The Tip of the Wight

My car rolls to a complete stop just as the view of the Isle of Wight coastline looms into view. Upon getting out of my car at the Old Blackgang Road car park, I am immediately greeted by the coastal aroma of the sea on the horizon. The winter sun beams down upon me as I put on my hiking boots, excited to explore what lies ahead at the southernmost tip of the Isle of Wight. With my bag and boots ready to go, I begin the hike around the Isle of Wight’s southernmost point.

I begin by passing through a kissing gate and heading toward a cluster of small hills, my back to the towering Gore Cliff. Walking through these small hills, I take an incline where, at the top, I can glance out towards St Catherine’s Lighthouse and Knowles Farm. I then hike parallel to the coast on my right, approaching a private residence. At first, I am confused as to where I head next, as a colossal pile of leaves barricades another kissing gate.

Gore Cliff, above the Old Blackgang Road car park

Intrigued, I stroll in the direction of the coastline in the hope of finding another kissing gate, and alas, I find one. Passing through this, I then find myself on a road leading down towards both Knowles Farm and St Catherine’s Lighthouse. I proceed towards the farm and eventually notice Gore Cliff coming into view on my right. The roaring sound of crashing waves on the coast becomes louder as I hike closer to the shore.

I then take a sharp left turn and hike once again, parallel to the coastline, towards the lighthouse. Known to be one of the island’s two functioning lighthouses, it stands boldly overlooking the south coast of the Isle of Wight. After taking time to admire this lighthouse, I continue to walk along the coastline. I take in the sounds of crashing waves and salty sea aroma, which goes unnoticed until I reach the Castlehaven Caravan Park.

The St Catherine's Lighthouse

Passing through another kissing gate, I find myself eventually hiking alongside a row of cosy caravans. While not a modern caravan holiday park, it does boast a charming view over the coastline of the island’s southernmost point. Strolling through the collection of caravans, I reach the entrance of this holiday complex and take a right turn to visit Castlehaven Cove briefly.

Once I reach the cove, I take a few moments to breathe in the salty sea air surrounding me and absorb myself in the sound of crashing waves. The village green is also here, as is a water sports centre for those wishing to take to the water by kayaking or canoeing. I then ramble upwards from the cove to take a sharp right turn and then rest at an available bench to admire the view of the coast.

A view of the coast from Castlehaven Cove

After a short period of admiring this view, I proceed to clamber up a series of steps to reach The Buddle Inn on Saint Catherine’s Road. Keeping this pub on my left, I proceed a short distance along this road and onto a pedestrian pathway leading to Sandrock Road. I then take a right turn and up towards a fork junction, where a left bearing leads me to the inclining Barrack Shute.

Having strolled halfway up this incline, I take another pathway to my immediate left and past the ’19 Evening Star’ self-catering cottage. I approach another kissing gate and pass through it to reach the top of a cliff, with once again more gorgeous views of the coast to my left. I then slowly hike along the top of this cliff, taking in as much of these views as possible.

A coastal view from the clifftop

As I approach a marker post, I pass a couple sitting on a bench, the husband of whom mistakenly identifies me as someone else who lives in the village. A steep path then leads me deep into a minute woodland. Each step I take is cautious as I take care not to misstep and fall over the edge to my right. I stop to investigate a small cave with a tight entrance, but upon closer inspection, it leads to nothing intriguing.

After a short while, I rejoin the road that I had driven up originally to get to the Old Blackgang Road car park. I then follow this road towards the first view I noticed as I drove into the car park. I then take a moment to reflect on my experience of trekking the Isle of Wight’s southernmost point. I leave the car park knowing I have taken away memories of exploring this island’s history as well as its blue beauty that is its coast.

The Travelling Foodie's Facts and Figures

• The starting point for this hike was the Old Blackgang Road Car Park, where the parking was free for the whole day.

• You can Click Here to use the map I followed for this hike.