A mixed habitat public open space.Golden Hill Country Park surrounds one of the Palmerston Follies that were built to protect the Solent from invasion. Built on high ground it was designed to defend and support the coastal batteries.  It has now been renovated to be a lovely country park with spectacular views across the Island with a network of cycling and walking tracks with lots of interesting things to see and do.

Route: Download the Komoot App to find our favourite route to Golden Hill

The Needles is the Island’s largest landmark attraction and is one of the most iconic group of rocks in the world. This row of three distinctive Chalk stacks features in all the classic views of the island. This chalk ridge continues west under the sea to Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck and is believed to have been connected at one time to Old Harry Rocks, about 20 miles away. 

Route: The Needles

Freshwater Bay is a picturesque small semi-circular pebble beach set in a dip between chalky cliffs. Situated off from the small town Freshwater, it is a very tranquil place to visit. Dimbola Tea Rooms, The Piano Cafe and The Lifeboat Shop are some of the choices for refreshments at the beach. The perfect place for a swim, alfresco picnic, rockpooling with the kids or general watersports. 

Route: Freshwater Flyer / The Needles

An easily accessible, sheltered sandy beach, with clear calm waters it has panoramic views across the Solent. It is an ideal beach for families particularly for swimming. 

You can cycle along the revetment to the neighbouring Totland Bay which also possesses multiple eateries.

Route: Download the Komoot App to find our favourite route to Colwell Bay

Compton offers a two mile stretch of contrasting golden and dark sands, with rolling seas, tumbling multi-coloured sandstone cliffs, and the white chalk cliffs at Freshwater in the distance.

Compton is a great place to see and pick up fossils, including those of dinosaurs. It is one of a number of picturesque bays along the Island’s South Coast and a firm favourite amongst surfers and during the gentler summer months, perfect for body boarding.

Route: Coastal Explorer

The former capital of the Isle of Wight, Newtown Creek lost its status as the Harbour silted up and was no longer navigable. A human settlement since the earliest of time it still bears the scars of its development. Invaded and ransacked many times from the vikings to napoleon. It is now a National Trust Nature Reserve and home to a diverse range of fauna and flora.  

Route: Newtown

This country park by the sea was built between 1852 and 1855 as one of a series of defences built to protect the western end of the Solent. Although it’s not suitable for bathing it is beautiful to sit and watch the world of boating pass you by. The beach holds soft whote sand and with bleached white trees sitting behind it looks almost mediterranean. 

Route: Yarmouth – Fort Vic

Alum Bay beach is unquestionably  one of the most scenic  beaches on the Isle of Wight. This mainly shingle beach located at the most westerly tip of the Island is framed by the iconic chalk stacks  known as The Needles with the world famous coloured sands creating a dramatic and natural shelter for the beach.

The crystal clear waters are a favourite for local swimmers and perfect for the children to paddle. Enjoy watching the boats moor in the bay during the day and the fisherman enjoying the tranquillity at dusk. This beach is only accessible by foot or by taking a ride on the iconic Chairlift.

Route: Needles

The Longstone marks the entrance to a Neolithic long barrow. Legend has it that St Catherine and the Devil had a contest to see who should control the Isle of Wight. The Longstone’s tall iron sandstone pillar was supposedly thrown by St Catherine from the Down to the east which bears her name. Sitting underneath The Downs on plato, it affords great views of the south coast and is a scenic area to walk and cycle. In the Spring it is famous for its beautiful display of bluebells. 

Route: Download the Komoot App to find our favourite route to The Longstone