Isle of Wight Pub Walks

Isle of Wight

Pub Walks A Wightlink guide combining interest-filled leisure walks with outstanding Island pubs

Walk and enjoy

T

here are more than 500 miles of marked footpaths on the Isle of Wight – many passing through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a national classification given to more than half the Island’s landscape. More than enough walking to satisfy the most intrepid rambler.

But this is not a guide for the intrepid.

It is aimed at the ‘leisure walker’, that huge army of people who enjoy a walk that gives them a bird’s eye view of the local landscape and its landmarks. And, of course, this ‘leisure walk’ is all the better if there’s a welcoming pub at the end of it.

That’s where Wightlink comes in. Our band of explorers has left no stone unturned, no walk untrodden in our quest to bring to you the ‘crème de la crème’ of short strolls – some as little as half a mile and none much more than four miles long.

Along the way we have sampled the wares at lots of Island pubs, some in rural countryside, others along the coast. The resulting guide therefore provides the low down on leisure walks that combine beautiful countryside, lots of fresh air and the best of the pubs.

Every walk can either start or end at a pub and we give you a run down on 10 of the Isle of Wight’s best as well as telling you the kind of welcome you can expect if you come accompanied by kids, dogs and/or muddy boots.

Although we chart the route you will take, this guide does not walk you every inch of the way. Used in conjunction with a good Ordnance Survey Map, you can easily follow the well-marked Island footpaths to find the highlights detailed in the following pages. Walk and enjoy.

Look for these symbols in the pub listings as they indicate outstanding strengths: Children actively welcomed/good kid’s menu

Dog friendly

Atmospheric, character pub

Real log fire

Particularly good choice of wine by the glass

From the national nature reserve of Newtown Estuary on the north coast to the Victorian resort of Ventnor in the subtropical south, Wightlink’s Isle of Wight Pub Walks profiles nine contrasting walks that cover every corner of the Island.

Most make great family walks, others are particularly suitable for the elderly or infirm who enjoy walking but cannot cope with more demanding hikes and some are probably better suited to more energetic types.

For each pub walk, the guide flags up key features and rates it as easy, moderate or more challenging walking. In addition to telling you its length and how long it should take at an easy pace, you’ll find information on the type of terrain encountered so that you can plan whether to wear wellies or walking shoes!

Well kept real ale

Top quality pub grub

Vegetarians well catered for

Attractive or spacious pub garden /exterior

Muddy boots happily accommodated Note: The pubs featured in this guide offer most of these services.

The use of a symbol indicates that the writer rates a particular pub as outstandingly good in this aspect of its operation.

MO

UTH

ENG E R FER

RI E

S

RT S

1

RA CA

Wootton Bridge

Rural walk 3

Shalfleet

Calbourne

Freshwater

B3401

Bembridge

3 32

B3395

Arreton

Coastal walk 3

Rural walk 5

Rural walk 1 5

St.Helens

Brading

Blackwater

B3

The Needles 05

Coastal walk 2

Newport

Shalcombe

A3

Seaview

0

B3399

Ryde

0

4

Binstead

B330

A305

A3054

A3 065

Yarmouth

Coastal walk 4

Fishbourne

A302

22

FR

PO

S PA S

East Cowes

A3 02 0

B33

M

CAR

FR

ES RI

FER

West Cowes

Rural walk 2 Totland

O IES FR ENG E R F E R R

OM

A302

ND PASSENG E R

Gurnard

Newtown Norton

S AS

PO

&

P

OM

RT

SM

LY M I N G T O N

OU

TH

Where the walks are‌

Sandown A30 56

Brighstone

Shorwell B3

A3

05

5

Godshill 39

Rural walk 4

9

A3020

Chale Green

Shanklin

Wroxall

Ventnor Chale Niton

St.Lawrence

Coastal walk 1

Steephill Cove

Blackgang

Wightlink Ferries (0870 582 7744) offers three access points to the Isle of Wight: car ferries from Lymington to Yarmouth, West Wight (30 mins), and from Portsmouth to Fishbourne (from 35 mins) together with FastCat passenger catamarans from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head (around 15 mins). The FastCats are timed to co-incide with the London-Portsmouth Harbour train service and an extensive Southern Vectis bus service operates throughout the Isle of Wight for foot passengers.

Wightlink offers a range of money-saving day trip tickets for motorists and foot passengers and there are also 5-day saver fares for short breakers.

Wightlink Holidays (0870 582 0202) provides an extensive portfolio of short breaks and longer stays covering hotels, bed & breakfast houses and farms, selfcatering cottages and apartments, holiday parks and camp sites.

For more information visit our website at www.wightlink.co.uk

Coastal walks COASTAL WALK 1 Steephill Cove to the Spyglass Inn, Ventnor.

Moderate walking.

21/2kms/11/2mls. 3/4-1 hour. Steep in places so care is needed with the elderly and infirm.

High spots: Great views of Ventnor’s Victorian skyline as you approach the traditional seaside resort. Take time out to explore the interest-filled shoreline of Steephill Cove at the start.

Begin this walk by following footpath V89 marked Steephill Cove and Coastal Path, which borders the eastern perimeter of the Ventnor cricket ground from the VentnorSt. Lawrence road. This feeds into the Coastal Path (V88A) for Ventnor and there’s a choice of easy steps or a slope down to the cove.

Tiny south coast Steephill Cove is a far cry from the Isle of Wight’s usual image of sandy beaches. Locals treasure its rocks and rock pools as a peaceful place to get away from it all.

From here it’s an easy, though energetic and sometimes steep walk along the Undercliff on a well-trodden route past the Island’s sub-tropical landscape on one side and the shoreline on the other with huge boulders that form an effective (to date) man-made sea defence.

You can see why the boulders are needed further on, at the outskirts of Ventnor, where the lower path has fallen away. Put dogs on a lead here because of the sheer drop along the higher footpath, which is at first narrower, steeper and winding, before opening out to grassy slopes. These lead to a hillside car park and from here it’s a short walk downhill to Ventnor, one of those traditional seaside resorts you remember with affection from childhood.

Fishing boats are piled on the beach, there’s a wide expanse of red sand with weed-encrusted groynes leading down to crashing waves and, in the midst of it all, a welcoming inn from which to view the day’s comings and goings.

The Spyglass Inn is set directly above the beach at its western end. For good days – and there are plenty of these – there’s a large outside decked area with beach views whilst inside the Spyglass is crammed with Nautical artefacts.

Always bustling, the Spyglass has managed to retain its olde worlde charm while at the same time running a fast, efficient show.

Spyglass Inn (01983 855338) Open from 10.30am.

Food served all day from 12 noon.

Specialities: Freshly caught local seafood.

Veggie meals. Selection of real ales includes Tanglefoot and Ventnor Brew.

60 wines include six by the glass. Children in family room and on outside deck.

Dogs on leads welcome throughout.

Coastal walks COASTAL WALK 2 Seaview village to Priory Bay. Easy walking.

41/2kms /23/4mls. 1-11/2 hours. Ideal family walking, mostly on sand. Dogs prohibited from beach May-September and owners must clean up after dogs October-April.

High spots: At low tide, the vast treebacked sandy beach of Priory Bay is well worth the walk as is the ever-changing light on the shore-line rocks at Seaview.

Plan this walk at low tide to make the most of a beachcomber’s paradise. (Tide tables are available from Tourist Information Centres.) There are shells to collect all the way and the added bonus, for children, of shallow waters in which to paddle.

Start out at the rock pools of Seaview beach directly below the traditional seaside village. Allow time to watch the busy pool life led by tiny crabs and take a bucket in which to collect colourful shells.

Follow the beach around to Seagrove Bay and along the walkway, that leads up through woodland and around to Priory Bay, a surprising stretch of sand with rivulets of water running through it.

Seaview Hotel (01983 612711) Open weekdays from 7am onwards.

Tea and coffee served all day.

Lunch: 12 noon-2.15pm in bars.

Specialities: Fresh local fish dishes like Seaview Crab Ramekin, Salmon & Dill Fishcakes and Fillet of line-caught Sea Bass. Choice of veggie meals. Two real ales - Goddards and Adnams. Four wines by the glass. Children allowed in both bars at lunchtime and in the evenings.

Dogs also allowed.

At Priory Bay you can climb up the National Trust wooden walkway that leads through trees to the back gates of the smart Priory Bay Hotel.

Then retrace your steps to Seaview and the Seaview Hotel, winner of countlessawards for its excellent, welcoming service and highly recommended for its food.

There are two bars: a more modern front bar that overlooks the sea and an informal ‘pub-style’ one.

Coastal walks COASTAL WALK 3: CIRCULAR WALK FROM CRAB & LOBSTER AROUND BEMBRIDGE. Moderate walking 7kms/4¹/³ mls. 2-21⁄2 hours. Generally easy walking but narrow in some rural sections and along the final cliff top stretch.

Stop off at this perfectly preserved windmill for a look around or to take in views of glorious rolling hills beyond. From this point, it’s a lovely pastoral walk downhill with views of Culver Cliff and nothing but greenery all around.

HIGH SPOTS: The interest-filled shoreline from the Crab & Lobster to Bembridge Harbour is of particular appeal to kids and dogs whilst adults will want to check out the historic Bembridge Windmill and take in its panoramic views.

When you come to a junction in the woodland at the bottom of the hill, bear left and take the track leading to a main road. Cross this and continue through a wooded lane with Whitecliff Bay campsite on the right. Cross at the next road junction, then walk left for 150 yards before turning right into Jenny Street’s Lane.

Make this a low tide walk, starting at the Crab & Lobster – a public car park is located behind the pub – and walk down onto the beach. At this point a long rock plateau, bisecting the sands and large pebbles, resembles a miniature Giant’s Causeway and is full of interesting rock pools. Turn left towards Bembridge Harbour and walk past the imposing turreted facade of Bembridge Coast Hotel. Allow plenty of time on this section of the walk if accompanied by children or dogs as they are bound to want a quick dip or paddle in the clear waters.

Continue past the Lifeboat Station and around the headland to the harbour mouth, with a view of the Duver beach in front of you. Turn left up the gravel track leading to the main road and cross this to the Pilot Boat Inn opposite – a good refreshment stop.

From the inn take Footpath BB19, the Bembridge Trail, which leads along a narrow wooded track, with an area of wooden decking and metal railings. After approximately 300 yards the path leads uphill and reaches a junction with the High Street. Turn right here and continue walking until a bend in the busy road, then turn right where you see signs for Bembridge Windmill, marked Bridleway BB36.

At the Kingswood Centre, skirt the perimeter onto the Coastal Path boardwalk. Although there is some cliff erosion here, there are lovely views from the fenced path that leads back to the Crab & Lobster.

Renowned for its locally caught seafood, the Crab & Lobster is welcoming to walkers with muddy boots, their children and dogs. Always busy, there’s plenty of space in the large bar and an attractive seating area outside with sea views.

Crab & Lobster (01983 872244) Open Monday-Saturday all day from 11am, Sundays from 12 noon.

Lunch 12 noon-2.30pm.

Specialities: Locally caught crab and lobster dishes. Good home-cooked veggie specials, e.g. vegetable tagliatelli.

Real ales include Goddards, Greene King and Flowers. Decent choice of wines by the glass. Children and dogs both welcomed. Outdoor seating overlooks sea.

Coastal walks COASTAL WALK 4: FISHBOURNE PAST QUARR ABBEY TO BINSTEAD. Easy walking 41⁄2kms/23⁄4mls. 11⁄2-13⁄4hours. A gentle flat walk past areas of woodland, wetland and open fields.

