Winter walks on the Isle of Wight

This was about our winter walks in late 2019 and early 2020 which have now finished.

There might be a nip in the air, but you can always keep warm on a frosty winter’s day with a walk across our countryside. We’re running guided walks throughout the winter, or you can simply download one of our easy to follow trails. Whether you’re looking to escape the bustle of Christmas, made a New Year's resolution to get out more or just enjoy walking, you can make the most of the short daylight hours, and explore the downs and coastline of the Isle of Wight on foot. And with every step you take, you’re helping to protect the countryside you walk through.

A sunny view from Ventnor Downs looking down through Coombe Bottom to the sea
Ventnor Downs   Isle of Wight

Anniversary Dog Walk

Guided, Sun 12 Jan 10am, 2.5 hours. We're celebrating our 125th anniversary this year and to celebrate, we'd like you and your four legged friend to join us on our birthday for a dog-friendly walk across Ventnor Downs.

Join our birthday party
A sizeable group of golden plover take off from the water after being disturbed on the Newtown estuary
Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall   Isle of Wight

Newtown Birdwatching Walks

Guided, various dates. It might be the depths of winter but there’s still plenty of bird life in the creeks and woods of Newtown. If you’ve ever wondered which bird sings which tune or how to identify one goose from another, then bring the family along to one of our guided walks and find out. Each walk is expected to last around two and a half hours and is perfect for anyone new to birdwatching.

Find a walk
Cliffs movement at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
Compton Bay and Downs   Isle of Wight

Discover a Changing Landscape

Guided, Fri 21 Feb 10am-12.30pm, 3 miles, moderate, booking essential. As the mighty seas crash against the cliffs at Compton, it creates a landscape that is constantly changing. On our guided walk, we'll explain our plans for the future of the area and how we hope to look after it for nature.

Join the walk
Red squirrel on a tree trunk
Walking trail

Spot red squirrels in Borthwood Copse 

Downloadable, 1.2 miles, easy. This short atmospheric walk in a secluded part of the Island takes you through woods that are home to an Isle of Wight speciality: the red squirrel. You're more likely to see red squirrels in winter because there's less leaf cover, and they come to the ground to hunt for food and locate hidden stores.

Look for red squirrels at Borthwood
Military Road twisting across the clifftops and downs by the sea at Compton
Walking trail

Winter views of Compton 

Downloadable, 7.5 miles, moderate. A bracing walk on a winter’s day is a good way to keep warm, but adding in some incredible views is an extra incentive to get out and about. Our trail at Compton will take you across the downs and along the coast by Military Road, from where you’ll see multi-coloured cliffs, green valleys and the sweeping ocean beyond.

Discover the views
Boats gracefully decaying on the edge of St Helen's Duver
Walking trail

St Helens Duver 

Downloadable, 3.2 miles, moderate. The sand dunes close to the sea at St Helens are a great place for the whole family to explore in winter. The area is fairly level, there is parking, which is free for NT members, and it’s popular for dog walking, meaning that the family’s four-legged friend can enjoy warming up this winter too. Head to the top of the common where you'll find dramatic views back across the salt marsh and out across the Solent.

Walk our trail
Birds flying across Newtown harbour with a pink sunset behind them
Walking trail

A quiet stroll at Newtown 

Downloadable, 1.5-4 miles, easy. After the busy festive period, it’s always good to relax, and tranquil Newtown estuary is the perfect place to escape to. Here you can listen to the waves gently lapping at the harbour walls and explore the woods and meadows of the Island’s only National Nature Reserve.

Find some peace
Alum Bay and Headon Warren covered in snow
Walking trail 

Winter walking

However active you’re feeling, or wherever you fancy going, we’ve plenty of other walks to choose from. Download your favourite, print it out and discover the beautiful Isle of Wight landscape this winter.

View all our downloadable walks