In an area just 23 miles long and 13 miles wide at its most extreme, you’ll find an incredible range of landscapes – golden beaches, towering cliffs, rolling downs, ancient woodland and marvellous marshland. And the best way to see them all? On foot or on bike – just ask James Kerr.

We’ve recently located to the Isle of Wight from Australia, and when it comes to biking and bushwalking, the Island is ‘fair dinkum’. The mild climate and gentle landscape, not to mention the friendly wildlife, are complemented by surprisingly diverse scenery. Rolling downs, clay cliffs, wild marshes, mud flats and estuaries can be found to the north, while the south features golden beaches and sub-tropical plant-life.

Further east, chalk downlands slope gently towards sand dunes and sea, and there’s a
lovely mix of farmland, ancient woodland and beautiful villages. Out west, it’s more
rugged. Open farmland and a dramatic coastline of white cliffs and long, empty
beaches stretch towards the three chalk outcrops of the Needles.

There’s heaps to look out for: wild flowers, birdlife, spectacular geology, prehistoric remains, ancient castles, Victorian resorts, thatched cottages, medieval churches and
some very fine ale houses in picturesque villages, to name but a few.

 

Walking

Without doubt, walking is the most popular activity for Island visitors. With over 500 miles of well-signposted and wellmaintained footpaths, around 30 miles of Heritage Coastline, and half of the Island a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s really not that hard to see why.

 

Strolling Through History

There are plenty of Island trails to take you back in time. Walk with dinosaurs at Brook
Bay, which features the Island’s famous prehistoric footprints. Ancient burial landscapes can be seen at Afton Down and Headon Warren. Over on the east coast, there’s the Island’s only surviving windmill, dating from the 1700s, at Bembridge. If you’re walking out west, there’s a 17th century working watermill at Calbourne, and the Island’s military past and longabandoned rocket-testing site at the worldfamous Needles.

 

Nature on Foot

There are many organised nature walks on the Island throughout the summer and winter. The RSPB reserve at Brading, for instance, offers wonderful wildlife including breeding birds, flowers, dragonflies and butterflies. Rare species of butterflies, bees and other insects can be seen in Briddlesford woods, or there’s guided wildlife and orchid walks on the Jersey Camp at Porchfield.

 

Walking Festival

The Wightlink-sponsored Isle of Wight Walking Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2008, is the biggest in the country. This year’s event takes place betwen 3 and 18 May, and with over 200 organised walks, offers something for everyone. Over 15,000 walkers take part, many travelling from overseas to do so.

The festival’s website www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk gives a flavour of what’s on offer. There are plenty of family events, food walks, and if you like your ale, a walk taking in some of Newport’s bestknown pubs (from the outside!). If you’re looking for the rambler of your dreams, there’s even a ‘Speed Dating Walk’ along Sandown Bay. Organisers claim this has led to a number of successful matches and at least two happy marriages.

Cycling

The Island has hundreds of miles of cycle routes to suit all ages and abilities, including off-road trails and quiet country lanes. The council has also developed a number of cycle tracks, mainly using former railway lines, that are car-free, well-signposted and suited to all fitness and ability levels. In all, there’s over 200 miles of cycle routes along coast and through countryside.

Serious mountain bikers can check details of some of the Island’s challenging off-road trails on page 35. Those who take a more sedate approach to off-road biking will enjoy the scenery from public bridleways and cycle tracks. The best guide to the Island’s off-road bike trails is the Isle of Wight OS outdoor leisure map, no. 29.

 

Going coastal

The coast-to-coast Cowes to Sandown ride across the Island is one of the 10 best coastal rides in the country, according to The Guardian newspaper. The ride comprises two long sections of railway path, the first of which starts outside Cowes and runs parallel with the Medina river, finishing up just outside Newport. Joining the second disused railway at Shide, you’ll thread your way through pasture and woodland to the outskirts of Sandown.

 

On the road

With no motorways, it’s pretty much Sunday driving seven days a week on the Island, so there’s miles of small roads for serious racing cyclists and quiet country lanes for recreational pedallers. The Island offers many safe places for family cycling. Popular rides run through the Arreton Valley along disused railway lines, and from Freshwater Bay to Yarmouth alongside the River Yar.

The well-signposted and easy-to-follow ‘Round the Island’ ride can be done in a day. If you’re staying overnight, there’s a range of options for cyclist-friendly accommodation, and there are a number of cycle shops on the Island, offering parts and repairs, as well as bike hire.

 

Cycling festival

The Island hosts an annual Wightlinksponsored Cycling Festival (15-23 September). Last year’s event launched at Seaclose Park, Newport with a bike show, and featured a ride around the Island in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Pedal-heads might enjoy the orienteering/endurance ‘Hills Killer’. For details of all of the festival events, visit their website at www.sunseaandcycling.com.

 

Refuelling

Whether on foot or bike, there are plenty of pubs enroute. Alternatively, if you’re anywhere near Newport, Ryde or Freshwater, you might want to load up with a picnic from the excellent Farmers’ Markets or try the wonderfully stocked Farmer Jack’s in Arreton. So, once you’ve got your tucker sorted out, as they say in Australia, ‘go for your life mate’.