Wander Where the Wild Things Are: The Isle of Wight’s Most Beautiful Nature Walks

From ancient woodland trails to sea-cliff strolls, here’s your guide to the best Isle of Wight walks for nature lovers, daydreamers, and glampers with muddy boots

TL;DR

1. Parkhurst Forest: Red squirrels, ancient oaks, and birdsong galore near The Hydeaway.

2. Newtown National Nature Reserve: Saltmarsh serenity and migrating birds on a historic estuary.

3. Tennyson Down: Breathtaking chalk cliffs and endless sea views.

4. St Catherine’s Down: Panoramic walks with a dash of island legend.

5. Compton Bay & Brook Chine: Fossil-studded beach walks beneath towering cliffs.

The Isle of Wight’s Walking Spirit

The Isle of Wight has a rhythm all its own—slow, steady, and full of quiet wonder. Whether you’re glamping in a bell tent at The Hydeaway or simply here for the day, the island’s network of trails invites you to lace up your boots, breathe deep, and explore landscapes shaped by sea, sky, and time.

Here are our top picks for nature walks that capture the spirit of the island—wild, peaceful, and irresistibly photogenic.

Parkhurst Forest – A Red Squirrel Haven

Just a short wander from The Hydeaway lies Parkhurst Forest, an ancient woodland threaded with trails that feel utterly timeless. Home to the island’s famous red squirrels, this is the place to swap screens for birdsong and sunlight dappling through oak and hazel. Keep an eye out for buzzards circling overhead, and if you’re quiet enough, you might spot a deer slipping between the trees.

Best for: Woodland wanderers, wildlife watchers, and early morning explorers.
Distance from The Hydeaway: Walking distance.

Newtown National Nature Reserve – A Coastal Sanctuary

Managed by the National Trust, Newtown is a tranquil patchwork of creeks, meadows, and saltmarshes—a paradise for bird lovers and anyone craving calm. Once a medieval port, now reclaimed by nature, it’s a reminder that slow and steady can be beautiful too.

Pack binoculars and take the circular route from the visitor centre to the harbour. Depending on the season, you might spot curlews, egrets, or migrating oystercatchers.

Best for: Birdwatching and gentle estuary walks.
Vibe: Stillness, sea breeze, and wildflowers.

Tennyson Down – The Poet’s Path

Named after Alfred Lord Tennyson, who found inspiration in these very hills, Tennyson Down offers one of the most iconic walks on the Isle of Wight. Starting from Freshwater Bay, the chalk ridge rises steeply before unfurling into sweeping views across the Solent and the English Channel.

At the summit stands the Tennyson Monument, a fitting reward for your climb. Bring a flask of tea and soak in the silence—it’s pure poetry.

Best for: Adventurous walkers, sunset seekers, and romantic souls.

St Catherine’s Down – History Meets Horizon

For those who love a view (and a bit of mystery), St Catherine’s Down delivers both. The ridge is crowned by the 14th-century St Catherine’s Oratory, known locally as the Pepperpot—a lonely stone tower that has guided sailors for centuries.

On clear days, you can see across the island and far out to sea. The walk can be steep, but it rewards you with cinematic scenery and a true sense of space.

Best for: History buffs and hikers who love a challenge.

Compton Bay & Brook Chine – Fossil Coast Magic

For a walk that blends wild beauty with natural history, Compton Bay is unbeatable. The cliffs here are streaked with colour—amber, red, gold—and beneath your feet lie the remains of ancient giants: dinosaur footprints visible at low tide.

The coastal path between Brook and Compton is windswept and elemental, perfect for clearing your head and collecting sea-glass memories.

Best for: Beachcombers, fossil hunters, and free spirits.

Map & Walk Highlights

If you’re planning a few days of Isle of Wight glamping at The Hydeaway, here’s how to make the most of your walking adventures. These routes balance beauty, accessibility, and that satisfying post-walk glow.

Local tip: The Isle of Wight’s footpaths are wonderfully well-marked—look for the green “public footpath” signs or the acorn symbol for the Coastal Path. Most trails are dog-friendly, but leads are required around livestock and nesting birds.



Glamping bonus: If you’re staying at The Hydeaway, bring your walking boots and a thermos. You can set off straight from your bell tent glamping base, follow the hedgerow paths into Parkhurst Forest, and be surrounded by birdsong within minutes.

Your Perfect Base for Walking & Glamping on the Isle of Wight

After a day on the trails, there’s nothing quite like returning to the soft glow of your bell tent, a crackling firepit, and the distant hoot of an owl settling into night. Nestled in Gurnard, just minutes from coast and countryside, The Hydeaway is the ideal base for walkers, nature-lovers, and dreamers seeking quiet comfort amid the wild.

Here, you can rise to birdsong, wander ancient woodlands, and end your evening under a canopy of stars—all without leaving the island’s most scenic corner. Whether you’re exploring red squirrel trails or the coastal paths of the Isle of Wight, your next great walk begins right outside your tent.

Book your stay at The Hydeaway and discover the simple joy of slowing down, walking gently, and sleeping close to nature.