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The Isle of Wight

Enjoy the highlights of England’s smallest island county.

  • South East England

  • 7 nights
  • Half Board.
  • Coast & Islands

    Culture

    Landscape

  • Apr

    Jul

    Sep

  • Average group size: 12-14

Leisurely

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Walking grade

Grade 2

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Adagio Collection

The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.

Overview

Holiday Highlights

  • Take a boat ride along the picturesque River Medina to the charming town of Newport.
  • Spot butterflies, birds and other wildlife at Newtown National Nature Reserve.
  • Discover the glorious Alum Bay and the famous Needles.
  • Venture to the beautiful Freshwater Bay.
  • Visit delightful villages and harbour towns, including Yarmouth, Cowes and Godshill.

The Isle of Wight is a haven for walkers with over half of the island designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This small yet scenic destination is just 23 miles from west to east and 13 miles north to south, offering over more than 500 miles of marked footpaths and a coastline of peaceful sandy beaches. 

You'll stay in the small town of Cowes, located on the northern tip of the island. This charming town is home to the oldest and largest sailing regatta in the world, known as Cowes Week. The sea comes alive with glamorous yachts during this prestigious event. 

During your stay on the island, take in a selection of delightful villages and harbour towns including Yarmouth, Godshill and Newport. 

Enjoy moments of relaxation at the scenic Freshwater Bay and explore the National Nature Reserve. Get your cameras ready at the famous and picture-perfect Alum Bay, as we follow coastal paths along its multicoloured sand cliffs to see the impressive Needles.

You'll visit fascinating English Heritage and National Trust properties, and take enjoyable boat rides to Newport and East Cowes. With gentle guided walks, you'll uncover the best parts of the Isle of Wight. 

Making the most of the island's excellent public bus network, we encourage you to bring your bus pass. Considering the unpredictable British weather, your group leader may arrange alternative activities, or you can choose to explore independently. This Isle of Wight walking holiday promises a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation in a rambler's paradise.

  • En suite three-star hotel accommodation on a half board basis.
  • All local transport required for the itinerary by private coach/public bus/train.
  • All entrances as noted in the itinerary, including Entrance fee to Godshill Model Village and the Ventnor Botanic Garden.
  • All local tips.
  • Services of an Adagio leader.
  • Arrival and departure transfers are not included.
  • Ferry crossings are not included in the holiday charge due to a wide range of choice of ferry routes and sailing times.
  • Entrance fee to Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle and Newtown National Nature Reserve (all free of charge to English Heritage and/or National Trust Members).
  • Lunches.
  • Personal expenses (such as your bar bill).
  • Discretionary tips.
  • Optional excursions.
  • Travel insurance.

Holiday Information

Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.

NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen

View Holiday Information Sheet

Tour Codes

50150

Itinerary & Travel

Itinerary Details

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival day

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Independent travel to the Isle of Wight to the New Holmwood Hotel in Cowes. Check in at the hotel is from 3pm. On arrival, there may be time for a stroll along the Esplanade in front of the hotel, this will take place at 4pm. 

Day 2

East Cowes

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    2 hours

  • Distance

    2.5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    50m

Embark on a leisurely day as you begin with a delightful stroll along the scenic Cowes waterfront, immersing yourself in the maritime charm of this historic town. Board the chain ferry to East Cowes, and then catch a public bus to Osborne House, the former holiday home of Queen Victoria and Price Albert. As you wander through the extensive estate, marvel at the opulent architecture and the beautifully manicured gardens that once provided a regal retreat for the royal couple. After exploring Osborne House and its surroundings, return to Cowes following the same scenic route.  

Osborne House is a English Heritage property and therefore entrance is not included in the cost of the holiday.

Day 3

Yarmouth and Freshwater Village

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3 hours

  • Distance

    5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    15m

A private coach transfer you to the historic harbour town of Yarmouth, located in the North-West of the island. The town contains some of the oldest architecture on the Isle of Wight! Enjoy some free time here to explore this picturesque town and harbour, before following a delightful walking route along the gentle River Yar. 

Walk along an intriguing disused railway, now repurposed for walkers, with panoramic views of the Yar Estuary. There may even have time to have a refreshment in a unique station café, designed like the inside of a train! Stop for an enjoyable lunch at Freshwater village before walking back to Yarmouth. 

Day 4

Island gems and Bembridge

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

Spend a day uncovering the gems of the Isle of Wight! Visit the romantic Carisbrooke Castle where you can capture the panoramic views from the high walls of the castle. Immerse yourself in its history, wander around the castle grounds, guardhouse, museum, and even visit the Donkeys in the stable. 

