Winter walks on the Isle of Wight

There might be a nip in the air, but you can always keep warm on a frosty winter’s day with a warming walk across our countryside. Whether you’re looking to escape the bustle of Christmas 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. We’re running guided walks throughout the winter, or you can download one of our guided trails too. And with every step you take, you’re helping to protect the countryside you walk through.

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
Red squirrel on a tree trunk
Borthwood Copse   Isle of Wight

Squirrel Spotting in Borthwood Copse

Guided, Fri 21 Dec 10.30am, gentle two hour walk. If you join our guided walk through the woods this Christmas, you may discover someone dressed in red and white leaping high above. Not Father Christmas, but a rare red squirrel. And with tasty mince pies for afters, the whole family can enjoy some fresh air and have a truly magical start to the festive season. Please book your place on 01983 741020.

See if you can find a squirrel
Sunset illuminates the Needles on the Isle of Wight
The Needles Headland and Tennyson Down   Isle of Wight

Headland Discovery

Guided, Fri 28 Dec 10am, four miles, taking 2.5 hours. Our bracing guided walk across the downs will help you burn off the Christmas lunch. Here you’ll find dramatic views across the Island, and over the seas, and long the way, we’ll tell you all about the wildlife and history of the area. At the end you can warm through in the cosy Needles Battery tea-room with a hot drink and tasty meal.

Learn about the Needles Headland
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
Always an exciting moment when the Needles come into view
Walking trail

See out the old year at Headon Warren 

Downloadable, 3-4.2 miles, moderate. Take a walk over Headon Warren on the western tip of the Island this New Year’s Eve and you’ll be able to catch the last rays of the 2017 sun. With the sparkling sea below, it’s the perfect place to watch as the sun slips below the horizon on the last day of the old year.

Head towards the sun set
Red squirrel
Walking trail

Spot a squirrel in Borthwood Copse 

Downloadable, 1.2 miles, easy. If you follow our trail through the woods at Borthwood this winter, you may find our team of Rangers coppicing trees. This is an important conservation task that allows wildlife, like red squirrels, to thrive in the ancient woods.

Download the walk
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