The Needles

(S) The marina at Yarmouth. Walk west over the bridge and follow the main road. When the road turns left, take the path on the right and join the coastal path on the left. This will take you to Fort Victoria. The path then climbs steeply up the cliff.

(1) At Cliff End Battery leave the coast and follow Monks Lane. Turn right at Monk and you will reach Brambles Farm and Colwell. Turn right towards the coast.

(2) At Colwell coast, stay on the path close to the beach. Pass Totland.

(3) At Widdick Chine walk up the cliff and onto windy Headon Hill. Take in the fantastic views of Alum Bay and The Needles, a chalk ridge. It can be tricky here to find the real path down to Needles Park, as some variants end in thick brambles.

(4) Follow the road south. It then turns right and a long climb begins. Reach the old battery. Keep going up, but south-east.

(5) Lovely viewpoint. From here follow the Tennyson Trail coastal path across the meadows on the crest of the hill.

(6) From Tennyson's Monument, continue down the slopes to reach Freshwater Bay (E).

Good walking shoes, a warm and waterproof jacket, sticks, food and water are recommended. The coastal path is well signposted. However, we recommend that you check your position on the map using the Visorando app. You are encouraged to use the Coastal Path diversions wherever signposted, as parts of the Coastal Path have been eroded and are not accessible.

Most of the walk is on a good track, although occasionally you will walk on a road.

There is a good bus service at all the starting and finishing points.

Kids will enjoy the fun park at Alum Bay.