Isle of Wight Coastal Path
~5 days · 74.4 mi · hard · Loop
Quick facts
What the Isle of Wight Coastal Path is known for
A complete circuit of the Isle of Wight off England's south coast, following chalk cliffs, sandy bays and estuary edges all the way around the island — from the Solent harbour towns of Cowes and Yarmouth past The Needles and Tennyson Down, along the Undercliff to Ventnor, and back through the resort coast of Sandown, Bembridge and Ryde. Usually walked anti-clockwise from Cowes over five days, with overnight stops in coastal towns and campsites along the way.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 0 ft to 761 ft over 74.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 9.9 mi · 13%
- Downhill 7.4 mi · 10%
- Flat 57.0 mi · 77%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Isle of Wight Coastal Path?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Isle of Wight Coastal Path scores 24/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Isle of Wight Coastal Path take?
Most backpackers hike the Isle of Wight Coastal Path in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 74.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path?
The Isle of Wight Coastal Path climbs roughly 5,604 ft total — about 75 ft per mile, topping out near 782 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.