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COASTAL PATH

EXPLORING THE GARDEN ISLE

ISLE OF WIGHT COASTAL PATH - SELF GUIDED WALKING SUMMARY HOLIDAY With over half of the island designated as an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, almost 30 miles of heritage coast and an abundance of sunshine make the Isle of Wight a very appealing and welcoming destination in Britain. Add to this the wonderful 67 mile coastal path circumnavigating the island and you have a walkers paradise just waiting to be explored.

Starting in the historic town of and following the coast in an anti clockwise direction prepare to splendour in the delights the Isle of Wight has to offer. The unspoilt landscape has so much to offer, you can visit the blue flag beaches at , and and wander through the charming towns of and Yarmouth. Escape into the wide open spaces of , watch the wildlife of the West Wight and , and wonder at the natural beauty of the estuaries in the north and the rolling downs running south to the sea.

Our Isle of Wight walking holiday features hand-picked overnight accommodation in high quality B&B’s, Tour: Isle of Wight Coast Path country inns, small hotels and guesthouses. Each is unique and offers the highest levels of welcome, Code: WESIWC1-5 atmosphere and outstanding local cuisine. We also include daily door to door baggage transfers, a guide Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday book and pre-departure information pack as well as emergency support, should you need it. Price: See Website Single Supplement: See Website Dates: All Year HIGHLIGHTS Walking Days: 4 - 7 days Nights: 5—8 nights Start/Finish: Ryde Distance: 67miles (108 km)  White cliffs and panoramic views from Tennyson Down Grade: Moderate  The colourful variegated cliffs at  Stunning, unspoilt coastlines at Shanklin, Sandown and Freshwater Bay Is It For Me?  Prehistoric fossils and rock formations If you enjoy wide open spaces, stunning sea views and the sound of waves crashing then the Isle of Wight is for you. Graded from WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY WITH US? Easy upwards, walking the coast path circuit Macs Adventure is a small, energetic company dedicated to delivering adventure excellence. We are can be enjoyed by everyone. passionate about delivering outstanding walking holidays where every last detail is taken care of. Each holiday we offer is unique, tailor made to meet your requirements. From your first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a local specialist who knows the region intimately. What’s Included? Self guided walking holidays are a wonderful relaxed way to discover the magic of the area. Free to travel Accommodation: Hand-picked B&B’s, at your own pace and wander off the beaten track, you will discover the beauty of the landscape, the country inns and guesthouses. Meals: A hearty breakfast is included. warmth of the people and the long history of this spectacular island. We will supply you with a guide book Lunch and dinner are not included but al- and a pre-departure information pack to guide you every step of the way so there is no need for a guide. ways Your baggage will be collected and moved onto your next accommodation so that you are free to walk available at accommodation or nearby. each day with just a daypack. In the unlikely event you should require emergency support our office is Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door baggage transfer. always more than happy to help with your queries. So, from the moment you decide to visit the Isle of Information Pack: We provide you with a Wight you can relax and look forward to an unforgettable self-guided walking holiday. We hope that you guidebook and detailed information pack to will choose to travel with Macs Adventure soon. set you on your way.

ISLE OF WIGHT COASTAL PATH

EXPLORING THE GARDEN ISLE

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Cowes to Yarmouth—16 Miles to Shanklin—16 Miles