Next stop is the traditional village of Godshill, a quintessential English village adorned with medieval buildings and timeless architecture. Stroll down its winding streets lined with pretty thatched roofed houses and quaint little tea shops. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the model village, capturing the essence of English heritage in miniature. 

There is also time to stop at the Ventnor Botanical Gardens before your final stop of the day at the most easterly point of the island, the coastal village of Bembridge, before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Carisbrooke Castle is an English Heritage property and therefore entrance is not included in the cost of the holiday.

Day 5

Yarmouth - Alum Bay - Freshwater Bay

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3 hours

  • Distance

    4 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    125/190m

Take a private coach to Yarmouth, where a boat (or an alternative bus route, depending on weather conditions) takes you from Yarmouth to the glorious Alum Bay. The adventure continues as a cable car effortlessly lifts you towards the cliffs to Alum Bay village, providing an opportunity to explore the iconic multi-coloured sand cliffs, The Needles, and the historic Old Battery. 

A picturesque panoramic trail takes you along the dramatic coast to Freshwater Bay. As your coastal exploration concludes, a private coach transfers you back to the hotel.

The Old Battery is a National Trust property and therefore entrance is not included in the cost of the holiday.

Day 6

Cowes harbour to Newport - Cowes

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3 hours

  • Distance

    5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    70/60m

A boat takes you along the relaxing River Medina to the charming town of Newport. Upon arrival, take the time to explore this delightful town. 

Following your exploration in Newport, continue along a scenic trail that meanders alongside the tranquil River Medina. As we stroll, flourishing meadows and verdant woodland create a picturesque backdrop. Once back in Cowes, there is ample time to further explore this captivating town.

Day 7

Newtown National Nature Reserve & Tennyson Trail

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    4 hours

  • Distance

    6 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    85/210m

Spend time exploring the Newtown National Nature Reserve. This is a peaceful haven on the island filled with an abundance of butterflies, birds and other wildlife. A perfect place for bird watching and relaxing amongst the summertime wildflower meadows and the peaceful harbour. Follow a section of the Tennyson Trail on foot, which offers superb views over to St Catherine's Point in the south and the Solent and mainland in the north. 

The Newtown National Nature Reserve is a National Trust property and therefore entrance is not included in the cost of the holiday.

Day 8

Departure day

Meals

Breakfast

Say goodbye to the Isle of Wight. Check out is by 11am. 

The cost of entry to Osborne House, Carrisbrook Castle, and Newtown National Nature Reserve are not included in the holiday cost as these properties are English Heritage and National Trust, so you may have membership which can get you free of charge entry.

Departure dates for your selected tour

25th Apr 2025 - 2nd May 2025 (7 Nights)

4th Jul 2025 - 11th Jul 2025 (7 Nights)

19th Sep 2025 - 26th Sep 2025 (7 Nights)

Ramble Worldwide map graphic of The Isle of Wight and surrounding area for walking holiday The Isle of Wight

Travel Details

Check-in at the hotel is from 3:00pm. Your leader will meet with you prior to your evening dinner for a group welcome meeting. Your leader will also offer a local walk in the afternoon, leaving from the hotel at 4:00pm. 

Travel by Ferry

There are a number of Isle of Wight ferry crossings (including vehicle ferry crossings) each day from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington. The main links operate for passengers into Cowes, East Cowes, Ryde, Fishbourne and Yarmouth. Cowes is the most suitable arrival port as this is where our hotel is located. More information about ferries can be found at Visit of Isle of Wight, Wight Link and Red Funnel.

Travel by Rail

There are reliable rail connections to all the major ferry ports. You will need to use a ferry to travel to the Isle of Wight.

Travel by Bus

The bus stations at Southampton and Portsmouth are a short distance from the passenger ferries meaning you can use coach travel from any connecting destination. There are “all in one” tickets available which include coach travel to the port, ferry travel and a connecting bus service once you arrive on the island. 

Travel by Air

Bournemouth and Southampton airports provide a short connection to the ferry ports. You will need to use a ferry to travel to the Isle of Wight.

The hotel has a car park with free parking. If you are not bringing your own vehicle, you may wish to arrange a taxi from the ferry port to the hotel. We suggest you pre-book a taxi such as Cowes Taxi's 01983 294444 or TJ Taxi Services 01983 520274.

Route planning to and from Cowes: 

The AA and RAC both offer free and detailed on-line route planning facilities on their websites which may help you find the hotel. 

An excellent website to assist in your travel plans is Rome2Rio.


Accommodation

Accommodation information

Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.

