Freshwater Bay & Tennyson Down

Welcome to Freshwalks and our latest netwalking event which coincides with the Isle of Wight Walking Festival. We offer a relaxed, informal and healthy approach to networking in stunning locations. This classic ramble offers a perfect end of working day option and is ideal for those with busy diaries. Feel free to come alone - most Freshwalkers do - and you'll be warmly welcomed or invite a colleague or client along for company.

Route description

Starting at Freshwater Bay, this circular hike begins with us heading north along the Freshwater Way, skirting Afton Marsh before it steadily climbs west across Tennyson Down, offering sweeping views over the English Channel. We follow the chalk ridge for a couple of miles to the beacon before looping back via the striking Tennyson Monument, a tribute to the poet who once lived nearby. The route continues back to Freshwater Bay along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, where dramatic sea views stretch across the bay. A moderately challenging walk, it combines rolling downs, stunning vistas, and rich literary history.

Route: Freshwater Bay - Tennyson Down - Tennyson's Monument - Isle of Wight Coastal Path - Freshwater Bay

Distance: 6.6km

Grade: Moderate (more info on grading here)

Max elevation: 147m / Total ascent: 157m

Proposed schedule:

16:15 - Meeting, Freshwater Bay Long Stay Car Park, Freshwater PO40 9TT

16:30 - Walk starts

18:30 - Walk finishes, Albion Hotel, Freshwater Bay

Walk leaders: Claire Beasley & Rachel Richards

Meeting location: Freshwater Bay Long Stay Car Park, Gate Lane, Freshwater PO40 9TT

Public toilets: Freshwater Bay public toilets, Freshwater PO40 9QT (3 mins walk from car park - please arrive early if you wish to use)

Parking: Freshwater Bay Long Stay Car Park, Freshwater PO40 9TT (2 to 4 hours - £6.20) PayByPhone: 84021

Public transport: You can take the 12 bus from Newport to Freshwater Bay. Full timetable here

Post-walk: We invite you to join other walkers and continue conversations in the bar at Albion Hotel, Freshwater Bay, Freshwater PO40 9RA

"Tennyson's Monument" by Alastair Young on Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0