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Isle of Wight Group

We are the Isle of Wight Ramblers. We arrange walks, monitor paths and help our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

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Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

Overview

An approximately 5.5‑mile linear walk from Shanklin Station to Sandown Station, following a scenic woodland route through America Woods and Borthwood Copse.

We begin at Shanklin railway station and head along the old train line before crossing a busy road and entering into America Woods. 

Leaving America Woods, we continue across woodland until we cross the second busy roads in Apse Heath. From here the route leads us into Borthwood Copse, a National Trust woodland known for its rich red squirrel habitat, peaceful glades, and gently undulating paths. This section provides a lovely contrast: softer underfoot, more enclosed, and full of character.

After emerging from the copse, we have a short section of road walking before  joining the Sandown to Shide old train line and heading towards Sandown railway station, completing this station‑to‑station woodland journey.

Expect a mixture of woodland trails, field paths, and short road sections. Some paths may will be muddy after the recent rains so hiking poles could come in handy. A great walk for anyone who enjoys trees, gentle gradients, and the novelty of travelling between stations entirely on foot.

Sunday, 25 January 2026
Start time:
10:35 am
Estimated finish time:
2:00 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
8.9km / 5.5mi
Ascent:
164m / 538ft
Type:
linear

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.

Additional Notes
Depending on the weather, consider suitable, clothing, footwear, walking poles, sun cream, drinks, and food. Walking poles can be particularly useful in winter in helping you to stay upright! 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.

Please note that there may be short sections of road walking, so please walk in a single file and take good care.

Wise to look at 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.   

Emergencies
It's very rare that an emergency occurs, but we may need info about

• Any health concerns that you have

.• Any emergency contact information

We'd ask you to make sure that we have ready access to this, if needed.

Some people may wish to carry an ICE (in case of emergency) card. We have Ramblers cards for this. 

Features

  • Toilets available
  • Accessible by public transport

Starting point

Grid reference:
SZ 58108 81905
Nearest postcode:
PO37 7AR
what3words:
workloads.protrude.headless
Start time:
10:35 am

Shanklin Train Station

Finishing point

Grid reference:
SZ 59303 84477
Nearest postcode:
PO36 9FE
what3words:
triangles.open.gains
Estimated finish time:
2:00 pm

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking