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Home , Brighstone, Chale, Compton Bay, Culver Down, Egypt Point, Isle of Wight

The Coastal Path

The Isle of Wight Coastal Path is a dream come true for those who love to stride out amid the fragrance of salty sea air and with the warmth of the sun on their face. Shaped like a diamond, the Isle of Wight really is the jewel of the , and our Coastal Path holidays are the perfect way to explore the island the Romans first named Vectis. Our circuit of the island begins in the seaport town of on the west bank of the . Cowes is home to the oldest and biggest sailing regatta in the world. From here we head south west to the historic town of Yarmouth, skirting Newtown National Nature Reserve as we go. Then it’s onwards to the village of with its picturesque sandy , ahead of a breathtaking crossing of Headon Warren where you’ll catch your first glimpse of the iconic stacks, , guarded by its lighthouse at the outer western end of the formation. The grassy, whale backed ridge of leads us east along the southern edge of the island, first past the chalk pebbled Freshwater Bay, then onto a collection of , home to one of the richest areas for discovery in Europe. St Catherine’s Lighthouse marks the most southern point of the island and is one of the oldest lighthouse locations in . , and Seaview continue the theme of sun, sea and sand. , home to the world’s oldest operator, is now all that stands between you and the completion of your circuit. The island has been home to Alfred Lord Tennyson, , and . Also, thanks to Italian inventor , the birthplace of the radio. The Isle of Wight is ’s largest island. Yet at high , becomes England’s smallest county! Put simply, if you like the thought of walking round a beautiful and fascinating island that enjoys more sunshine than some parts of Spain, then the Isle of Wight Coastal Path is most certainly the holiday for you.

Why do this walk? Grade Signposting: Generally good.

Easy to Navigation: Pretty straightforward. • Enjoy walking in one of the sunniest Moderate In addition to detailed route notes, places in the UK. the coastal path is marked on the • The island is designated a UNESCO map. Biosphere Reserve. This is a coastal walk, not technically

• Marvel at the iconic chalk edge ‘The difficult, and if walked at a Needles’ with its 33-metre-high comfortable pace, can be completed Route

lighthouse. by people with limited walking Cowes to Yarmouth • Stride out over the whale-backed experience. Only when significantly Our walk begins in the bustling ridge of Tennyson Down. reducing the number of walking days sailing town of Cowes and we follow • More than half the island is a and increasing the distances walked, the coastline in the direction of designated Area of Outstanding will the experience become more

Natural Beauty. challenging. , the northernmost point • Visit , built in 1846 for of the island. From here the trail Queen Victoria. Terrain: A mix of chalk and leads us through Gurnard and along • The island is home to some of the cliffs, sandy and tops before descending onto the pleasant countryside. There are one beach at . Look out for richest cliffs and quarries for dinosaur in Europe two road sections also. redshanks, oyster catchers and ringed plovers here. The birdlife What’s it like underfoot? Generally, continues as we turn inland and

well defined and maintained tracks through the Newton National Nature Essential Info and paths. These can be a bit sandy Reserve en route to the charming at times and some sections can get a Length 4 – 8 nights village of . Beyond Shalfleet little muddy after heavy rain. Full Route Length 70 miles/113 km we return to the coast and journey through woods at Cliff Shortest Length 31 miles/50KM How much up & down? There are before arriving in the lovely and occasional ascents and descents to

and from sea level. lively sailing harbour of Yarmouth.

Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay the of and into . Having crossed the Leaving Yarmouth we cross the river Yar beyond there, The Landslip, named creek we remain inland as we make and head through Fort Victoria Country after the great landslip of 1810. There our way to and the River Medina, completing our circuit. The Park before arriving at the village of was further significant movement in Totland. Next up is the picturesque 1928 and to this day it continues to slip most popular attraction on this final sandy beach at . From here very gradually. We pass through the section is arguably the stunning we walk over the stunning Headon pretty Luccombe Village as we make Osborne House, a favourite retreat of

Warren catching our first glimpse of the our way to Shanklin, which still retains Queen Victoria. three pinnacles of the Needles and the some of its Victorian elegance. multi-coloured cliffs of . The Shanklin to Seaview grassy, whale backed ridge of Tennyson Additional Days The walking is easy as we curve round Down leads us to Freshwater Bay. We can arrange extra nights at any of and onto . the overnight stops, allowing for rest Freshwater Bay to Look out for plants such as small days, or giving you more time to Clifftop and chines (coastal gullies) scabious, harebell, cowslip and lady's explore the locality. We recommend dominate the landscape as we journey bedstraw on the chalk down. Foreland, Cowes, Yarmouth, Totland Bay, from Freshwater Bay to Chale. The cliffs part of the village of , marks Freshwater Bay and Shanklin: are a mixture of towering white chalk, the easternmost point of the island. crumbling sandstone and blue slipper From Bembridge we turn inland to skirt Cowes The picturesque town of Cowes is a . This stretch of coastline is one of round Bembridge Harbour before the richest areas for dinosaur discovery rejoining the coast at Horestone Point perfect place to spend an additional in Europe. Just ahead of Chale is Whale ahead of the small Edwardian resort of day, before or after your circuit of the the most spectacular of all the Seaview. island. coastal gullies. Visit Osborne House the one-time Seaview to Cowes seaside retreat of Queen Victoria and Chale to Shanklin This final section of the Isle of Wight Prince Albert.

