Relaxed Walking Holiday through England in Miniature
Chalk cliff landscapes, beaches and a relaxing pace of life make the Isle of Wight a perfect walking holiday for singles, groups and families. The Isle of Wight Coastal Path is approximately 70 miles (112 km) and a pleasant walking experience, whether you are a seasoned walker or new to long distance hiking.
Highlights
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
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 birds.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 easygoing, with mainly mild ascents - some are steeper. 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 20 years’ experience providing tailored, quality itineraries for walkers who appreciate good service, comfort and organisation.
Path Walkthrough
Our Isle of Wight walking holidays take you on a circular route around the island, starting in Ryde
The first two days of walking from Ryde to 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 though 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 steep 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.
Walk Gallery
Isle of Wight Walking Holiday Itineraries
Prices are per person, based on 2 people sharing, single person supplements apply.
Ryde to Ryde
Length: 67 miles/ 107.5 km | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
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.
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.
Single occupancy supplement within a group: £25 per night. Where singles are walking as part of a larger group and are willing to share a Walk Pack, single room occupancy supplements apply.
Rest days: From £55 per person per night.
Postage overseas: £5.00 (Europe), £10.00 (Rest of the World) per walk pack
Bank holidays & short notice bookings may incur extra charges.
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)
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 on roughly every second week of June on the island - this may effect our ability to secure accommodation for that weekend.
Client Reviews of Isle of Wight Walking Holidays
Our past clients rated this walk 4.9 out of 5; read a selection of 6 reviews below.
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.
5 out of 5
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 with them again. All accommodations were excellent, in all areas.
5 out of 5
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.
4.5 out of 5
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.
5 out of 5
Berkelman & Stevens May 2018
"Glorious weather and a warm welcome in the B&B's!"
4.8 out of 5
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."
5 out of 5
R Hunt October 2015
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