New 12-Mile Stretch Of England Coast Path Opens On Isle Of Wight

Another 12-mile stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path has officially opened on the Isle of Wight, unlocking more of the Island’s coastline as a National Trail.

The newly completed section, known as IOW3, runs from Culver Down to Binnel Bay, starting around 100 metres above sea level and taking in views across some of the Island’s most iconic coastal locations.

The route passes through Sandown, Shanklin, Luccombe, Bonchurch, Ventnor and Steephill Cove, combining promenade walks, countryside paths and cliff-top sections overlooking dramatic bays and coves.

The opening was marked with a ribbon-cutting at Flowers Brook in Ventnor, followed by a celebratory walk to Binnel Bay organised by the Isle of Wight Ramblers Association.

IOW3 begins at Culver Down with views of Sandown Bay and Whitecliff Bay, before heading to Yaverland and joining the promenade through Sandown and Shanklin.

The route then passes through Shanklin Old Village, continues towards Luccombe, and follows a temporary inland diversion around the Bonchurch landslip before returning to the coast.

Walkers then pass through Ventnor, known for its sunny microclimate, before heading west through parkland and along the promenade to Steephill Cove, ending at Binnel Bay at the southern tip of the Island.

The works form part of a national programme led by Natural England to create a continuous coastal walking route around England, which will total around 2,700 miles when complete.

Councillor Ed Blake, who represents Ventnor and St Lawrence, said the new section showcases the Island’s natural beauty and thanked landowners for their cooperation.

Graham Horton, Deputy Director for Natural England’s Thames Solent team, said the path improves access to nature and helps secure the coastline as a public resource for the future.

The Culver Down to Binnel Bay route is the third section of the England Coast Path to open on the Isle of Wight in recent months, following the opening of IOW5 from Chilton Chine to Colwell Chine and a 2.8-mile stretch between Gurnard Luck and the Floating Bridge in September 2025.