A Visit Isle of Wight 8 mile circular walk starting at Blackgang Viewpoint Carpark. It's has some challenging climbs that will reward you with expansive views of countryside and coastland. You will visit the Pepperpot and the Hoy Monument along the route. Niton, towards the end of the walk, will provide a fabulous place to stop for refreshments.
It is best to start the walk at Blackgang Viewpoint Car, or select one of the starting points below if you prefer to leave the car at home.
DIRECTIONS from Ventnor
Catch the Number 6 bus from Ventnor, straight to Blackgang. Alight at the St Catherine's Down stop near Blackgang Viewpoint Car Park. It's about 25 minutes.
DIRECTIONS from Niton
Either catch the Number 6 bus north from the Rectory Road stop in Niton, straight to Blackgang. Alight at the St Catherine's Down stop near Blackgang Viewpoint Car Park. It's about 8 minutes.
Alternatively you can pick the walk up along route, at Point 7 of the walk.
TIME: 4-5 hours
DISTANCE: 8 miles
DIFFICULTY: moderate to challenging
WALK ROUTE - also see map PDF (link below)
1) Starting from the Blackgang Chine Viewpoint carpark, with its extensive views across the ‘Back of the Wight’ to Freshwater Bay. Cross the main road opposite the entrance to the car park, you will see some steep steps leading up to St Catherine’s Hill (Foot Path 36). Continue up the hill to St Catherine’s Oratory, locally known as the Pepperpot.
2) Cross the Open Access Area to Bridleway 6. This will take you to the Hoy Monument.
3) Take Bridleway 77 towards the Hermitage, this will take you down a fairly steep set of steps. Continue on this foot path through fields until you cross a small stream.
4) Then turn left (Footpath 84), this will take you around a small sandstone cliff with Wydcombe Manor at the base of the valley. This path makes a tight right hand turn (Footpath 86) and passes a pond and a small waterfall.
5) Arriving in the hamlet of Bierley, walk carefully along the side of the road south for a few hundred metres. Take Foot Path 67 to Head Down. Continue up the hill onto Foot Path 60.
6) At the top of the hill take Bridleway 53, Bury Lane to Niton. As you reach Niton turn right past All Saints Church. There is a public toilet opposite, should the need arise. Continue on the pavement until you leave Niton village.
7) Cross the road and take Foot Path 33, up the hill. This will join Foot Path 34 to Blackgang. Continue along this path Until you reach your starting point at Blackgang Viewpoint Car Park.
