We are the Isle of Wight Ramblers. We arrange walks, monitor paths and help our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
We start at Freshwater Bay at 10.30am and follow the path over the chalk grassland of Tennyson Down to the Needles. As we walk, we listen out for the skylark with the intention of hearing its song. It is a known resident species in the area but more commonly heard than seen. At Tennyson Monument, we take a short break and continue on the Coastal Path keeping our eyes and ears attuned for the skylark. We see the spectacular views across the Solent on one side and across the Channel on the other as well as the iconic Needles. We break for lunch here before heading on to Alum Bay. Before the car park, we take the narrow T25 track that may have cattle on it (that we can easily avoid) and head over High Down to Tennyson and return from the monument to Freshwater where we began. At the end of the walk, the Albion Hotel cafe offers beverages and spectacular views of the bay or we have Dimbola Tea Room and Coffee House with its fascinating museum.
Please bring a sandwich and a drink for the lunch stop. NB Dogs must be kept on a short lead since the skylark is a ground-nesting species that is endangered and in decline (red-listed) and this is required between 1st March to July 31st. We are not guaranteed to hear a skylark but could be lucky! We can also look out for other birds en route or simply enjoy the walk and spectacular views. The image of the skylark attached was kindly provided exclusively for this walk by award-winning bird photographer Robert Booth.
Transport: There are regular buses to and from Freshwater Bay and a bus stop beside the toilet block 50 metres from the gate to Tennyson Down and also buses going to Freshwater itself (15 minutes away). Public toilets are available in Freshwater Bay and Alum Bay.
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
We'd ask you to make sure that we have ready access to this, if needed.
Freshwater Bay (Entrance gate to Tennyson Down).