Then retrace your steps to Fishbourne and turn right from Quarr Lane to the Fishbourne Inn, almost opposite. This is a large, family-friendly pub with extensive areas of seating inside and out, ideal as last port of call before boarding the Wightlink ferry to Portsmouth.

HIGH SPOTS: Good views of boat life on the Solent through pastoral fields and the chance for a close up look at imposing Quarr Abbey.

Use the Wightlink ferry terminal as your start point for this walk and take the Bridleway R3, marked Binstead Coastal Path, on the right hand side of the road beyond the terminal, just before the Fishbourne Inn. This is Quarr Lane, a leafy track overhung with trees, which, as its name suggests, leads to Quarr Abbey. First, though, the track provides attractive views through pastureland to the Solent and, as it is both flat and shaded, it’s the ideal walk for families and older people.

After around a quarter of a mile comes the first view of the towering rose-coloured brick abbey, built a century ago by French Benedictine monks to replace the original medieval Cistercian abbey.

The walk leads past the entrance to the abbey, whose chapel is open to visitors, and on past the ruins of the original building in sea meadows bordering the Solent.

Just past these ruins, pass through a gateway into a wooded residential area.

Beyond the clutch of houses take the left fork onto the Coastal Path (Bridleway R45). At the end of this wooded glade, the track comes out at a small road.

Just before this, bear back sharp left onto Footpath R46 for a detour down to the foreshore, providing more Solent views from a beach, most remarkable for its wooden flotsam.

Fishbourne Inn (01983 882823) Open Monday-Friday 12 noon-3.00pm, Weekends all day from 12 noon. Lunch 12 noon-2.30pm.

Specialities: Extensive menu of daily specials including fish such as bream, trout and plaice. Real ales include Goddards, Bass and 6X. Excellent choice of 12 wines by the glass. Children welcome. Dogs in bar only. Large garden.

Rural walks RURAL WALK 1 Circular walk – Shorwell village to Fore Down.

Challenging walking.

4kms/21/2mls. 11/4-13/4 hours. Essential to follow a detailed map. Interesting, energetic walking with some climbing on downs. Not recommended for the infirm.

Suitable for children aged 6+.

High spots: There are great views down to the thatched roofs of Shorwell village from the slopes of Mount Ararat and from Fore Down back to the Military Road and the sea. And don’t miss walking across the 18th century wooden bridge above Shorwell Shute.

This walk begins and ends in the pretty thatched village of Shorwell. Starting from the Crown Inn, follow Walkers Lane a few hundred yards up past the 12th century church on the right and first take the footpath marked Chillerton.

Almost immediately, turn off left onto the bridleway SW14. Climb up the slopes of Mount Ararat, parallel to Shorwell Shute, and wind through the woodland (covered in bluebells and Lily of the Valley in spring) onto the 18th century wooden bridge, rebuilt in 1976. Cross the bridge and follow the route north until you reach the sign The Dell Footpath Centre, a green amphitheatre lined with ivy and wild garlic.

From here follow the footpath north and upward past fields on the left and woods on the right, eventually leading onto a grassy field. Walk along the eastern perimeter until you reach Public Bridleway SW51 and follow this to Fore Down, with the double aspect of a quarry on one side and Renham Down on the other. Now follow the Worsley Trail, which runs along the top of

the contour, turning sharp back south-east when you reach the marked gate at Fore Down. Stop awhile for great views to the Military Road that runs the length of the south coast of the Island.

At this point it is important to use an Ordnance Survey map to cut back diagonally across the field, corner to corner. Then skirt around the copse until you find grid reference SZ455834. Here take the path leading past houses onto the Brighstone-Shorwell road. Turn left and walk a few hundred metres back to the Crown Inn. An attractive pub in one of the Island’s prettiest villages, the Crown Inn has a quaint but roomy interior and a charming garden with a stream running through it.

