building. Bear left behind the clubhouse to meet the access road, then briefly left and right to reach the sea beside St Helens Old Church, where there are picnic benches.

Formerly the golf clubhouse, the Old Club House on St Helens Duver is now a holiday cottage
The Old Club House at St Helens Duver is now one of our holiday cottages | © National Trust / Sue Oldham

Step 6

Follow the sea wall to the right. Take the first gap to the right after a long line of beach huts made from old railway carriages (just after number 28) and turn inland through the dunes. Bear right by the National Trust omega sign and return to the car park by the steps.

End point

St Helens Duver National Trust car park, grid ref: SZ637892

Trail map

Down On The Duver circular walk map
Down On The Duver circular walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2015 Ordnance Survey

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A grassy path entices the walker onto St Helens Duver
Trail
Trail

A coastal walk at St Helens Duver 

A circular coastal walk from St Helens village that takes you along a wildlife-rich sandy spit of land.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.2 (km: 5.12) to miles: 3.8 (km: 6.08)

Get in touch

St Helens Duver, St Helens, Isle of Wight, PO33 1XZ

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

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