We are the Isle of Wight Ramblers. We arrange walks, monitor paths and help our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Overview
A Sunday stroll with a drink stop. This is part six of the coastal path, which will be completed in sections this year. This is a linear walk. Starting at Blackgang viewpoint carpark, along the cliffs of the West Wight via Chale, various chines, and Atherfield point, ending at Grange Farm campsite.
(With the option of a short extra section turning inland to Brighstone village carpark - toilets, pub and tearooms - depending on individual travel logistics).
The route is mostly reasonably flat , with stunning scenery throughout. However it is very near the clifftop on many sections on which extreme care is needed (any dogs should most definitely be kept on leads, and owners may wish to consider how suitable this walk is for dogs ). There are a couple of coastal path diversions slightly inland where cliffs have eroded, to avoid the most hazardous sections and one otherwise tricky steep descent. It may also be muddy in parts in the event of wet weather.
Travel
Once again this section of the walk is unfortunately logistically tricky, especially with Sunday buses ! It is do-able by pubic transport, but with some difficulty:
Some options:
With a car:
Depending on your geography, if available to you it is probably easiest to carshare/shuffle and leave a car at either end of the walk - startpoint Blackgang Viewpoint carpark (large free carpark); endpoint Grange Farm campsite on the Military Road (there is a fair amount of free roadside parking).
Or if you do not have a carshare (though it may be others can offer lifts back on the day), you can park at the startpoint Blackgang Viewpoint carpark and get the Island Coaster seasonal service back to Blackgang from Grange Farm/Chine. However be aware the first Island Coaster is 15.31 from Grange Chine so you will have a bit of a wait at Grange Farm (This service does not accept bus passes, nor operate the £2 fare scheme - the price from Grange Farm to Blackgang fare is £2.80)
By bus (from Newport):
It is do-able by bus from Newport, though it is a bit of a faff and does entail walking the optional additional section (approx 1 mile) from Grange Farm/Chine back to Brighstone Village (pub; tearooms; bus-stop) :
The No 6 bus departing from Newport at 09.55 arriving BSt Catherines Downs bus-stop for Blackgang viewpoint carpark at 10.28 (this bus-stop is at the time of writing still missing it's top, so a bit tricky to see, but is a few hundred yard down the road from the viewpoint carpark, on the Niton side), walk to Brighstone, and then hopefully in time for the No 12 bus back from Brighstone Three Bishops at 14.59 which arrives back in Newport 15.25.
New walkers welcome.
If you are new to the Ramblers you can just turn up for any of our walks, unless we specify otherwise. We invite you to come along for three walks as a non-member.
Depending on the weather, consider suitable, clothing, footwear, walking poles, sun cream, drinks, and food. Watch out for ticks and remove ASAP. If you are unsure about your ability to undertake this walk, please contact the walks leader. If you need to leave the walking group, please ensure you inform the leader or back marker.
Wise to check back the website on the day just in case of any changes or additional info. And in the event of extreme weather please check back for cancellation notices.
Booking is not required for this walk, however in this respect it would be extremely helpful if you could text or WhatsApp the Leader (Serena - 07564-811690) if you are proposing to attend so you can be notified direct of any late changes.
Blackgang viewpoint carpark (free parking)
There is roadside parking on the verge on the main Military Road, just along from Grange Farm campsite