Garden at Crown Inn

Crown Inn (01983 740293) Open Monday-Saturday from 10.30am, Sundays from 12 noon. Lunch 12 noon2.30pm.

Specialities: Local seafood including Sea Bass. Game in winter. Daily veggie specials. Four real ales include Tanglefoot and Flowers. Choice of four wines by the glass. Children allowed throughout. Dogs welcome. Excellent pub garden with stream and ducks.

Rural walks RURAL WALK 2 Freshwater Way – Freshwater to Yarmouth.

Easy walking.

6kms/33/4mls. 2-21/2 hours. An easy flat walk, although it can be very muddy on the west side. The cycle track on the east side is probably easier for the elderly or infirm.

HIGH SPOTS: Views of Yarmouth estuary and harbour on the approach via the cycle track and equally evocative panoramas from Freshwater bridge. Abundant birdlife and there’s the possibility of sighting a red squirrel along the way.

The easiest, though one of the longest pub walks. And it has the bonus that there’s a good pub at either end of the Freshwater Way, so you can break the walk in half by stopping in Yarmouth or wait until you have finished and relax in Freshwater.

Start the walk at Freshwater church on the western side of the River Yar, climbing over the stile and taking a series of pleasant but unremarkable country lanes away from the water’s edge. The footpath is clearly marked and leads through pastoral countryside, fields and woods. It can be very muddy in places and there is varied terrain to negotiate before you reach the main Yarmouth to Freshwater road. Here turn right across the road bridge and into the attractive West Wight harbour town of Yarmouth.

If you want to break the walk here, you can stop off at the King’s Head, a friendly pub with several contrasting rooms - most with stripped pine or dark oak furniture.

The return walk is flat and busier, but full of interest. A wide gravel path, once the old railway track and now a cycle way, skirts the estuary from Yarmouth Harbour to the old church at Freshwater. This is a good area to spot birdlife and, if you are lucky, red squirrels. Tree-lined and wooded in places, it provides beautiful rural views, with bulrushes and mud flats on both sides of the path.

At Freshwater, the church itself is worth a lingering look as is the view from the bridge back along the causeway, but don’t delay for too long because immediately adjacent is the Red Lion Inn. This pub is known primarily for its much-acclaimed food and you’ll find plenty of locals here.

The nicely renovated interior is filled with pine tables, which give a country farmhouse feel to the place.

Red Lion Inn (01983 754925) Open weekdays 11.30am-3pm, Weekends 11am-3pm. Lunch: 12 noon2pm – book in advance.

Specialities: fresh fish, including homemade Fish Pie and Fish Cakes. A few Veggie meals. Four real ales include Goddard and London Pride. 28 wines by the bottle, choice of 16 New World or French wine by the glass. Children over 10 allowed in bar, under 10s in garden.

Dogs welcome.

The King’s Head (01983 760351) Open daily from 11am.

Lunch: 12 noon -2.30pm.

Specialities: Seafood and Mexican dishes like King’s Head Sizzling Fajita.

Veggie meals. Choice of real ales includes Speckled Hen, Flowers, Bass and Boddingtons. Seven wines by the glass (3 white, 4 red). Children welcome. Dogs in pub area only. Summer patio.

Rural walks RURAL WALK 3 Shalfleet to Newtown National Nature Reserve.

Easy walking.

5kms/31/8mls. 11⁄2 -13⁄4 hours. A very easy walk on the flat. Expect muddy fields approaching the estuary at wet times of the year. A shorter alternative is to settle for the initial 2km/40 minute walk leading from the New Inn down to Shalfleet Quay and back.

Retrace your steps to the car park and take the footpath opposite across fields and along the shoreline of the Causeway Lake. This leads back to the little humpback bridge at the entrance of Newtown from where you can use the road and woodland route back to the sign for Shalfleet Quay.