Below you will find a brief description of the This section of the walk is long and heads inland A quick paddle before continuing onto the cliff entire coastal trail broken down into the main around the estuary passing cliff path, crossing several (steep gullies) sections of the walk. tops and through small villages and woodland. with superb sea views along this one time smugglers coast. After Whale you see From Cowes follow the promenade, rounding Starting Point: Ryde the quirky 14th century Pepper Pot on , along the sea wall out of town and Down, built as a penance from the Pope for the Ryde is located on the East coast of the Isle of onto the cliff top path to Gurnard Head. Dropping ‘misappropriation’ of wine from a shipwreck. Wight and is serviced by regular transport from into you have a beach at your (South ). You can catch a disposal. Next you head inland over fields to Traversing above to St Lawrence high speed passenger catamaran () Newtown Estuary and Mill. Heading you rejoin the cliff path that takes you to which connects with railway stations at either end back towards the coast you pass Hamstead charming Ventnor. After spending time at in less than 22 mins . Quay before Hamstead Ledge. The path runs Ventnor, its Botanical gardens and strolling along through fields and a copse, finally hitting the cliff the seafront to nearby you ascend Direct mainline train connections run from at and a shingle beach that runs into over Luccombe cliffs, hugging the coastline to Portsmouth to Waterloo (1.5 - 2 hrs), Yarmouth. Shanklin. Brighton (1.5hrs), (2.5 hrs) and (1hr) frequently. Yarmouth to Brighstone—13.5 Miles Shanklin to Ryde—13.5 Miles If you are planning to drive to Portsmouth then A wonderful section of the walk passing This section starts by walking alongside the you can leave your car at the port in the longstay pinnacles of chalk that mark the western end of sandy beaches of Shanklin and Sandown with multi story car park for a charge. the Island—. This section is now their Victorian promenades. You then Skirt very remote with dramatic coastal views. Culver Cliff, White Cliff and onto Bembridge, You can also catch the superfast where wildlife abounds in the wetlands reserve. () service from to Ryde in After Yarmouth you pass Fort Victoria before just 10 mins. reaching , followed by Bay. After Bembridge Harbour the path returns to the You climb gradually to Healdon Hill and then coastline and meanders up through the villages Ryde itself boasts wide beaches with shallow descent to Alum Bay, where a refreshment break of St Helens and Seaview before finally returning waters and a beautiful Victorian . Ryde is the will be well earned. to Ryde. gateway to the Island, a busy seaside town full of life. Next you ascend the white cliffs towards the Departing Ryde iconic Needles - a slight detour takes you to a Ryde to Cowes—8 Miles scenic viewpoint. Back on the trail, you are now Additional nights in Ryde or indeed other places on the island are highly recommended. With the Leaving Ryde you pass the church at , walking along the edge of Tennyson Down. The extensive network of paths and bridleways that where since Norman times there has been a views here are magnificent and time should be cross the island you have opportunities to place of worship. Strolling through woodland you taken to savour every minute. Freshwater Bay discover more of the countryside. reach the ruins of the original and its quiet beach follows as you head along the before the latest incarnation a little further along coast following many smaller bays until you You can leave Ryde the same way you came the trail. Crossing you enter reach the turn off for Brighstone village. and connect on to Rail or Bus links which serve Wootton and minor roads take you into small the UK, nearby airports or cities. From copses and onto Osborn house which is worthy Portsmouth, where you will disembark your , of a slight diversion. After , you London is only 2 hours away by train. cross the floating bridge and into the historic town of Cowes.

