7 Night Isle of Wight Guided Walking for Solos Holiday
A solo holiday is less about going it alone and more about embracing adventure and forming new friendships. Discover the golden beaches, rolling green hills, dramatic white cliffs, ancient woodland, and charming seaside resorts of the Isle of Wight with a choice of three walks a day led by experienced HF Holidays Leaders. Best of all, you’ll be in a group with other solo guests. So even if you start off alone, you’ll find that people are easily brought together by a shared love of the great outdoors.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the stunning landscape of the Isle of Wight on foot
- Soaking up panoramic views of the dramatic coastline
- Visiting golden sand beaches and picturesque villages
- Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
- Finding new routes and places to explore with your HF Holidays Leader
- Staying at Freshwater Bay House, just a skip from Tennyson Down
What’s included
- En-suite accommodation in our 4-star country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to three guided walks (on walking days)
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - To Carisbrooke Castle
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 700ft (220m)
In summary: We start in the village of Shorwell before venturing over the downs and entering the village of Carisbrooke, home of Carisbrooke Castle.
Highlight: Snapping shots of picturesque Shorwell with its thatched cottages and historic church.
Option 2 - Shorwell & Carisbrooke
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In summary: Walk from Brightstone to the village of Shorwell village, then continue over the downs to Carisbrooke Castle.
Highlight: Explore picturesque Shorwell with its thatched cottages and historic church.
Option 3 - The Three Trails
Distance: 12½ miles (20.5km)
Ascent: 1,600 feet (480m)
In summary: Challenge yourself to this fantastic walk along the spine of the island from Carisbrooke Castle to Freshwater Bay. We’ll cross the hills to Shorwell then pick up the Tennyson Trail which runs along the top of the chalk downs.
Highlight: This is one of our most popular walks. After several ups and downs, your celebratory pint at the end of the walk will be well deserved!
Option 1 - Coastal Path from Gore Down to Ventnor
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 740 feet (225m)
In summary: Experience coastal views from the most southerly point of the Island overlooking St Catherine’s lighthouse. Then continue along the coast to Steephill Cove and the sandy beach at Ventnor.
Highlight: Exploring the hidden gem, Steephill Cove, one of the prettiest beaches on the island.
Option 2 - Chale Church to Ventnor via Whitewell
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1100 feet (320m)
In summary: This walk starts along the coast path, passes above the most southerly point of the island before turning inland to the village of Whitwell. The walk rejoins the coast path outside the Botanic Gardens and continues via Steephill Cove to Ventnor
Highlight: Enjoy great coastal views of St Catherine's Point.
Option 3 - Chale Green to Ventnor
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1400 feet (440m)
In summary: This walks starts inland before reaching the coast path at St Catherine's point, then taking in Whitwell and the undercliff into Ventnor
Highlight: A great variety of inland and coastal walking, offering great views.
Discover more about Freshwater Bay House and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day.
Option 1 - Over Tennyson Down
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In summary: A fabulous walk over the chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down to the Needles and the Alum Bay; one of England's finest coastal walks.
Highlight: The commanding view over the Western Solent from the Tennyson Monument. You'll also discover the once secret rocket testing range, and the area's role in the space race.
Option 2 - Headon Warren & The Needles
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: We start by head to the coast at Totland Bay then soak up glorious sea view as you round the Needles headland and return over Tennyson Down.
Highlight: The heather-clad headland of Headon Warren is a real delight, and offers the best views of the Needles.
Option 3 - West Wight Circuit
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Total ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)
In summary: A circuit of the western tip of the island. We’ll follow the Yar Valley to Yarmouth, then follow the coastal path to Alum Bay, before a glorious finale over Tennyson Down.
Highlight: The final section atop the chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down is a fitting conclusion to this splendid walk.
Option 1 - Wooded Trails & Grassy Downs
Distance: 7¼ miles (13km)
Ascent: 750 feet (280m)
In summary: Starting from Calbourne, the prettiest village on the island, we follow the footpath passing Winkle Street, and then ascending on to Westover Down before crossing countryside following the Tennyson Trail back to Freshwater Bay.
Highlight: Visiting the postcard village of Calbourne and enjoying breathtaking views of land and sea while walking along the Downs.
Option 2 - Over the Downs
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Walk from the charming village of Godshill onto the Stenbury and St Boniface Downs.
Highlight: The grand ruins of Appuldurcombe House and its surrounding parkland laid out by ‘Capability’ Brown.
Option 3 - Eight Downs Horseshoe
Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km)
Ascent: 1,500 feet (460m)
In summary: Our 'eight Downs horseshoe' is a grand circuit that takes in the tops of Stenbury Down and St Boniface Down; the highest point on the island.
Highlight: Walking on top of the Downs is a real delight, with great views across the island, and across the Solent to the mainland.
Option 1 - Yar Valley
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 350 feet (120m)
In summary: Walk beside the tidal River Yar to the historic town of Yarmouth with its bustling harbour and Tudor castle. We’ll return on the opposite side of the river back to Freshwater Bay.