New Holmwood Hotel

You stay in the town of Cowes, located on the northern tip of the Isle of Wight. It is a quaint town filled with independent shops, boat shops, pubs, speciality restaurants and mini supermarkets. It is surrounded by fine waterside views along with beaches. It is home to the oldest and biggest sailing regatta in the world, known as Cowes week, where the sea is filled with glamorous yachts. Cowes is twinned with East Cowes, accessible by chain ferry.

You stay half board at the three star New Holmwood Hotel. With just 26 en-suite rooms, this comfortable hotel includes a restaurant with sea views, and a bar with easy access to the main promenade of Cowes and the waterfront. 

You stay in standard double or twin bedded rooms which include the following facilities:

  • En suite facilities
  • TV
  • Hairdryer
  • Trouser press
  • Iron and board
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Telephone 

Trip Information

All the details you need

Holiday Grade

All Adagio holidays are expertly designed to allow you to immerse yourself in the destination. Leisurely exploration of the must-see, as well as lesser known, highlights together with relaxed enjoyment of local food and wines is what we have in mind. 

There may be days of sightseeing on foot around a spectacular city or unchallenging strolls on easy terrain in open countryside interspersed with winery visits, guided tours, boat trips, cafe stops and traditional restaurants. 

This Grade 2 holiday includes a busy sightseeing programme with longer days than some Adagio holidays. Some of the walks on this holiday include steep paths, ascents and descents on steps and cobbled paths. Although some of these ascents and descents are steep, they are also short. Walks are between 2-5 miles, with between 50-260m ascent and descent. The maximum altitude on this holiday is 233m. 

Local Costs

Holiday Budgeting

As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.

Local Transport Costs

We include the local travel costs and use private hire coaches, local buses, boats and a chain ferry. Our Adagio Leader will arrange everything. You just need to be at the right place at the right time.

Tipping

In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.

Your Group

Your Leader

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Leaders Evening Briefing

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

Group Size

We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.

Travel Plans

Getting to your Holiday

Check-in at the hotel is from 3:00pm. Your Leader will meet with you prior to your evening dinner for a group welcome meeting. Your Leader will also offer a local walk in the afternoon, leaving at 4:00pm. 

Travel by Ferry

There are a number of Isle of Wight ferry crossings (including vehicle ferry crossings) each day from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington. The main links operate for passengers into Cowes, East Cowes, Ryde, Fishbourne and Yarmouth. Cowes is the most suitable arrival port as this is where your hotel is located. More information about ferries can be found at Visit of Isle of Wight, Wight Link and Red Funnel.

Travel by Rail

There are reliable rail connections to all the major ferry ports. You will need to use a ferry to travel to the Isle of Wight.

Travel by Bus

The bus stations at Southampton and Portsmouth are a short distance from the passenger ferries meaning you can use coach travel from any connecting diestination. There are “all in one” tickets available which include coach travel to the port, ferry travel and a connecting bus service once you arrive on the island. 

Travel by Air

Bournemouth and Southampton airports provide a short connection to the ferry ports. You will need to use a ferry to travel to the Isle of Wight.

The hotel has a car park with free parking. If you are not bringing your own vehicle, you may wish to arrange a taxi from the ferry port to the hotel. We suggest you pre-book a taxi such as Cowes Taxi's 01983 294444 or TJ Taxi Services 01983 520274.

Route planning to and from Cowes: 

The AA and RAC both offer free and detailed on-line route planning facilities on their websites which may help you find the hotel. 

An excellent website to assist in your travel plans is Rome2Rio.

Personal Details Check

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

Meals

Breakfast and dinners are taken in the hotel’s restaurant where local dishes are cooked from fresh locally sourced ingredients. Lunches are not included in the holiday price. 

Footwear & Kit List

Footwear

Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.

General Kit List

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

  • Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun screen
  • Swimwear (if appropriate)
  • Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the days activity)
  • Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Reusable Lunchbox
  • Walking poles (should you find them useful)

This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.

Holiday Specific Kit

In addition, we recommend that you bring a flask with you on your walks each day. Due to the time of year, it is sensible to bring a hot drink out with you to help keep warm.  

Water To Go

Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.                        

Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday, departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water-to-Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!

Travel Document Checklist

To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:

  • Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
  • Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
  • Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
  • Holiday currency
  • Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
  • Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
  • Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
  • Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
  • Your travel insurance details
  • Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
  • Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport
  • A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
  • Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Maps & Guidebooks

The Map Shop

If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

Staying Healthy on Holiday

Further Health Advice

For further advice please visit:

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

Our Ethos

Responsible Travel

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

Heart and Sole

We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. 

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.

Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

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