For those who love to stride out amid the fragrance of salty sea air and the warmth of the sun on their face, the Isle of Wight Coastal Path is a dream come true. Shaped like a diamond, the island really is a jewel in the English Channel, and our 78 mile circuit is the perfect way to explore the place the Romans first named Vectis.

Our journey begins in Cowes, home to the oldest and biggest sailing regatta in the world. From here we head southwest to the historic town of Yarmouth, skirting Newtown National Nature Reserve along the way. Then it’s onwards to Totland with its picturesque sandy beach, before a breathtaking crossing of Headon Warren, where you’ll catch your first glimpse of the iconic chalk stacks, The Needles, guarded by its lighthouse at the outer western end of the formation.

The grassy, whale backed ridge of Tennyson Down leads us east along the southern edge of the island, first past the chalk pebbled Freshwater Bay, then on to a collection of chines and home to one of the richest areas for dinosaur discovery in Europe. St Catherine’s Lighthouse marks the most southern point of the island and is one of the oldest lighthouse locations in Great Britain.

Shanklin, Sandown and Seaview continue the theme of sun, sea and sand. Ryde, home to the world’s oldest hovercraft operator, is now all that stands between you and the completion of your circuit.

It’s worth noting that coastal erosion has led to temporary path closures and diversions, some of which involve road walking and heading inland. That said, the path still delivers the scenery, heritage, and seaside charm that make it such a memorable walk.