Leaving Chale we come to St Coastal Path clings to the coast as far as Partake in sailing and water sports or Catherine’s Point. It is the Ryde, the largest town on the island, visit one of the many galleries and southernmost point of the island and before taking a step back as it finds its maritime museums. home to one of the oldest lighthouse way to Fishbourne. From here we cross There’s a fantastic selection of boutique locations in Great Britain. Next up is , a tidal estuary flowing clothing stores and independent gift

shops. Restaurants, pubs, cafes and views of the iconic Needles Rocks and Rylestone Gardens are well worth a visit wine bars offer food and drink from Lighthouse. too. Their displays of hanging baskets around the world. Locally grown and Want a closer look? Take a boat trip and flowers are amazing. There are tea produced fish, meat, vegetables, wine, from the jetty for a spectacular trip rooms serving refreshments and look out for their programme of events for beer and even gin are in good supply around the rocks and lighthouse with too. panoramic views of the Alum Bay sand Rylstone Bandstand where afternoon and evening concerts run throughout cliffs. Yarmouth the Summer. Take time to look around Alum Bay Yarmouth has an abundance of quaint Glass and the Sand Shop. Why not visit cafes, shops and galleries. The views of the 4D Cinema Experience too. There’s the West Wight coastline from the plenty of refreshments on offer at the Getting There and Away are stunning. licenced tea rooms, the café and General travel information for the Isle One of the main attractions of various food kiosks. of Wight Coastal Path will be in your Yarmouth is the Tudor Castle built by holiday pack. Henry VIII. Commanding the mouth of Shanklin Detailed instructions on getting to the Solent since 1547, Yarmouth was your first night’s accommodation by The island’s oldest tourist attraction is the first Arrow Head Castle in Britain. , a stunning tree lined car, or on foot from the nearest train or bus station, will also be included in Totland Bay gorge that cuts its mark from Shanklin Old Village to the sandy beach and the holiday pack on individual As with Freshwater Bay, Totland is an esplanade beneath. On summer accommodation maps. ideal location to spend an extra day To view train times please evenings hundreds of lights illuminate visiting the Needles Landmark the narrow paths, streams and visit qjump where you can also Attraction at Alum Bay. Hop on the bus waterfalls within the chine. purchase tickets in advance. For or walk along. Shanklin Theatre provides top information on bus timetables please entertainment all year round for all visit Freshwater Bay tastes. If you require secure car parking Add an extra day at Freshwater Bay and Shanklin Olde Village is a small part of whilst walking this route, please either hop on the bus or walk along to Shanklin Town. It sits on a slightly lower contact us for information. the Needles Landmark Attraction at level than the town and contains some Alum Bay. Take the world-famous of the oldest dwellings on the island, Getting There: chairlift from the top of cliffs down to To reach the Isle of Wight you will most of which are thatched. the beach beneath and enjoy superb need to take the crossing. There

are several options for Victoria also stops at the harbour. By Road: Follow M3 to A27 (exit 14) depending on whether you cross as a There are also regular trains from then take A33, leave at Town Quay passenger or with a vehicle – from London Waterloo to & for ferry terminal. Portsmouth, or station if you are crossing . by hovercraft from Southsea. For Lymington From Portsmouth there are passenger By Road: The M3 splits at By Air: The nearest major only ferries to or vehicle Southampton, for Portsmouth take international airports are London ferries to Fishbourne. Hovercrafts also M27 east to junction 12 then take the Gatwick and Heathrow. The nearest run from nearby Southsea to Ryde M275 and follow signs for the ferry regional airport is Southampton. Esplanade. terminals. Gatwick and Heathrow have good From Southampton there are transport links to London train passenger only ferries to West Cowes For Southampton stations, you can get a train from or vehicle ferries to East Cowes. By Air: The nearest major Southampton Airport Parkway. From Lymington there are vehicle international airports are London By Public Transport: There are ferries to Yarmouth. Gatwick and Heathrow. The nearest regular trains from Once on the island, buses run regional airport is Southampton. station to Lymington Pier. Trains from regularly servicing the ferry terminals Gatwick and Heathrow have good London Waterloo bound for and towns. transport links to London train Weymouth and Cross Country trains By Air: The nearest major stations, you can get a train from bound for will stop at international airports are London Southampton Airport Parkway to Brockenhurst. Gatwick and Heathrow. The nearest Southampton Central. By Road: The M3 splits at regional airport is Southampton. By Public Transport: Cross Country Southampton, for Lymington take

