Adventure Women Activities Hertfordshire

Join us for an unforgettable long weekend exploring the diverse and beautiful landscapes of the Isle of Wight.

This Adventure Women UK trip combines dramatic coastal walking, rolling chalk downs, woodland trails and historic landmarks, all balanced with relaxed evenings and a supportive women-only group.

Over four days, we’ll discover some of the island’s most iconic scenery — from the towering chalk stacks of The Needles and panoramic ridge walks high above the sea, to hidden beaches, ancient burial mounds and peaceful woodlands known for their red squirrel populations.

Each day offers a different flavour of the island, showcasing just how varied and rewarding walking on the Isle of Wight can be. This trip is ideal if you’re looking for a mix of challenge and enjoyment, with walks that feel adventurous without being rushed.

As always, the atmosphere is friendly, inclusive and supportive — whether you’re coming solo or with a friend.

Our base for the weekend is The Lakes Rookley, where we’ll stay in comfortable lakeside lodges surrounded by countryside. Evenings are relaxed and sociable, with the option to eat out locally, use the on-site facilities or self-cater in your lodge.

The Walks
Day 1 – Culver Down & Bembridge Circular
13 km | 223 m ascent | ~3.5-4 hrs | Grade 2.5 (Moderate)

A scenic introduction to the weekend, combining coastal views, historic landmarks and quiet beaches. Starting near Bembridge Windmill, the island’s oldest surviving windmill, we’ll walk through rolling countryside towards Culver Down, where wide views open up along the coastline.

Day 2 – Brook Bay, Mottistone & Brightstone Down Circular
16.5 km | 479 m ascent | ~5–6 hrs | Grade 3 (Moderate–Challenging)
A beautifully varied inland and coastal-edge walk across some of the Isle of Wight’s most open and atmospheric landscapes. Starting near Brook Bay, we head inland through rolling countryside to the historic village of Mottistone, before climbing onto Brightstone Down for wide-ranging views across the island. This route combines chalk downland, quiet tracks, farmland and woodland, with long stretches of open walking and a real sense of space.

The higher sections offer panoramic views, while the lower paths provide shelter and variety underfoot, making this an engaging and rewarding day on the trail. It’s a steady but achievable day with sustained climbs and descents, perfectly suited to walkers who enjoy longer distances and changing terrain.

Day 3 – Fort Victoria, Freshwater Bay & The Needles
19 km | 441 m ascent | ~6–7 hrs | Grade 3.5 (Challenging / Tough)

A standout coastal day showcasing the very best of the Isle of Wight. From Fort Victoria, we’ll follow the coastline past Colwell Bay and Totland, before climbing Tennyson Down for breathtaking views across to The Needles and the coloured sands of Alum Bay. We’ll visit The Needles Battery (National Trust), descend to Freshwater Bay for a well-earned break, and return via woodland and farmland trails.

Day 4 – Ventnor Downs & Appuldurcombe Circular 13 km | 388 m ascent | ~4–5 hrs | Grade 3 (Challenging)

Our final walk explores the Ventnor Downs, the highest point on the Isle of Wight, combining open chalk downland, woodland paths and historic parkland into a rewarding circular route.

From Ventnor, we climb steadily onto the downs, where expansive views stretch across the island and out to sea. The route then descends through sheltered woodland before passing the impressive ruins of Appuldurcombe House, a grand 18th-century mansion set within rolling countryside. We continue through quieter tracks and farmland before a final climb back onto higher ground, offering one last set of wide-ranging views to finish the walking day. At the end of the walk, there is the option to descend to nearby Steephill Cove, a beautiful hidden beach and one of the island’s most charming spots — perfect for a relaxed seaside stop, paddle or ice cream before heading home.

A slightly shorter day in distance, but still a satisfying and scenic finale with a good mix of climbs, descents and classic Isle of Wight landscapes.

Overall Trip Grade: 3 – Challenging
• Walks range from 4–7 hours per day
• One longer, more challenging coastal day
• Suitable for walkers comfortable on uneven terrain and steady climbs
• Ideal for those looking to build confidence on longer walking days

Accommodation The Lakes Rookley – Lakeside Lodges
We’ll be staying at The Lakes Rookley, a relaxed rural setting on the Isle of Wight, offering a comfortable lakeside base for our long weekend of walking. The setting combines open countryside with practical on-site facilities, making it well suited to an active Adventure Women trip. We’ll have exclusive use of four lakeside lodges, each with a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living and dining areas, and shared social spaces — ideal for relaxing together in the evenings after a day on the trails.

Bedrooms are arranged as either twin-share rooms (two single beds) or private double rooms for those who prefer their own space.