ISLE OF WIGHT COASTAL PATH

EXPLORING THE GARDEN ISLE

Below are all the itineraries we offer on the Walking Direction Coastal Path ITINERARY: WESIWC3 Description: This itinerary fits nicely into a Our itineraries follow an anti-clockwise direction, ITINERARY: WESIWC1 weeks holiday. One long day at the start of the as this is the preferred route for baggage transfer week followed by some gentler walking gives you services. Description: Whilst terrain and ascent are the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas. never too taxing, daily distances on this itinerary Additional Nights and Extensions suit experienced walkers. Walking Days: 6 Many of our clients choose to add extra nights Nights: 7 Walking Days: 4 along the walk to sample more of the wonderful Average Daily Distance: 11 miles Nights: 5 walking and attractions available on the island. Grade: Easy to Moderate Average Daily Distance: 17 miles Yarmouth, Freshwater Bay, , Ventnor and Sandown are great choices for extra days as Grade: Moderate to Strenuous Day Route Miles these pleasant and uncrowded villages and Day Route Miles towns often feature additional day walks, wildlife 1 Arrive Ryde opportunities or great beaches that can easily 2 Walk to Cowes 8 1 Arrive Ryde 3 Walk to Yarmouth 16 soak up a day! 2 Walk to Shalfleet 17 4 Walk to Freshwater Bay 8 Ryde and Cowes can offer attractive 3 Walk to Freshwater Bay 16 5 Walk to Chale 11 4 Walk to Ventnor 17 6 Walk to Sandown 12 extensions and you shouldn’t forget Newport in 5 Walk to Ryde 17 7 Walk to Ryde 12 the centre of the Island – ideal for additional day 6 Onward Travel 8 Onward Travel walks and visiting the historic and imposing Castle. Total Distance 67 Total Distance 67 Birders may want to take advantage of the isolation of the island which has preserved areas ITINERARY: WESIWC4 like the Medina Estuary between Ryde and ITINERARY: WESIWC2 Cowes, the Newtown Estuary north of Yarmouth, Description: This 8 night itinerary gives you Description: An easier start with a stop in plenty of time to visit places of interest and have Cowes and a shorter 3rd day to enjoy Tennyson a much more relaxed walking pace. Down and the beach at Freshwater Bay. Walking Days: 7 Walking Days: 5 Nights: 8 Nights: 6 Average Daily Distance: 9.5 miles Average Daily Distance: 13.5 miles Grade: Easy to Moderate Grade: Moderate

Day Route Miles Day Route Miles 1 Arrive Ryde 1 Arrive Ryde 2 Walk to Cowes 8 2 Walk to Cowes 8 3 Walk to Shalfleet 8 3 Walk to Yarmouth 16 4 Walk to Yarmouth 8 4 Walk to Brighstone 14 5 Walk to Freshwater Bay 8 5 Walk to Shanklin 15 6 Walk to Chale 11 6 Walk to Ryde 14 7 Walk to Sandown 12 7 Onward Travel 8 Walk to Ryde 12 9 Onward Travel Total Distance 67 Total Distance 67 ISLE OF WIGHT COASTAL PATH

EXPLORINGTHE GARDEN ISLE

The Yar Estuary south of Yarmouth, and the Single Rooms ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to wetlands at Bembridge—all prime spots to 15kg per person. observe the wealth of wildlife on the island. If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single Equipment room supplement payable. Your information pack has a detailed equipment HOLIDAY INFORMATION Solo Walkers list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and Fewer Nights We welcome solo walkers on the coast path, waterproof clothes and a day pack. If you wish to reduce the number of nights we although you should of course take extra care in can tailor your trip to your requirements. the outdoors when walking solo. A supplement Dogs will apply to baggage transfers. Tailor Made Holidays Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate Meals walkers with dogs as many of the We are always more than happy to tailor our accommodation providers do not accept pets. standard itineraries to suit. Just let us know what A hearty breakfast is included each morning. you would like and we will be happy to arrange Lunch and dinner are not included so you are PRICE AND AVAILABILITY tailor made walking holiday. free to choose from the available options. Most accommodations are more than happy to provide Price Grade a packed lunch - this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation Please refer to our website for up to date prices This holiday is graded from Easy through to or nearby or restaurants. www.macsadventure.com Moderate/Strenuous, depending on the itinerary you choose. Baggage Transfer Availability The route is a mixture of paths, tracks and minor Your bags will be transferred from your This walking holiday can be enjoyed best roads. Some of the path sections can be steep accommodation as per your itinerary and moved between March and the end of October. The as you traverse the cliffs—however no single Island is generally more accommodating to ascent is deemed difficult. walkers than elsewhere in the British Isles due to the weather. Navigation Springtime weather is changeable but brings an The route is way marked clearly with blue explosion of colour when wildflowers bloom. ‘coastal walk’ signs. Summer is when you’ll find most people either on the trail . Autumn brings a crispness to the air, Accommodation the trails and beaches thin out and you can One of the highlights of this tour is the high appreciate the tranquillity of the path. standard of the accommodation. We specifically You can start your walk on any date that suits choose the Inns, Guesthouses and B&B’s to your travel plans and you will find up to date ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. availability on our website. The Isle of Wight They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, Coast Path is very popular and accommodation traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We can get booked quickly so it is best to book as far always try and book your accommodation as in advance as you are able to. close as possible to the line of the trail. Occasionally a short transfer may be required Included and this is always included in the price of your holiday.  Bed and breakfast accommodation in ensuite rooms wherever possible.

