Walking the Wight

IOW Walking Festival

Why Walking is Good for You

Island Walks

Rights of Way

Footpath image The Isle of Wight has a wealth of footpaths and bridleways and is reputed to have more footpaths per square mile than any other English county - from a 60 mile coastal path, to easy circular routes, and short town trails - there are over 500 miles of well maintained paths on an island that measures 23 by 15 miles

The Coastal Path can be walked in four days at a leisurely pace. The coastline is varied from white chalk cliffs to quiet estuaries. Almost half of the coastline is designated "Heritage Coast", a definition applied only to coastlines of the highest quality and unspoilt nature.

Inland the chalk downlands are the home to many unique wild flowers and fauna, and the Island has some of the most picturesque villages in the country.

For a personal view of the Island's footpaths and walks see www.iwcam.co.uk and www.mortiboy.co.uk/iow/isleof.htm

Leaflets for walkers

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust produce a free leaflet every April and September. Wight Summer has 100+ walks and events for the period April to September. Wight Winter has about 50 walks and events taking place between October and March.
You can

download the current leaflet here www.iwight.com/just_visiting/walking/download.asp
collect a copy from Island Public Libraries or from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Forest Office, Parkhurst Forest, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5UL
request a copy to be sent by calling 01983 533180

There is also a listing at www.iwight.com/just_visiting/walking/default.asp

For further information about the coastal path and other long distance trails please see
http://www.islandbreaks.co.uk/site/sports-and-outdoor-activities/walking/walking-routes

The cycle routes map is at
http://www.islandbreaks.co.uk/site/sports-and-outdoor-activities/cycling

For self guided walks around the Medina estuary and Western Yar estuary see
www.iwight.com/living%5Fhere/environment/estuaries/Estuaries%5FCircular%5FWalks/

For general information on the Isle of Wight Council's Countryside sites, see www.iwight.com/countryside/ These sites give opportunities for short circular walks.

On line timetables for public transport can be found at this link
www.iwight.com/travelInformation/onlinetimetables.asp

For further general tourism information, including accommodation, please visit www.islandbreaks.co.uk or contact Isle of Wight Tourism on 01983 813800.

More Information for Walkers

To access the electronic listings of the walks and events published in the Wight Walks leaflets, please visit www.iwight.com/just_visiting/walking/default.asp

For general information on the Isle of Wight Council's Countryside Section, and the sites they manage, see www.iwight.com/countryside/

For further general tourism information, including accommodation, please visit www.islandbreaks.co.uk or contact Isle of Wight Tourism on 01983 813800.

Ordnance Survey Maps:

Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 29
Isle of Wight
2.5 inch : 1 mile / 4cm : 1km

Ordnance Survey Landranger 196
Solent and Isle of Wight
1.25 inch : 1 mile / 2cm : 1km