🏝️ Hiking the Isle of Wight – England’s Largest & Sunniest Island

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The number of places on this trip is strictly limited to 14 (passenger seats in the minibus).

As we have 2 groups on Meetup, to confirm your place, please head to our main group. RSVP to the event you're interested in and complete the payment. Here is the link:

**https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/**

You're welcome to show interest and RSVP here too, however, to keep all the confirmed participants in one place/group, please follow the instructions above.

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Come and join us for a hiking weekend on England’s largest island, the Isle of Wight! The UK's Holiday Island and Dinosaur Capital of Great Britain, the Isle of Wight is officially one of Britain’s sunniest places and enjoys the luxury of a milder climate than most other places in the UK. On this trip, we'll immerse ourselves in some of the most stunning landscapes and discover on foot miles of the spectacular coastline, beaches, historic downland and many hidden treasures that this beautiful diamond-shaped island has to offer.

ITINERARY

Saturday:

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
11:00-11:40 Ferry from Lymington to the Isle of Wight
12:00-17:30 Hike along the coastal path from Totland to Brook Bay, with a lunch stop at Freshwater Bay (difficulty: Easy, distance: 15km, ascent: 390m)
17:30 Departure
18:00 Check-in at Victoria Lodge / Harrow Lodge hotels at the seaside resort town of Shanklin
19:00 Dinner and free time by the sea
20:36 Sunset

Sunday:

08:00 Breakfast at the hotel
09:15-13:00 Hike from Shanklin to Bembridge, taking in the Isle of Wight’s most famous seaside resorts (difficulty: Easy, distance: 13km, ascent: 140m)
13:15-15:00 Lunch at the local gem – The Isle of Wight Garlic Farm, free time to taste and buy local delicacies at the farm shop
15:15-16:30 Free time for swimming and exploring sandy beaches at the seaside resort town of Ryde
16:30 Departure
17:40-18:25 Ferry from the Isle of Wight to Portsmouth
20:45 London, Hammersmith.

HIKE DESCRIPTIONS

Saturday:

On the first day we'll do a hike along the coastal path from Totland to Brook Bay. Our route will take us past the famous pinnacles of chalk that mark the western end of the island, the Needles, and Freshwater Bay – one of the island’s most picturesque beaches. The highlights of the walk include Alum Bay with its unusual multi-coloured sand cliffs, the iconic 19th-century Needles Lighthouse and dramatic sea views from Tennyson Down.

Sunday:

The second day will be even more exciting as we’ll take in three of the Isle of Wight’s most famous seaside resorts – Shanklin, Sandown and Ryde. Starting right from our hotel, we'll follow the coastal trail along promenades and sandy beaches. We’ll then ascend to the chalk cliffs of Culver Down with the imposing Earl of Yarborough Monument and magnificent views over the island. Our hike will finish in the busy coastal village of Bembridge, situated on the most easterly point of the Isle of Wight. From there, we'll take a short drive for lunch to the local gem – the Isle of Wight Garlic Farm. Their restaurant serves high quality, garlic inspired dishes using locally sourced ingredients and their own home-reared beef and goat. You can taste and buy lovely local produce at the farm shop, and even try a garlic ice cream and garlic beer!🍦🍺 Finally, we'll head to the welcoming seaside town of Ryde, which is also the largest town on the Isle of Wight. You'll have time to enjoy its stunning sandy beaches and promenade, and perhaps even go for a refreshing dip into the sea!

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

LUGGAGE

You can bring two small bags with you: one cabin size personal item bag (up to 10kg) and one smaller hiking backpack to fit under the seat. During the hike, you can leave your luggage in the minibus.

BOOKING

As we have 2 groups on Meetup, to confirm your place, please head to our main group. RSVP to the event you're interested in and complete the payment. Here is the link:

https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/

You're welcome to show interest and RSVP here too, however, to keep all the confirmed participants in one place/group, please follow the instructions above.

THE PRICE OF £298 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Return ferry ticket to the Isle of Wight
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• One night's accommodation at a hotel in shared twin rooms (you'll share your room with somebody from our group of the same gender)
• Full English breakfast on Sunday
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Sunscreen (if sunny)
• Water bottle (min 1L)
• Nuts and energy snacks to last you during the trip
• Comfortable clothes to change after the hike
• Swimwear (optional)
• Walking poles (optional)

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REFUND POLICY

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