 Door to door baggage transfer. onto your next overnight accommodation. We ISLE OF WIGHT COASTAL PATH

EXPLORING THE GARDEN ISLE

 A detailed info pack and guide book. Minimise Impact & Maximise Benefit  Book Securely Online: www.macsadventure.com  Emergency telephone support from our office Our operating policies, office policies, holidays in the event of a problem. and tours are all designed to minimise impact Telephone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886  and maximise benefit to the environment and Excluded local communities.  Fax/Post: Download or request a booking form and post it to Macs Adventure Ltd, 44 Speirs  Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks. Action & Advocacy Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, UK or fax it to +44  Travel Insurance. (0) 845 527 5688 We believe that by engaging our team and Transport should you need to skip a stage. clients in environmental and community projects  Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on we can make a real difference.  Travel to the start of the walk or back from the +44 (0) 141 530 8886 or email: finish Carbon & Communities [email protected] if you have any queries and one of our expert team will be happy TRAVEL INFORMATION Travel and our business activity does of course to help. contribute to carbon output and climate change. Getting to/from Ryde We have put several policies in place to minimise our carbon footprint. BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE Ryde is located on the East coast of the Isle of Wight and is serviced by regular transport from Sensitive & Sustainable Financial Security Portsmouth (South England). You can catch a high speed passenger catamaran (Wightlink) Macs Adventure has worked hard to ensure that In accordance with "The Package Travel, which connects with railway stations at either end our holidays are sensitive to the community you Package Holidays and Package Tours in less than 22 mins . are visiting and sustainable over the long term. Regulations1992" all passengers booking with Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the This tour is operated responsibly because: Direct mainline train connections run from initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all Portsmouth to London Waterloo (1.5 - 2 hrs),  Walking is a low impact method of travel. monies paid to us, including repatriation if Brighton (1.5hrs), Bristol (2.5 hrs) and  Tourism is a vital industry on the Isle of Wight required (this insurance will not cover repatriation Southampton (1hr) frequently. and we use locally owned and operated to the country of origin for the passengers accommodation and suppliers to ensure outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or If you are planning to drive to Portsmouth then maximum benefit accrues to the local curtailment of your travel arrangements due to you can leave your car at the port in the longstay economy. the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd multi story car park for a charge.  We build long term partnerships with our local suppliers, encouraging green business Book with Confidence. We are a member of You can also catch the superfast hovercraft practices and pay a fair price for all locally ABTA which means you have the benefit of (Hovertravel) service from Southsea to Ryde in sourced elements of your holiday. ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We just 10 mins.  We supply detailed pre-departure information provide full financial protection for your money. to all clients suggesting ways to minimise any A good source of reference for travel details is negative social or environmental impact. the travel line website: www.traveline.org.uk ABTA Member RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL HOW TO BOOK Statement Macs Adventure Holidays is a Member of ABTA. We operate holidays in some of the most Once you have read all the information in this ABTA and ABTA members help holidaymakers beautiful areas of the British Isles and try to factsheet or our website, please visit our website to get the most from their travel and assist when operate in an environmentally aware and or give us a call to confirm availability. sustainable manner. We do this by following our things don’t go according to plan. We are obliged M.A.C.S. Responsible travel policy. You can then book by any of the following to maintain a high standard of service to you by methods: ABTA’s Code of Conduct.