Island's coastline showcased as 12-mile stretch of coast path opens
Published: 14 January 2026
More of the Isle of Wight’s glorious coastline has been unlocked as a National Trail today as another 12-mile stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path has been completed.
The new section of the path, known as IOW3, starts 100 metres above sea level at Culver Down and offers stunning views throughout as it follows the iconic coastline through Sandown, Shanklin, Luccombe, Bonchurch, Ventnor and Binnel Bay.
These works form part of a national programme by Natural England to create a coastal path around the entirety of England, which will become the longest managed coastal walking route in the world when completed at around 2,700 miles long.
The route, proposed by Natural England after close consultation with landowners, whose cooperation is very much appreciated, was opened with the cutting of a ribbon at Flowers Brook in Ventnor at midday today.
A celebratory organised walk to Binnel Bay was also held by The Isle of Wight Ramblers Association today, where all were welcome.
IOW3 starts at Culver Down and begins with fantastic views of Sandown to the west and Whitecliff Bay to the north.
The route then takes walkers to Yaverland to join a long promenade walk to Shanklin, which provides an abundance of opportunities to stop and enjoy cafes and shops.
The promenade also boasts long stretches of sandy beaches and the famous Sandown Pier, which first opened in 1879.
After reaching Shanklin Bay, the route heads inland to take in the iconic Shanklin Old Village.
A slightly inland route then heads to Luccombe, providing more of a countryside setting that still enjoys continuing views of the sea.
The route then heads towards Ventnor and takes a slightly more urban path to bypass the Bonchurch landslip of 2023, but quickly heads back to the coast to join another promenade.
Walkers will then reach Ventnor, a Victorian seaside town known for its sunny microclimate and terraced architecture.
The path heads out of the town through parkland and joins another promenade, leading to the traditional and unspoilt fishing village of Steephill Cove.
Bearing further west, the route becomes a cliff top path over rolling hills, boasting views of the dramatic and rocky coastline and numerous idyllic bays and coves, ending at Binnel Bay at the southern tip of the Island.
Councillor Ed Blake, who represents the Ventnor and St Lawrence ward, said: “IOW3 is a fantastic new route that really does showcase the special beauty that the Isle of Wight can offer.
“We are extremely grateful for landowner cooperation for the project, which will offer residents and tourists alike the chance to explore some of the Island’s most breath-taking landscapes for years to come.”
Graham Horton, Deputy Director for Natural England’s Thames Solent team, said: “It’s great to see another section of the King Charles III England Coast Path opening today on the Isle of Wight, enabling everyone to access the outdoors and nature and enjoy its dramatic cliffs and bays.
“The improvements to coastal access around the island and upgrade of the coastal path to a National Trail, secure this amazing public resource for the future.”
The path from Culver Down to Binnel Bay is the third stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path to open on the Isle of Wight in the past few months.
A 12-mile route from Chilton Chine to Colwell Chine, known as IOW5, passes through designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest and follows a cliff top path that offers sweeping views of the sea.
A short but scenic 2.8-mile section from Gurnard Luck to the Floating Bridge also opened, offering a relaxed experience with seaside views and maritime heritage.
Both of these sections of the coast path opened in September 2025.