Walking BritainIsle of Wight AONB Walk
The Needles & Tennyson's Monument from Freshwater Bay
Maps 
| Ordnance Survey Explorer OL29 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Explorer OL29 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Ordnance Survey Landranger 196 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Landranger 196 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Walk Route Description
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Starting from Freshwater Bay this walk crosses Tennyson Down to explores the wonderful chalk cliffs and downs at the western end of the Isle of Wight. The start is the pay and display car park in opposite the beach at Freshwater Bay (grid ref. SZ346858) just off the A3055.
After parking exit the car park to the beach. Facing the sea, turn right and walk along the road to the public conveniences and turn left up the signed footpath along a lane. This climbs steadily and quite soon you leave the lane for the open downs. Do remember there are high unprotected cliffs so care is needed with children. Following the clear path ahead you soon see the Tennyson Monument ahead of you. From here the view extends along the southern coast of the Isle of Wight.
From the monument there is a main ridge path veering slightly right and a lesser used green path that veers slightly to follow the cliffs more closely. Take the latter eventually reaching a stile in a wire fence (grid ref. SZ318851). Cross the stile and continue now with a fence between you and the cliffs. Continue in a westerly direction aiming for the radio mast ahead.
Cross the fence here, pass the radio station and drop down on a stony path to a concrete road. Bear left and then turn right on a concrete path to the observation point for the Needles. This area was used for rocket testing in the 1960s and 70s and there are some information boards detailing this piece of modern history. The observation post offers the best view of the Needles from the land.
Return to the concrete road and bear left. This will lead you round to the Needles Old Battery now managed by the National Trust. In season there are refreshments available here. To continue walk up to the old coastguard cottages and take the path that goes behind them. This leads you back onto the downs. Instead of dropping down to the clifftop path used on the outward route stay on the crest of the ridge. This path offers some excellent views across Alum Bay to the mainland.
Reaching a junction of paths at a fence (grid ref. SZ318853), bear slightly right and continue along the main ridge path to the Tennyson Monument. You have now rejoined the outward route and all that remains is a gentle descent to the start with some excellent views east along the coast.
Other walks nearby
| Walk 2223 | The Needles & Tennyson's Monument from Nodewell Farm | easy | 4.0 miles |
| Walk 2414 | Compton Down and Five Barrows from Compton Chine | easy/mod | 5.0 miles |
| Walk 1546 | Freshwater and Norton from Yarmouth, IOW | easy | 5.0 miles |
| Walk 3541 | Keyhaven & Hurst Castle | easy | 3.3 miles |
| Walk 2435 | Compton Down from Brighstone circular | moderate | 12.5 miles |
Recommended Books & eBooks
Walking on the Isle of Wight
Guidebook to 33 walking routes on the beautiful Isle of Wight, from 4 to 18 miles long. The routes are suitable for all abilities and are accessible all year round. Includes a complete circuit of the island's spectacular coast as well as walks exploring forest trails and downland, and visiting the towns of Yarmouth, Cowes and Ventnor.
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The National Trails
This inspirational guidebook looks at each of the UK's 19 National Trails, with information that allows ease of comparison and contrast, inspiring you to find out more and to take up a long-distance challenge. Some Trails are short and easy, others much longer, many have strong themes - they may follow a coastline, or traverse ranges of hills.
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Further Information
Walk Location Map
Isle of Wight AONB Walking
The Isle of Wight is much bigger than a lot of people think: 24 miles from east to west and 14 miles north to south. Its 60 miles of coastline contains a wide variety of landscapes, from chalk downland to sandy beaches via marshes, salt flats and ancient woodland. Inland the rolling downlands provide some superb walking. More Information
Walk grading - Learn how each walk is assessed and select a walk to suit your ability and experience by going to Walk Grading Details.
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