Walking the Wight

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 Council's Parks and Countryside Section 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 http://www.iwight.com/just_visiting/walking/download.asp
• collect a copy from Island Public Libraries and Tourist Information Centres
• request a copy to be sent by post by sending an e mail with your name and address to countryside@iow.gov.uk with the title Island Walks Leaflet

More Information for Walkers

To access the electronic listings of the walks and events published in the Countryside Section leaflet, please visit http://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 http://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