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 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 unwind after 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 man walking his dog across Culver Down with mist in the valley below
Bembridge Fort and Downs   Isle of Wight

Bembridge and Culver Clifftop Walk

Guided, Wed 9 Jan 10am, strenuous, 2 hours. For an invigorating start to the New Year, you could join our guided walk across the clifftops of Bembridge and Culver Downs. There may be some steep climbs but the panoramic views across the Island are worth the effort. And it will certainly keep you warm in the chilly morning air.

Blow away the cobwebs
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 from 27 Jan. 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
People on the beach at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
Compton Bay and Downs   Isle of Wight

Winter Family Walk

Guided, Tues 19 Feb 2pm, 2 hours. This winter, why not pull on your wellies, find a big, warm coat, and gather all the family (including the dog) and for an adventure at Compton? There are dinosaur footcasts to hunt for, waves to splash through and acres of farmland to discover. Our Ranger will take you from the sandy beach, up towards the downs and back again as the sun sinks below the horizon. Booking essential on 01983 741020.

Join in the adventure
Sunset illuminates the Needles on the Isle of Wight
Walking trail

Warmth on a winter's walk 

Downloadable, 7 miles, challenging. If you've made a New Year's resolution to be more active, you could always follow in Tennyson’s footsteps. The poet would walk across across West High Down with its views of the lighthouse and Needles far below, each day. Luckily, nowadays at the weekend (11am-3pm), you can always stop at the Needles Old Battery tea-room for some tasty, warming food and hot drinks to thaw you through.

Take an invigorating hike in the footsteps of Tennyson
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
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
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