IoW: Freshwater Bay to Yarmouth

The walk: From Freshwater Bay, the route follows the coastal path taking in the Needles headland, Alum Bay, Totland, Colwell Bay and Fort Victoria.

Map

NB The map shows my GPS track, with various diversions and excursions which you may not wish to follow precisely.

Why do it: Views West to the Dorset Coast, East along the Island coast and North across the Solent; Needles Battery (NT- free entry to members); frenetic activity at Needles Theme Park and Alum Bay chair lift; Headon Warren Heathland and viewpoint; beach and seaside at Totland and Colwell Bay; Fort Victoria

Distance: 13 miles

Logistics: I took the ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth, then the Needles Breezer bus to Freshwater Bay (summer only, from just beside ferry terminal, bus passes not accepted), then walked back to Yarmouth for the return ferry. Lymington can be reached by car (pay car park next to ferry terminal), or train (change at Brockenhurst).

Challenges: Normally, there should be no problem getting on the ferry, except during big events like the Isle of Wight festival, when advance booking might be wise.The England Coast Path is being realigned around Headon Warren - follow the latest signs. The official path uses a rather tedious inland road walk around Linstone Chine Holiday Village near Colwell Bay (some of which could probably be avoided by walking along the beach to Brambles Chine, where a set of wooden steps has been reinstated). The path to Fort Victoria is through woods - pleasant, but lacking sea views.

Refreshments: Usual cafe's etc in the towns and attractions along the route. Tea room with spectacular views at the Needles Battery.

Nearby Walks

Here is a link to all my IOW Coastal Path walks.

Blackgang viewpoint to Freshwater Bay

On the mainland: Milford-on Sea to Lymington

Photos