The site also offers a range of useful facilities, including an indoor and outdoor heated swimming pool (perfect for a post-walk dip),
The Quarterdeck Bar & Eatery for optional evening meals and drinks, outdoor seating areas and a sun terrace, along with free parking and WiFi in public areas.
Please note that The Lakes Rookley is a family-friendly site, so there may be other guests and children on site during our stay.

Comfort Grade: Level 4 – Comfortable modern lodges with excellent on-site facilities.

Meals & Evenings • Breakfasts and packed lunches are self-catered • Evenings are flexible — we may eat out locally, use the on-site restaurant, grab a takeaway, or if you prefer you can cook in the self catering kitchen.

Join us for a spectacular long weekend exploring West Dorset and the Jurassic Coast, one of England’s most dramatic and rewarding walking landscapes. This four-day Adventure Women UK trip focuses on the western end of Dorset, taking in sweeping coastal paths, rolling chalk downland, ancient hill forts and classic villages — offering big views, fresh sea air and a real sense of journey across the landscape

Over the weekend, we’ll walk a carefully balanced mix of routes, starting with the coastline around Abbotsbury and Chesil Beach, building to a longer and more demanding coastal day to Golden Cap, and finishing with gentler but still rewarding walks to round off the trip. The programme is designed to offer variety and challenge without rushing, with time to pause, take photos and enjoy being out on the trail.

This itinerary is distinct from our previous East Dorset trips, showcasing the wilder landscapes and iconic highlights that make West Dorset such a special place to explore on foot.

This is a women-only trip with a supportive, friendly atmosphere, ideal for women who enjoy good walking, shared adventure and exploring beautiful places together — whether you’re coming solo or with a friend.

Our base for the weekend is The Cow Shed in Toller Porcorum, a comfortable group house set on the edge of the Kingcombe National Nature Reserve, owned and run by Dorset Wildlife Trust. Surrounded by countryside and wildlife-friendly gardens, it provides a peaceful retreat after full days on the hills, with all bedrooms en-suite and relaxed communal spaces to unwind.

Evenings are flexible and sociable — we’ll either eat out together at local pubs and restaurants or you’re very welcome to use the self-catering facilities at the accommodation, depending on preference.

Planned Walks

Day 1 – Abbotsbury & Chesil Beach
~11 km | 270 m ascent | 3–4 hrs | Grade 2 – Moderate

A stunning coastal introduction to the weekend, taking in wide views across Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon. Rolling paths, sea air and expansive horizons make this an ideal first walk — scenic, uplifting and a great way to ease into the trip after travelling.

Day 2 – Hardy’s Monument to Maiden Castle
~19 km | 425 m ascent | 5.5–6 hrs | Grade 3 – Challenging

A longer inland day across classic West Dorset chalk downland. This route links Hardy’s Monument with Maiden Castle, one of Europe’s largest Iron Age hill forts. Expect wide open views, steady climbs and a strong sense of history. A satisfying full day on the hills without technical terrain.

Day 3 – Lyme Regis & Golden Cap
~14.5 km | 540 m ascent | 4.5–5.5 hrs | Grade 3 – Challenging

The standout coastal day and a real highlight of the weekend. This dramatic Jurassic Coast walk includes sustained climbs, cliff-top paths and big sea views as we pass through some of Dorset’s most iconic scenery. We finish in Lyme Regis, with free time after the walk to relax on the beach, explore the town, enjoy an ice cream and soak up the seaside atmosphere before returning to accommodation.

Day 4 – Cerne Abbas & the Cerne Giant
~10 km | 260 m ascent | 3–3.5 hrs | Grade 2 –

Moderate We finish with a gentler inland walk through the historic village of Cerne Abbas, passing beneath the famous Cerne Giant. Rolling countryside, steady climbs and a relaxed pace make this a perfect final day — sociable, scenic and relaxed walk before heading home.

🔎 Overall Trip Grade: 3 – Challenging
- Two coastal days balanced by two inland countryside walks
- One longer inland day and one demanding coastal day
- Ideal for those who enjoy varied landscapes and classic British walking
- Suitable for walkers comfortable with 10–19 km days on hilly terrain

Accommodation The Cow Shed, Toller Porcorum – West Dorset
A spacious and welcoming group house set within the Kingcombe National Nature Reserve, owned and run by Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Key features:
• All bedrooms en-suite.
• Mix of twin rooms and solo rooms
• Large fully equipped kitchen/diner and separate dining room
• Boot room and utility space for walking kit
• Comfortable lounge/snug
• Free Wi-Fi
• Off-road parking
• Outdoor seating area and access to peaceful shared grounds
• On-site café available during the day

Comfort Grade: Level 4 – Comfortable Group House

A high-quality, well-equipped base offering more comfort and privacy than hostel or lodge accommodation — ideal for a multi-day walking trip.