Highlight: The salt marsh, reedbeds and mud flats of the Yar Estuary are a great place to see wildfowl and waders.
Option 2 - Yarmouth and the Three Forts
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 550 feet (180m)
In summary: Walk through Golden Hill Country Park to the coast at Fort Victoria with uninterrupted views across the Solent to Hurst Castle on the mainland. Continue on the Coastal Path into the old port of Yarmouth and return to Freshwater beside the River Yar.
Highlight: A walk full of history from the Victorian forts at Golden Hill & Fort Victoria to the remains of Henry Vlll’s castle at Yarmouth.
Option 3 - Mottistone, Longstones and The South Coast Path
Distance: 10.9 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 1391 feet (424m)
In Summary: The route climbs the Tennyson Trail to the ridge of the island affording views of The Solent and English Channel. The walk passes the ancient Longstones and then through the village of Mottistone by the Manor owned by the National Trust. The return to Freshwater is by a combination of the Coast Path and rolling countryside.
Highlight: Discover the history of the Longstones, an external view of Mottistone Manor and panoramic views of the Downs and Coast.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Freshwater Bay House
Chalky white cliffs and eyebrow-arching sea views set the tone for the delights that follow at this county house on the Isle of Wight - Queen Victoria's favourite island that’s just a ferry hop from the South Coast. The location is as gorgeous as it gets; to the south of the village of Freshwater, within pebble-throwing distance of its namesake bay, and just a skip from Tennyson Down. You’ll also be within easy reach of the area’s showstoppers, including the imposing Stag and Mermaid rocks, the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay, the remarkable Ventnor Botanic Gardens, and the 125-million-year-old dinosaur footprints at Compton Bay. And then, of course, there’s the Needles Old Battery for the ubiquitous photo opportunity and the best views of The Needles.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Freshwater Bay House has 43 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
We love: Rooms 19 and 20 on the first floor for their lovely sea views. Rooms 18 and 22 are both corner rooms overlooking the bay and Tennyson Downs. The more spacious Room 24 has five large windows overlooking the gardens and bay as well as a private sitting room. Room 39 on the second floor is a corner room with a bathtub.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. For members check in is available from 2:00pm (2026). On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
*Please note, pool opening hours are: 07:00am – 09:00am and 16:00pm – 18:30pm
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Seasonal dining, tailored for you
Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.
Welcome Cream Tea
What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home. A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.
A hearty breakfast to start the day
Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.
Our famous picnic lunch
Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.
3-course evening meals
Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Freshwater Bay House
Getting to Freshwater Bay House
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Freshwater Bay House
Freshwater Bay
Isle of Wight PO40 9RB
Tel: +44 (0)1983 753854
By taxi
From Yarmouth ferry port it’s a five-mile taxi journey that takes approximately 15 minutes. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance as availability may be limited.
For pricing, please contact the taxi company directly.
Taxi companies in the area include:
Bay Taxi
Tel: +44 (0)7475 662350
Rayner’s Taxis
Tel: +44 (0)1983 752784
I Cabs
Tel: +44 (0)7553 567567
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Freshwater Bay.
*HF Holidays does not own or manage any of the above taxi companies.
By train
The nearest station is Lymington Pier on the mainland which is adjacent to the ferry terminal.
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
By ferry
You have two ferry options. The Wightlink Lymington to Yarmouth ferry is the most convenient for Freshwater Bay. Should you wish to take the bus from Yarmouth, rather than taxi, the Needles Breezer bus stop is a 2min walk from the ferry terminal, and buses run hourly to Freshwater Bay, a 5min walk to Freshwater Bay House. Alternatively, the Red Funnel Southampton to East Cowes ferry is often the cheapest option if you want to take your car to the Isle of Wight.
HF Holidays member discount
If you’re a member, you can get 15% off car travel and 20% off foot travel with Wightlink Ferry. For full details visit www.wightlink.co.uk/HFHolidays.
By car
From Yarmouth
Turn right out of the ferry terminal onto the A3054 and cross the bridge. After one mile, turn left down Pixley Hill, signposted Freshwater Bay. Turn left at Freshwater Garage and continue along Afton Road. At the lifeboat station turn right and follow the road round. Freshwater Bay House is on your left.
From East Cowes
Follow signs for Newport, taking the A3021 and then A3054. Continue through Newport and Carisbrooke. Turn left onto the B3401 through Calbourne. At the junction with Afton Road (A3055), turn left and then right by the lifeboat station, and follow the road round to Freshwater Bay House.
Or you can leave your car on the mainland (there’s a pay and display car park at Lymington Pier) and travel on the ferry as a foot passenger.
By air
The nearest airport is Southampton Airport.
From Southampton Airport Parkway station (adjacent to the airport terminal) there are regular trains to Lymington Pier, taking about 40 minutes. From here, you’ll need to catch the ferry over to the Isle of Wight.
Otherwise, the best options are London Heathrow or London Gatwick airports for connecting trains to Lymington Pier.
Check National Rail for the best routes and train times.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- Walking poles
Freshwater Bay House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