High spots: Wonderful estuary views both from Shalfleet Quay and around the mud flats of Newtown Estuary itself.

Close by is an excellent pub.

The New Inn, a misnomer if ever there was one since this is an ancient inn with authentic flagstone floors and oak beams, is well known locally for its fish and seafood. It also accommodates the taste buds of fussy kids.

Park in the Shalfleet car park a few yards from the New Inn and walk down the lane signed Shalfleet Quay. It’s an easy, peaceful stroll down to the quaint old boat yard and back, affording fantastic views of the estuary (mud flats at low tide, river estuary at high tide) and its bird life all the way.

Back at the Shalfleet Quay sign, turn left past Shalfleet Mill over a little footbridge and follow the woodland path for approximately 1/4 mile until it joins up with a side road leading to Newtown, a further half a mile.

Turn left to Newtown over the humpback bridge by the estuary and past the village’s medieval Town Hall. Continue past the church on the right and down to the National Trust car park. From here cross the meadow and traverse the plank walkway across the causeway to the picturesque Quay with its rustic boathouse. Walk a rectangle around the mud flats back to the meadow with tremendous views of rare birds and plants on the way.

New Inn (01983 531314) Open 12 noon - 3pm. Lunch: 12-2.30pm.

Specialities: Best known for fish dishes, e.g. Swordfish Steaks Thai style with coriander and lemon grass. Wide choice of veggie meals and good snacks, e.g. filled baguettes. Real ales include Bass, 6X and Flowers plus one local brewery beer. Choice of 10 wines by the glass - including New World or French wine.

Children welcome away from immediate bar area. Dogs and muddy boots accommodated in rooms with flagstone floors.

Rural walks RURAL WALK 4: CIRCULAR WALK – FROM GODSHILL VILLAGE PAST FREMANTLE GATE AND GAT CLIFF Moderate walking 5kms/31/8mls. 11⁄2 -13⁄4 hours. An interesting walk with a varied landscape of woods and meadows past historic monuments. Steep in sections and expect areas of muddy ground. Not recommended for the elderly or infirm but suitable for children aged 6+.

HIGH SPOTS: Wonderful panoramic views from the highest point at Gat Cliff and the promise of woodland walks through bluebells in the spring and great autumn colour.

This walk starts and finishes in one of the Isle of Wight’s most popular villages, Godshill, but the trail itself is quiet and miles away in spirit from this busy tourist spot. Starting from The Griffin pub at the southern end of the village, turn right onto the main road to Shanklin and walk for 200 metres, turning right again onto Public Bridleway GL4. This starts out as a long, straight tarmac road past grazing land with a herd of inquisitive black cows.

Continue past Godshill Park House on the right to the picturesque old millpond, where the track starts to lead gently uphill and can get very muddy. Beware tractors! At the top of the hill is Fremantle Gate, an impressive folly, complete with Greek-style column and once one of the four grand entrances to Appuldurcombe House.

Turn right from Fremantle Gate into conservation woodland that skirts the perimeter of the extensive Appuldurcombe estate.

Follow the Bridleway (GL49) which leads past the Worsley Monument and Gat Cliff, where you can divert off the path to climb the escarpment. It’s a real scramble up the cliff but well worth it for the panoramic views.

Just past the cliff, bear right onto Footpath GL58 when you come to a choice of paths and follow this route downhill to Sainham Farm. Take care here as you must turn sharp back right, following Bridlepath GL56 so that you pass the farm on your left.

From Sainham Farm, the walk leads into Beech Copse, a profusion of bluebells in spring. Again take care to follow the sign, this time for Footpath GL57, which forks left and leads down to the bottom of the valley to a small stream. Cross the stream and from this point there’s an easy end to the walk through pastureland to The Griffin.

In addition to boasting one of the most extensive pub gardens on the Isle of Wight, complete with maze and mini football pitch, The Griffin is large and extremely family-friendly as well as being totally unfazed by the sight of walkers complete with dogs and muddy boots!

