Boxing Day walks on the Isle of Wight

After enjoying the festive indulgence, it’s the perfect time to wrap up warm, escape the never-ending turkey leftovers, and go for an invigorating walk to explore the spectacular winter landscapes.

Blow away the cobwebs along blustery coastal paths on the traditional Boxing Day walk or take a frosty woodland wander in twinkling forests on New Year’s Day. 

There’s no better way to stave off the winter blues than escaping outside for some time in nature. 

Here are a few suggestions of a stroll in the woods to more challenging hikes:

1.9km easy walk: Borthwood Copse

This short atmospheric walk in a secluded part of the Island takes you through woods that are home to a VIP Isle of Wight resident: the red squirrel. You're more likely to see red squirrels in winter because there's less leaf cover, and they come to the ground to hunt for food and locate hidden stores.

2.4–5.8km easy walk: Newtown Waterways

It might be the depths of winter but at Newtown, the creeks and estuary are full of life. Colourful winter wildfowl and waders migrate here from their chillier breeding grounds. Stop at Cassey bridge to take in chestnut and emerald green teal from Siberia. On the quay, elegant orange-legged turnstones pick food from beneath the rocks. At the East Hide, flocks of knot flash silver as they wheel above the salt marsh in the winter sun.

4km easy walk: Culver Down

If you fancy a short stroll, the beautiful Culver Down is a good place to start. From the Culver Cliff car park, head towards Culver Battery and Whitecliff Ledge where you’ll have fabulous views across Whitecliff Bay and Bembridge. Continue along to the hill fort along the coastal path and then come back to the car park across Bembridge Down passing the Yarborough Monument. The walk is around 4km and there’s the Culver Haven Inn to have lunch in nearby with its panoramic views.

13km moderate walks: The Hamstead Trail and Numwell Trail

The Hamstead Trail offers spectacular coastal views on this 13km walk. Begin at Hamstead Point on the northern coast of the Island and climb up to Shalcombe Down passing through Cranmore and Wellow where you’re bound to see some of the Island’s population of red squirrels in the woodlands. Why not bring a flash of tea / coffee to enjoy and recharge your batteries as you climb upwards on the Down, taking in the breath-taking countryside.

For a countryside walk which ends in the town, try the 13km Nunwell trail from Sandown heading north across Brading Down and crossing the chalk downland which runs through the spine of the Island. Begin at Sandown station and cross the Down with its views of the East Wight and the Solent. This is a haven for birdwatchers, and you can use the hide enroute to see what you can spot. Continue into Ryde town and head for Union Street and Michelangelo restaurant where you’ll be able to rest those weary legs and enjoy some exquisite Italian cuisine.

23km challenging walk: The Tennyson Trail

For a real challenge, follow in the footsteps of Alfred Lord Tennyson and stride out on an invigorating walk over Tennyson Down. Begin your walk at Carisbrooke Castle, where Charles I was imprisoned, then head through the beautiful Brighstone Down and Brighstone Forest before arriving at the coast where there are splendid views over Freshwater towards Alum Bay and the iconic Needles from Freshwater Bay golf course. Peregrine falcons ride the breeze as they patrol the coastline, whilst migrant terns and ducks pass over the sea. Walk down into Freshwater before ascending Tennyson Down towards the monument and on into Alum Bay. Break your journey and fortify yourself at the Piano Café or Julia’s Tearoom at Dimbola Lodge in Freshwater.

These are just a few of the wonderful Isle of Wight walks you can take but there are loads of other routes too – many of which are suitable for younger walkers, those with disabilities, pram / wheelchair-friendly, and walks your four-legged friend will happily accompany you on.  

If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to walk more this year, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival is a great opportunity for guided walks on the Island in May and October.

Check out our Slow Travel Guide for more inspiration for walking.

Getting to the Isle of Wight

Whatever you decide to do and however you’re travelling, it couldn’t be easier to get to the Isle of Wight via Lymington, Southampton, Southsea or Portsmouth. There are regular rail connections to the south coast via South Western Railway.

Travelling as a foot passenger is simple due to our excellent transport links with trains, buses, foot passenger ferries and our hovercraft service.