Isle of Wight Hiking Weekend – Coastal Paths, Downs & Beaches - 4 days/ 3 Nights

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.

Price & Booking -
£315 per person – Twin-share room (plus meet up fee or book directly HERE)
- £385 per person – Private double room (limited availability) (to book the solo room you must book directly HERE)

Deposit: 50% to secure your place
Balance due: 6 weeks before departure

What’s Included
✔ 3 nights’ accommodation at The Lakes Rookley
✔ 4 fully guided walks
✔ Qualified and experienced walk leader
✔ Outdoor first aid cover
✔ Access to the indoor swimming pool
✔ Detailed trip pack and preparation guidance
✔ Pre-trip Zoom call
✔ Private WhatsApp group for coordination & chat
✔ Adventure Women host throughout

What’s Not Included
❌ Meals & drinks
❌ Transport on the island
❌ Ferry crossing to/from the Isle of Wight
❌ Personal hiking kit

Why Join This Trip?
- Iconic Isle of Wight landscapes - The Needles, Ventnor Downs & hidden beaches - Red squirrel spotting in ancient woodlands
- A supportive women-only group - A perfect balance of adventure and relaxation

💬 What Our Previous Adventurers Say
“Thank you for an amazing trip — the walks, the views, and the company were all brilliant.”
“It was so lovely meeting everyone and spending time together. I’m already looking forward to future adventures.”
“I’ll definitely be back — this might become an annual tradition.”

Come Solo or Bring a Friend Most women join on their own — and always leave with new friends.
This is a supportive, welcoming adventure designed for women who love wild landscapes, great company and time outdoors.

Important Note By RSVPing “yes” to any event, you agree to the group’s terms and conditions and payment policies. All payments are non-refundable, and any deposit and reserved spaces will be forfeited if the full balance is not paid on time. Visit Adventure Women T&Cs: [https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs ](https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs)

You acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, medical emergencies, serious injury and death, and you voluntarily assume all such risks. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs

Min 10 people required to run this trip. You will need to complete a waiver and provide a UK-based emergency contact before joining.

Note: The itinerary and activities are subject to change for the safety and overall experience of the group based on weather, conditions, or group competence. Please see Ts&Cs for full details.

About Us Adventure Women is an outdoor pursuits club for women united by a shared passion for exploration and an unwavering spirit of adventure. We believe the outdoors is a canvas for personal growth, camaraderie and unforgettable experiences. Join us to embark on journeys that inspire, uplift and redefine what it means to be an Adventure Woman.