Gatwick and Heathrow have good trains bound for Bournemouth stop at M27 west and exit towards Lyndhurst transport links to London train Southampton Central and there are on A337. Follow A337 through stations, you can get a train from regular trains from London Waterloo Brockenhurst to reach Lymington. Southampton Airport Parkway to to Southampton Central. There are Southampton Central for trains to also National Express services Getting Back: Portsmouth. (032/035) to Southampton. The As this is a circular route you will be By Public Transport: There are Quayconnect shuttle bus runs walking back to your starting location regular trains from London Waterloo between Southampton Central and so you can depart by the same means and London Victoria stations to the ferry terminals on Town Quay. you arrived. , the National

Express 030 service from London

converted barn, a Victorian guest How our holidays work How to Book house, and on a working farm.

We specialise in self-guided walks Once you have decided which holiday We always try to arrange en suite because we think it’s the best way to you wish to book, please fill in the accommodation, i.e. rooms with their really experience local landscapes, form at the back of this brochure own bathrooms, for each night of cultures and history. You walk under which can then be emailed, posted or your stay. However, in some of the faxed to us. We will get in touch with your own steam, at your own pace, more remote locations you once we have received your accommodation is limited and safe in the knowledge that we have booking to confirm your holiday occasionally we may have to book organised everything, and help is only details. rooms with shared bathrooms for one a phone call away. We book all your or two nights of your holiday, accommodation, move your luggage Alternatively, you can either book (especially if the booking is made at between overnight stops, provide you online using our website at short notice), but we will always let with maps and guidebooks and all the www.mickledore.co.uk or telephone you know if this is likely to be the details you need for a successful us during office hours. case. holiday. You just turn up and walk! Single Rooms We are happy to book Inbuilt Flexibility single rooms on this walk but cannot Our holidays are designed to be Accommodation normally book more than two for any flexible and can therefore be tailored Good accommodation and friendly one group. Single room bookings to suit your requirements. If you’re hosts are an essential part of any include a supplement. looking for something different, or holiday. We understand this and go extra, from the holidays described out of our way to find the best. We put a great deal of effort into hand here, give us a ring and we’ll do our picking our accommodation and best to please. What We Provide matching it to individual customer You can start on any day you like and requirements. In selecting the All Holidays we can arrange extra nights at any of accommodation, we look for helpful, Accommodation Overnight Bed and the overnight stops allowing for rest friendly hosts with good quality, Breakfast accommodation in selected days, or giving you more time to characterful accommodation close to hotels, farmhouses, village inns, guest explore the locality. You can book the trail. For example, over the course houses and family B&Bs. part of a walk if you don’t have the of your trip you might stay in a village Full English or Continental breakfast. time to complete the entire distance. inn, a bed and breakfast in a Guidebook A guidebook with route

information, maps, photos and a small day sack with the clothes and Transport to the start & away from background information. provisions you require during the the finish Taxi or bus transport if you Information of Services Along the day’s walk. We ask you to limit your need to miss a stage (but we’ll help Route A comprehensive service Info luggage to one bag per person, up to you organise it if you need help) sheet, including services such as cash 18kg. Travel Insurance Even if you are points, banks, post offices, village Packed Lunches Provided for each based in the UK travel insurance is shops, inns, cafés and taxis. day’s walking and recommended on Maps An Ordnance Survey Explorer this holiday as there will not always worth having. (1:25000) maps covering the entire be a handy shop or café on the route. route. Off Road Parking If you are travelling Prices Detailed prices for all our holidays are Personal Itinerary A personal by car we can usually arrange off road available on the website. itinerary setting out each overnight parking for the duration of your trip. www.mickledore.co.uk. stop, including large scale maps of (There may be a small charge for each accommodation, to ensure you this). find it easily. Arrangement of return transport We About Mickledore Emergency Telephone Support If you can also arrange your transfer back to get in to difficulties during your your car, (or advise you when public Mickledore Travel is based in Keswick holiday, we are always available to transport is a better option!) at the heart of the English Lake help, even out of office hours. District. We are one of the leading

15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors specialists in self-guided walking and cycling holidays in the UK, and We will issue you with a 15% Discount What’s not included provide a friendly, professional and Card valid at all Cotswold Outdoor Evening Meals Your evening meal flexible service. stores, and online, for the whole year isn’t included in the package, but we We are walkers and cyclists ourselves, on confirmation of your booking. so it really matters to us that you include full details and have a good holiday. We are still a Options recommendations for each evening meal in your itinerary. You will small business, with a lot of local Luggage Transport We will transfer knowledge, and personal enthusiasm normally be within walking distance your luggage between each overnight for the outdoors. If you’ve got any of a pub and/or restaurant, or where stop – leave your luggage at the queries, we’re always happy to help, accommodation when you set off in there is good food available at the so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone accommodation, we’ll book that for the morning, it will be moved on to or drop us an email, or call in and see your next B&B. You only need to carry you. Allow about £20.00 per night. us if you’re in Keswick.

