Summer coastal walks on the Isle of Wight

We look after a third of the coast on the Isle of Wight, which means there’s plenty to explore. From dramatic cliffs with far reaching sea views on Tennyson Downs, to soft sandy beaches at St Helens and Compton, the coast is a wonderful place to walk. We’ve put together a few trails so that you can discover more than just sandcastles at the seaside this summer. And with every footprint you leave behind in the sand, you’re helping to keep the beach clean for everyone.

The footpath sign ahead beckons to the chalk cliffs of Freshwater Bay — The coastal path behind Compton Bay

Compton Bay and Downs Isle of Wight

ABC of the downs walk on the Isle of Wight

Have a go at our walk taking in Afton, Brook and Compton Downs. It could take you right back to the Ice Age, and you might even be lucky enough to spot a dinosaur footcast near Hanover Point.

Walk our trail

Lots of walkers and lots of yachts passing the southern tip of the Isle of Wight — Walking around St Catherine's Point on 'Round the Island' yacht race day

St Catherine's Down and Knowles Farm Isle of Wight

Shedding light on the tip of the Wight walk

Walk our moderately challenging route to the most southerly point of the Isle of Wight, taking in the Island's only surviving onshore lighthouse as you go.

Walk our route

Lots of people enjoying the sunshine on St Helens Duver — THe Duver is a great place to walk, as well as cycle, exercise the dog, relax..

St Helens Duver Isle of Wight

Down on the Duver

Enjoy a short but varied coastal walk exploring St Helens Duver, a sandy spit of land on the eastern tip of the Island, rich in wildlife and history.

Admire our coastal wildlife

Two walkers stride out along the harbour wall at Newtown with water on both sides — Enjoying a brisk walk along the harbour wall at Newtown, Isle of Wight

Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall Isle of Wight

Enjoy the estuary... Newtown walk

Take a gentle stroll through the varied habitats of the Island’s only National Nature Reserve, and visit a Town Hall with a colourful past.

Enjoy the tranquility of the Nature Reserve

Sandy cliffs are crumble towards the sea shore on the south of the Isle of Wight — Crumbling cliffs are a feature of the coastline on the Mottistone Estate

Mottistone Gardens and Estate Isle of Wight

Mottistone meander: south to the sea

Enjoy an easy walk through delightfully farmed countryside on your way to the coastal cliffs of Sudmoor Point.

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Two walkers setting out along the Needles headland — From the Tennyson Monument it is a gentle walk to the Needles

The Needles Headland and Tennyson Down Isle of Wight

Tennyson Down: a meander with Maud

An invigorating downland walk, with a splendid view of the iconic Needles plus a 19th-century fort, Cold War rocket test site and a monument to a Victorian poet laureate. And along the way, you can re-fuel with a bite to eat in the Needles Old Battery tea-room.

Take an invigorating hike in the footsteps of Tennyson