2023 · ISLE OF WIGHT

The Wight Walk

A 60-mile coastal walk around the Isle of Wight. Starting and finishing at Ventnor RFC.

DISTANCE

~60 miles

STAGES

7

RAISED

£10,000

FOR

Cancer Research UK

THE CHALLENGE

A lap of the island

Between matches, the Nags invent “fillers” – alternative challenges to keep the fundraising rolling. The 2023 filler was a full circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight on foot – starting and finishing at Ventnor RFC, taking in seven stages of coastal path, cliff top and chalk pinnacle.

Three teams – Black Gang, Red Squirrels and Team Vectis – walked the route across the weekend, each stage handed off like a baton.

£10,000 raised for Cancer Research UK.

Wight Walk - Yarmouth coastal section

THE ROUTE

Seven stages

Anti-clockwise around the island, mostly coastal path with detours inland where the cliffs ran out.

PART 1

Ventnor RFC to Culver Cliff

Through Ventnor town, Bonchurch, Luccombe, Shanklin, Sandown and Yaverland. Coastal path that starts high above the seashore, dropping to Victorian promenades next to sandy beaches.

Difficulty: Easy cliff top, occasional descents, climb to Culver Cliff.

PART 2 · 11 MILES

Culver Cliff to Ryde

Chalk cliffs, then around the tranquil Bembridge Harbour with its mix of yachts and houseboats. Through the picturesque seaside villages of St Helens and Seaview before arriving in Ryde.

Difficulty: Fairly level.

PART 3

Ryde to Cowes

Mostly road walking, so boring and easy. Wooton is nice. Head down, miles in.

Difficulty: Easy. Mainly road.

PART 4 · 10 MILES

Cowes to Ningwood

A “coastal” walk that swings inland around the Newtown River estuary. Cliff tops through villages and woodlands, fine views of the Solent. Gurnard and Thorness Bay are particularly beautiful.

Difficulty: Gently undulating, only slight inclines.

PART 5

Ningwood to Totland Bay

The most picturesque side of the island. Back up the Newtown estuary, then coastline through Yarmouth and Freshwater, finishing on the beautiful Totland Bay just short of the Needles.

Difficulty: Gentle undulating path.

PART 6 · 9.5 MILES

Totland Bay to Brook Green

The most dramatic coastal scenery, including the Needles – the famous pinnacles of chalk that stand like sentinels off the western end of the island. Then through Freshwater along the Military Road with extensive views across the channel.

Difficulty: Several steep sections along the south coast.

PART 7 · THE FINAL STRETCH

Brook Green to Ventnor RFC

Through Blackgang Chine, St Catherines Point and the pretty village of Niton, with continuous views across the channel. When you arrive back at the club, the warm Nags hearts and Ventnor welcome will meet you with open arms.

Difficulty: A calm walk, a couple of short steep climbs.

PHOTOS