We specialise in UK holidays, and by - 100% financial protection – in the very AITO Quality Statement concentrating on what we consider unlikely event of Mickledore’s Mickledore Travel is a member of the the best routes, we get to know the financial failure, you receive a full Association of Independent Tour refund. trails, accommodation, and local area Operators. The Association represents intimately. Britain’s leading independent tour Financial Protection operators. It promotes high levels of - All your accommodation has been Your payments are fully protected professionalism and a shared concern carefully selected and is regularly against our financial failure. We are for quality and personal service. The monitored. members of the Association of Association encourages the highest - We listen to you and tailor each Independent Tour Operators (AITO), standards in all aspects of tour holiday to meet your requirements. and the Association of British Travel operating. - We have an excellent level of customer service. Agents (ABTA). We have arranged bonding through ABTA. This means Mickledore Travel abides by AITO’s - We have 15 years’ experience, and very high levels of customer that in the unlikely event of our Code of Conduct and adheres to the satisfaction. financial failure, any monies you have Quality Charter which can be viewed - Peace of mind – help is only ever a at www.aito.com. Visit the website to paid to us will be refunded. This telephone call away. find out more about the Association bonding is fully compliant with the - We’re all outdoor enthusiasts – we or call 020 8744 9280. know what makes a good holiday, and Package Travel Regulations and we want you to have one! provides 100% financial protection. - 15% discount card for all your outdoor equipment purchases from Cotswold Outdoors.

Our Itineraries

The Isle of Wight Coast Path - Cowes to Cowes – 70 miles/113KM

We offer 5 holidays on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path. Of those, 4 make a complete circuit of the island over 4 to 7 days, beginning in the seaport town of Cowes. Make your choice depending on the pace you find most comfortable.

If you don’t have time to make a full circuit, we have a short break highlights holiday in west and south Wight walking from Yarmouth to Shanklin over 3 days.

Round Trip from Cowes in 4 days Walking Code: IW5 Round Trip from Cowes in 5 days Walking Code: IW6

Mile km Mile km Day 1 Travel to Cowes for your first nights accommodation Travel to Cowes for your first nights accommodation

Day 2 Cowes to Yarmouth 16 26 Cowes to Yarmouth 16 26

Day 3 Yarmouth to Chale 22 35 Yarmouth to 15 24

Day 4 Chale to Sandown 16 26 Brighstone to Shanklin, then transfer to Brighstone 16 26

Day 5 Sandown to Cowes 16 26 Transfer back to Shanklin then walk to Seaview 12 19

Day 6 Depart from Cowes after breakfast Seaview to Cowes 11 18

Day 7 ` Depart from Cowes after breakfast

Round Trip from Cowes in 6 days Walking Code: IW7 Round Trip from Cowes in 7 days Walking Code: IW8

Mile km Mile km Day 1 Travel to Cowes for your first nights accommodation Travel to Cowes for your first nights accommodation

Day 2 Cowes to Yarmouth 16 26 Cowes to Shalfleet, then transfer back to Cowes 9 14

Day 3 Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay 11 18 Transfer back to Shalfleet then walk to Totland 11 18

Day 4 Freshwater Bay to Chale 11 18 Totland to Freshwater Bay 7 11

Day 5 Chale to Sandown 11 18 Freshwater Bay to Chale 11 18

Day 6 Sanddown to Seaview 10 16 Chale to Shaklin 9 14

Day 7 Seaview to Cowes `11 18 Shanklin to Seaview 12 19

Day 8 Depart from Cowes after breakfast Seaview to Cowes 11 18

Day 9 Depart from Cowes after breakfast

Our Itineraries

The Isle of Wight Coast Path – Yarmouth to Shanklin – 31 miles/50KM

This short break ‘highlights’ holiday focuses on the incredibly popular areas of west Wight and south Wight as you walk from Yarmouth to Shanklin. The iconic Needles, Tennyson Down and the possibility of dinosaur footprints at make this a wonderful walking experience.

Yarmouth to Shanklin in 3 days Walking Code: IWH4

Mile km Day 1 Travel to Yarmouth for your first nights accommodation

Day 2 Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay 11 18

Day 3 Freshwater Bay to Chale 11 18

Day 4 Chale to Shanklin 9 14

Day 5 Depart from Shanklin after breakfast