The Griffin (01983 840039) Open Monday-Saturday from 10.30am (Sunday from 12 noon).

Food served all day.

Specialities: The large menu offers generous portions, plenty of choice for vegetarians and a good kid’s menu. Real ales include Speckled Hen and Flowers.

Choice of three white and one red wines by the glass. Children and dogs allowed throughout.

Rural walks RURAL WALK 5: CIRCULAR WALK – FROM ARRETON PAST HASLEY MANOR Moderate walking 5kms/31/8mls. 13⁄4 - 2 hours.

HIGH SPOTS: Views of the impressive Tudor Hasley Manor and its gardens, now closed to the public, around its perimeter.

Starting from the beautiful church and the White Lion pub in Arreton, turn left onto the busy main road and walk carefully for approximately 200 yards to the school on the left-hand side. Turn into School Lane, past the school itself, and immediately afterwards follow the footpath along the perimeter of an arable field with tremendous views up to Arreton Down.

Keep walking straight until you reach the T-junction at Shepherds Lane. Turn right and walk down to the Hasley Manor Estate where you need to turn right again, then first left, following the perimeter of the Manor. This provides both welcome shade on a hot day and a chance to view the gardens and exterior of one of the Isle of Wight’s most beautiful manor houses.

Climb over a stile at the bottom left of the estate and turn left, continuing to follow the perimeter. At the edge of Hasley Manor turn south and within yards you will reach the new custom-built cross-Island cycle track, where you must turn right, avoiding cyclists!

The cycle track leads past a beautiful tree-lined lake on the left-hand side before reaching the main road at Horringford Bridge. Cross the road and continue to follow the cycle track, marked Newport 5. 200 yards further on, at a Y-junction, leave the

cycle track and take the right fork onto a bridleway, then fork right again and continue along a farm track until you see a gate, vertically marked bridleway.

Enter the field here and cross to the far side and a red bar gate. Go through this into a shady area leading downhill to a third gate, wooden this time. Pass through and walk along the top perimeter of a field and past the copse beyond. Immediately after the copse, turn right and walk down to the stile at the bottom of the field, crossing the small bridge over a stream.

From here it’s a steep walk up the other side of the hill onto a flat field leading back to the school and the main road.

Follow this back to the White Lion, one of the Isle of Wight’s most atmospheric country inns with a range of attractivelydecorated cottage-style rooms.

White Lion (01983 528479) Open Monday-Saturday from 11am (Sunday from 12 noon). Food served from noon all day.

Specialities: Large menu of daily specials, including veggie dishes.

Children’s menu for under 7s. Real ales include Badger, London Pride and Flowers. Three white and two red wines by the glass plus extensive wine list.

Children and dogs welcome in selected areas.

Isle of Wight

Pub Walks A Wightlink guide combining interest-filled leisure walks with outstanding Island pubs

More reading Coastal Paths and Inland Trails © Isle of Wight Council/Isle of Wight Tourism.

Ordnance Survey Maps – Landranger 196 or Explorer OL29.

Available at Isle of Wight Tourist Information Centres or by calling Wightlink Holidays on 0870 582 0202

Accompanied by her two vegetarian children, real ale loving husband, two large dogs and four pairs of (usually) muddy boots, each walk and pub in this guide has been personally tested by writer Chris Higham. The recommendations contained are therefore the opinions of the author and not necessarily those of Wightlink.

During her various walking trips to the Isle of Wight, Chris Higham stayed at the Winterbourne in Bonchurch, which offers classy bed and breakfast accommodation, and at Little Span Farm, near Wroxall, in one of the self-catering cottages converted from farm buildings. Both are featured in the Wightlink Holidays brochure and are two of more than 30 properties, which welcome well-behaved dogs – and their owners.

Trent Design 6170 09.03

Revised text and pictures © Chris Higham 2003 Published by Wightlink 2003 © Wightlink Ltd 2003