I'm going to the Isle of White this summer, with the intention of walking the coastal paths around the island. There are 3 adults and 2 dogs, and we intend to do it in shorter 7 - 10 mile chunks, rather than the 10 - 13 mile chunks recommended in the guide.
I'd really appreciate any info or experience of other UKCS members who have done this before. Any info about sections where we might struggle, or where the dogs might be a problem, or where to find the most spectacular views would be most welcome!
Hi there, not actually done the whole costal walk (or much of it!) but I do envy you. We are not going to the IOW this year, but have been the last three, and really fell in love with the Island. We had previously camped at Whitecliff Bay, but the site has now been taken over so not keen to go back yet, if we do next year, we are going to stay the other side of the Island. Anyway, back to original topic! We did a few Island walks, from our site we walked left towards Bembridge, some of the path was corroded so had to take a detour inland. Then we also walked from Whitecillf bay to Sandown (past the monument on the hill), this was a really lovely walk, on a clear day, amazing views over Sandown, and a good path. One day we parked at Blankgang point car park, and walked up to "the Pepper Pot", amazing views again, and a lovely walk to. I think the Needles side of the Island is more picturesque, not so commercial, and seems flatter.
Would love to hear more how you walk goes, and where you are planning on seeing etc, are you planning to backpack camp around?
As we have two young kids our walks were limited, but love the idea.
Familyof4
------------- Life is to short to do the ironing....
Thanks familyof4 - was worried I may not get any responses!
We're not backpacking, but staying at one site (the C&CC site at Adgestone) and walking different 6 - 10 mile stretches each day. I think we'll walk most days, but also have general relaxing/sightseeing days as well! We may not do the whole coast but I'm keen to do as much as possible.
I've not been to the IOW since I was a little girl so I'm really looking forward to it!
We did this last September in shorter chunks like you. Best views are the south western part around the Needles but they are stunning so it doesn't mean the rest aren't good too. We backpacked and camped and found that we struggled for sites between Chale and Shanklin so had to go inland. We don't have a dog (yet) so don't know about problems but nothing jumps out. We also bought weekly bus tickets which were £20 for a week which meant that we could use the bus in the evenings to get from our campsite to the nearest pub/chip shop and also used it to get from the coastal path to inland campsites.
We loved it despite some miserable weather. Hope you have a great time.
Quote: Originally posted by Beccylovespurpl on 08/2/2009
We loved it despite some miserable weather. Hope you have a great time.
I'm hoping we have a better summer this year. Went all the way to southern Brittany for two weeks of rain last year, so I feel like I'm 'owed'. I'll enjoy it no matter what the weather, but a little sun would be VERY welcome!
Hi, We are going to the island this summer and have similar plans, we are there for 3 weeks at the end of July and the beginning of August so hoping that we will get at least some decent weather during that time.
We are staying at Whitefield forest which is on the eastern side of the island and not far from Ryde.
We may see you on the coast path somewhere around the island there are just the two of us and Jasper the dog.
Hi, it's been a while since we were there, but like Beckylovespurpl we found the bus passes very useful for getting to various parts for hiking: http://www.islandbuses.info/networkmap01.shtml
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: IOW Coastal Walk
