Short Walks Made Easy Isle of Wight is a book specifically written for those with little walking experience, the less able, or anyone short on time.
It features ten leisurely walks ranging from two-and-a-half to five miles. The routes inside are a comfortable way to pick and choose a stroll to the finest viewpoints and historical locations the area has to offer, whether it be the grassy slopes and chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down, the serene beauty of Godshill, or the spectacular views up on Blackgang.
What to expect
It highlights accessible paths and offers multiple ways to follow the routes. Each walk includes easy-to-use simplified mapping, walk profiles, turn-by-turn instructions, and route photography. The 80 pages are packed with essential information detailing public transport, parking, amenities, places to eat and drink, nature notes, and the stories behind each walk.
Nick Giles, Managing Director for Leisure at Ordnance Survey, said,
“Short Walks Made Easy is perfect for anyone with little or no walking experience, and busy families who don’t want to spend the entire day out on a hike. It’s a fantastic way of making the outdoors accessible to everyone.
“The walks in this book are always between two-and-a-half and five miles, with very little or no steep gradients to overcome. Many are ideal for taking dogs out too.
“The book takes the hassle out of planning routes yourself. Just follow the instructions and you’re guaranteed a rewarding trip out discovering the beautiful countryside each time you use it.”
The book includes a variety of walks that cater to different interests and fitness levels:
- Tennyson Down and The Needles: Fabulous coastal ridge-top walk to the striking Needles viewpoint.
- Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay: A joyous coast-to-coast trail, from Solent shore to English Channel bay.
- Limerstone Down and Brighstone Forest: Far-reaching views from downs high point; broadleaved woodland.
- Parkhurst Forest: A woodland walk, with sculptures, squirrel hide, and military history.
- Cowes to Newport: The Red Squirrel Trail from Cowes to the Island’s capital, Newport.
- Blackgang and Niton: Spectacular coastal views; lighthouse history; a rare butterfly.
- Godshill and Appuldurcombe: Much-photographed village; most-haunted house; cream tea treat.
- Ryde to Seaview: Perfect seaside stroll; Ryde Pier, Appley Park, Hersey Nature Reserve.
- St Helens and the Causeway: Ancient tower; Solent fort view; the Duver; causeway; smuggling.
- Bembridge Down and Culver Down: Outstanding views; radiotelegraphy; chalk grassland flowers.
It’s written by John Gillham, an experienced outdoor writer and photographer with a passion for exploring the UK’s most beautiful landscapes.
Outstanding Circular Walks: Isle of Wight
For walkers who want something more challenging, the new OS Outstanding Circular Walks features 28 circular walks around the Island which are longer in length, ranging between three and 14 miles.
Each of these routes have been meticulously researched and make use of the Isle of Wight’s excellent network of 500 miles of footpaths and bridleways. All walks are accompanied by clear, large-scale Ordnance Survey route maps and GPS references for all waypoints, ensuring easy navigation.
Nick added,
“This new guide to the Isle of Wight replaces the old Pathfinder Short walks book. It contains a much more comprehensive selection of walks, from The Needles to Bembridge and from Ryde to St Catherine’s Point.
“There’s something for everyone in this book. That’s why we’ve arranged the walks in the book by completion time. There are 12 shorter and easier routes in the first ‘green’ chapter between three and five miles, progressing through to nine half-day ‘blue’ walks up to seven-and-a-half miles, and finishing with seven longer outings in the ‘orange’ chapter for the true hiking lovers that go up to 14 miles long.”
The Outstanding Circular Walks has been written by expert author, Fiona Barltrop.
Short Walks Made Easy: Isle of Wight is priced at £8.99 and Outstanding Circular Walks Isle of Wight is priced at £12.99. Both are now available from OS’s online shop.
News shared by David on behalf of Ordnance Survey. Ed
