The parish of Niton is situated on the most southerly point of the island and together with Whitwell offers a range of coastal and downland walks within some of the islands finest scenery.
Niton is the source of the River Yar, and the area has AONB status (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The coastline is a designated Heritage Coast and the Undercliff SSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).
Definitive Map
The Definitive Map is a good starting point for any island walk. This map includes all public rights of way for which the Isle of Wight Council has a duty to maintain under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. To access the Definitive Map click here.
Before embarking on any walk, especially those along a coastline it is advisable to check to make sure that the path in question is not subject to a closure order. Due to coastal erosion several paths in Niton and Whitwell parish are temporarily closed. For a list of footpath closures for the island including those for Niton and Whitwell click here.
The Countryside Code
Remember to follow the Countryside Code
- “Respect – Protect – Enjoy”
- Be safe Plan ahead and follow any signs
- Leave gates and property as you find them
- Protect plants and animals – take your litter home
- Keep dogs under close control
- Consider other people
Some Walks You Might Enjoy
Listed below are several island walks, which you might enjoy either as complete walks or in sections. Directions for all of these walks appear on various web sites to access a map and leaflet please click on the relevant link.
Over Undercliff and Up Downs
The Isle of Wight Council AONB Partnership.
A five-mile circular walk from Blackgang View Point car park taking in Niton, Head Down, St Catherine’s Down, Hoy Monument and St Catherine’s Oratory.
Approximate time to complete walk 3 to 3½ hours.
To access this walk
http://wightaonb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Over-Undercliff-and-Up-Downs.pdf
Isle of Wight Coastal Path
Walks around the island’s coastline include:
Brighstone to Niton, eight miles. To access this walk
http://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/dbimgs/3.Brighstone-Niton.pdf
Niton to Sandown, nine miles. To access this walk
http://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/dbimgs/4.Niton-Sandown.pdf
Worsleys, Wyverns and Appuldurcombe
Although most of this five-mile walk covers the parish of Godshill, it can be easily accessed from Whitwell from the High Street via Nettlecombe Lane to Stenbury Down.
To access this walk
https://www.iwight.com/azservices/documents/1376-Godshill-and-Appuldurcombe-for-web.pdf
For a wide range of walks across the whole island,
and
http://www.islandbuses.info/things-do/rambles-bus/
