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WWOCG7

One Centre Group

Shanklin – Ryde 13.7 miles
Leaving Shanklin you join the Coastal Path heading anti clockwise towards the resort of Sandown. Bearing away from the esplanade in Sandown you will climb through the National Trust land of Culver Cliff which is a striking mass of chalk and flint which defines this corner of the Island. Further on you pass through the trendy sailing towns of Bembridge and Seaview where you will see sand dunes and open harbours.

Ryde – Gurnard 9.8 miles
Two of the Islands most visited historic attractions are on this section of the coastal path. The distinctive Quarr Abbey, originally a Cistercian site dating from the 12th Century. The present abbey, however, was built in the early 20th Century by Benedictine monks. The stunning Osborne House, an opportunity to glimpse into Queen Victoria's palace by the sea, with its awe inspiring Durbar room and the Royal children's Swiss Cottage. Shortly after you will arrive in East Cowes and over the floating bridge to Cowes. Wandering through the sailing town of Cowes and watch the racing yatches before you arrive in Gurnard.

Gurnard – Yarmouth 14.6 miles
This part of the walk follows the Hampstead heritage coast which runs from Thorness bay to Bouldner near Yarmouth. A tranquil and secretive coastline with inlets, estuaries and creeks; wooded hinterland and gentle sloping soft cliffs, offering a haven for wildlife including red squirrels and migratory birds. After Thorness Bay, you veer away from the coast and inland through the Newton National Nature Reserve. Shortly thereafter, the trail makes its way back towards the coast, eventually arriving in the attractive, bustling town of Yarmouth.

Yarmouth – Freshwater 9.1 miles
On this section of the trail you will travel through the wild heather & gorse landscapes of Headon Warren, topped by a bronze age burial mound dating to 1500 BC. You may catch site of one of the local population of Dartford warblers. The area is part of the breathtaking Tennyson Heritage Coast with its open aspects and long distance views to the English Channel. Reaching the most western point of the Island reveals the Needles; the Islands best known landmark and one of the most distinctive views in Britain.

Freshwater - Chale 11.4 miles
The ‘Back of the Wight’ features the Isle of Wight's famous Chines (coastal gullies). Whale Chine is the most spectacular in a series of Chines along this stretch of the coastline. Chale Bay was at one time known as the "Bay of Death"; 60 ships were lost here between 1746 and 1808. Nearby are the Wealdon Beds which have yielded fossilised remains of dinosaurs including the well known dinosaur foot prints which are uncovered at low tide at Brook Bay.

Chale - Shanklin 10.2 miles
The more remote southern coast is smuggling country. In 1836 there where 16 coastguard stations based along this stretch of coastline. You will discover remote bays and coves. Ventnor Botanic Gardens lie just after Steephill Cove and thanks to Ventnor's mild climate, the Gardens contain palms and many other varieties of sub-tropical plants. Bonchurch and the Landslip, so named as it suffered in the great landslip of 1810. The area was further disturbed in 1928 and continues to slip very gradually.