Walk 
4 to 8 nights
67 mls (km)
Southern England
Moderate to Challenging 
Mar to Oct
£480
Relaxed Walking Holiday through England in Miniature
- Fine weather conditions for walking all year round
- Extensive views over the coast from the chalk cliffs at Culver Down
- Visit the grand former residence of Queen Victoria - Osborne House
- Relax in the cosy country pubs and seaside towns dotted along the route
- Picturesque gardens and wooded tracks bring variety to this coastal walk
- The island holds designated nature reserves for its population of rare and endangered wildlife
- See history brought to life at the well-preserved Carisbrooke Castle
Walking Isle of Wight Coastal Path
Your walking holiday takes in the Tennyson Heritage Coast from St Lawrence to Freshwater, along the island’s southern coastline. Admire the coloured sandstone cliffs at Alum Bay, explore the famous Needles and see the towering chalk cliffs at Freshwater Bay.
On your walking holiday you experience the invigorating air, quality of light and enchanting scenery of an island that has drawn in artists and poets, writers and scientists alike. Stretches of designated “Heritage Coast” cover nearly half the island’s 60 mile (97 km) coastline – a designation only applied to coastlines whose fine qualities preserve the natural wildlife.
Sections of the walk will appeal to birdwatchers, with a combination of marshland, mud-flats and sands attracting a wide variety of species. Yarmouth Castle, Osbourne House (Queen Victoria’s country retreat), Tennyson's monument, castles, abbeys, churches, yellow sandy beaches and even wine-tasting are all to be enjoyed on this fascinating walk.
Walking the Isle of Wight is generally easy-going, with mainly mild ascents and occasional steeper ones. The Northern sections of the path tend to stray from the coast more than the others, but this is fairly infrequent as the rest of the path is predominantly coastal.
Our team would be delighted to talk to you about an itinerary for a walking holiday on the Isle of Wight.
Celtic Trails has 26 years’ experience providing tailored, quality itineraries for walkers who appreciate good service, comfort and organisation.
Path Walkthrough
The first two days of walking from Ryde via Cowes to Yarmouth, are considerably more inland than coastal. However, the easy-going walks along cliffs and gardens are pleasant walks in themselves, and the exception in comparison with the other sections. The route to Brighstone leads you through more secluded rural areas, and is one of the more challenging of the sections as the route descends and climbs back up to a balcony path with views over the Back of the Wight.
Leaving Brighstone, the path skirts cliff edges before descending to the sands and Victorian promenade of Sandown and Shanklin. The walk is mainly flat and not too taxing, apart from several short and steep ascents such as 'Devils Chimney' just outside of Ventnor. The final section to Ryde is almost entirely coastal and shouldn’t present any difficulty as you enter Ryde through Priory Wood.
Our Isle of Wight Coastal Path Itineraries
Ryde to Ryde
Distance: 67 miles (107.5km)
IOW1
8 Nights
from £1005
IOW2
7 Nights
from £900
IOW3
6 Nights
from £755
Please note that it may be necessary to stay at some locations for 2 nights. This is due to accommodations only accepting 2 night bookings at busy times. In such cases, transfers between the path and your accommodation will be included in your holiday cost.
- Good standard accommodation at a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, local inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
- Route planning
- Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details
You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.
Our Isle of Wight Coastal Path holidays are available to walk March to October.
The Isle of Wight claims to enjoy the best weather the UK has to offer, so it stands to reason that summer would be an ideal time to travel. However, high summer tends to bring busy crowds to some of the coastal resorts dotted on your path. Walking necessitates a break from the more built up areas, but if you were looking for a more peaceful experience you may want to consider autumn/early summer.
Before booking, please also bear in mind that the famous Isle of Wight festival is held mid/late June - this may effect our ability to secure accommodation for that weekend.
By Rail: There is a railway station located in Portsmouth. From Portsmouth take the Wightlink Fastcat catamaran to Ryde (18 minutes crossing time) www.wightlink.co.uk
By Car there are a choice of three crossings to the island:
The Wightlink ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth (crossing time 30 minutes)
The Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne (crossing time 35 minutes)
The Red Funnel ferry from Southampton to Cowes (crossing time 55 minutes)
📷Appley Tower, Isle of Wight © Visit Isle of Wight
📷The Needles, Isle of a Wight. Lewis Clark
📷Fort Albert from Hurst Castle
📷Culver Down
📷Seagrove Bay
📷Back of the Island from Rocken End
📷Shanklin Beach
📷Culver Cliff from Sandown
📷The Needles
📷Sandown, ShanklinIsle of Wight Coastal Path Client Reviews
4.8/5 based on 17 reviews
Celtic Trails arrange everything for you. Would recommend.
Cliff Ferris - June 2023
Celtic Trails are friendly and efficient. The time of year on the Isle of Wight was outstanding. Good weather and the fauna and flora were spectacular.
Anon - May 2023
Beautiful walks, comfortable hotels, and superlative customer service.
James A Umpherson - August 2022
I would describe Celtic Trails very positively. Excellent service from the company - nothing was too difficult and all communication was extremely fast. Better than other companies - I would recommend to a friend.
Anon - April 2022
Generally high quality accommodation and materials. This holiday had a positive impact on my well-being.
Anon - September 2020
I would describe Celtic Trails as first class - everything worked perfect from accommodation, luggage transfers and taxis.
Alan, Marlborough - September 2020
Gorgeous scenery, friendly villages, helpful hosts, yummy food and beverages - we are relaxed and inspired to return to daily life. We love to travel in this manner - fewer distractions, invigorating walking - almost always our accommodation exceeded our expectations. This is our fourth trip with Celtic Trails - we've done South West Coast Path, Thames Path, John Muir Way and now the Isle of Wight Coast Path.
L & A Tiner - October 2019
Well organised and reliable - thanks again for another great holiday.
Anon. - October 2019
Well organised.
Anon. - June 2019
We would describe our experience with Celtic Trail as unique. They greatly exceeded our expectations; great itinerary, multiple facets to enjoy and experience (beauty of nature, history, people we met). Celtic Trails managed the entire process professionally and flawlessly. In terms of the Isle of Wight - this was a good, moderate walk for someone who is in reasonably good shape, enjoys the outdoors, but has never done a walking holiday. We decided to do this because a friend had done the same walk last spring and was very encouraging to us.
J&F Hardiman - May 2019
The route was well signposted and in good condition. Celtic Trails compares very well with other walking companies and I would book with them again. All accommodations were excellent, in all areas.
E. Kendrick - September 2018
Excellent service and an enjoyable walking experience. I would use Celtic Trails again. What I most enjoyed about this walk, was walking through historic towns and villages and the lovely countryside.
C.G. - August 2018
Celtic Trails compares favourably with other walking holiday companies. Their service was prompt and reliable. The accommodations they booked were 5/5, without exception. This walk involved spectacular and varied scenery.
Berkelman & Stevens - May 2018
We very much enjoyed our Isle of Wight walk. Signage was sometimes poor, but that's not your fault. Overall, we had a great time. THANKS!
J.V. - May 2018
We very much enjoyed our Isle of Wight walk. Signage was sometimes poor, but that's not your fault. Overall, we had a great time. THANKS!
J.V. - May 2018
"Glorious weather and a warm welcome in the B&B's!"
Cromers - June 2016
"My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and not a little of this was due to the good accommodation provided. Thank you."
R Hunt - October 2015
