Walkers can now enjoy more of the Isle of Wight’s coastline, as two new sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path totalling almost 16 miles officially opened.
The milestone was celebrated with an event at Thorness Bay Holiday Park, with the routes delivered through a partnership between Natural England and local landowners.
The first section added is the 1.8-mile IOW8 route, which starts where the event was held at the wide shoreline of Thorness Bay on the northwest coast.
Councillor Paul Fuller, who represents the Cowes West and Gurnard ward and is vice-chair of Gurnard Parish Council, cut the ribbon to officially open the new stretches.
Walkers on IOW8 are treated to views across the Solent as they pass through the cliffs at Gurnard where they will often see racing boats heading to and from Cowes, especially during regatta season.
The opening of IOW8 follows the launch of the IOW9 path in September 2025 and means walkers can now travel uninterrupted for 4.6 miles from Thorness Bay to the Floating Bridge in Cowes.
Councillor Nick Stuart, local member for Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet, said: “I’m delighted to see this new section of the King Charles III England Coast Path open here in Gurnard and Thorness.
“It’s a revitalised way for residents and visitors to experience the natural beauty, maritime heritage and unique character of this part of the Isle of Wight, and I can’t wait for residents and tourists alike to explore it.”
The other section to officially open was the 14-mile IOW4 route, which starts at Binnel Bay, one of the Island’s more secluded and rugged coastal locations, on the south coast. As the path continues westwards, walkers can enjoy views towards St Catherine’s Point and along the Undercliff coast.
The path then veers towards the rolling cliffs around Blackgang Chine and Chilton Chine, known for being an important site for dinosaur fossil discoveries as well as a good place to spot and photograph whales and dolphins in the English Channel.
The IOW4 stretch finishes at Chilton Chine and, following the recent opening of the IOW3 and IOW5 sections of the coast path, walkers can now go all the way from Culver Down near Sandown to Colwell Chine in Freshwater on one continuous 38-mile path.
Councillor Claire Critchison, local member for Chale, Niton and Shorwell, said: “It’s fantastic to see this stunning stretch of South Wight coastline become more accessible for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“From the dramatic views towards St Catherine’s Point, to the unique landscape of the Undercliff and the dinosaur fossil history at Chilton Chine, this route showcases some of the very best of the Isle of Wight’s natural beauty. The opening of IOW4, alongside the previously completed IOW3 and IOW5 sections, means people can now enjoy an uninterrupted walk along the southern half of the Isle of Wight’s coast, creating even more opportunities to explore our breathtaking coastline, support local tourism, and connect with nature.”
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.
Graham Horton, deputy director for Natural England’s Thames Solent team, said: “Natural England is pleased to have worked with Isle of Wight Council to improve coastal access on the Island, including funding new steps and a footbridge at Grange Chine, as well as a new boardwalk bridge at Thorness Bay.”
“Opening these two sections of the coast path is a momentous achievement that will boost local economies and leave a legacy of health and wellbeing benefits for the region.”
The opening of these sections mean that five parts of the King Charles III England Coast Path have opened on the Island within the last year.
In January, the IOW3 stretch was opened. Starting at Culver Down, IOW3 treats walkers to views across Sandown Bay and Whitecliff Bay, taking them through long promenade walks, sandy beaches, historic Sandown Pier, cafés, shops and Shanklin Old Village.
The route then blends countryside, coastline and Victorian character by passing through Luccombe, Ventnor and Steephill Cove, ending at Binnel Bay.
In September 2025, a 12-mile route was opened from Chilton Chine to Colwell Chine, known as IOW5, which passes through designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest and follows a clifftop path that offers sweeping views of the sea. A 2.8-mile section from Gurnard Luck to the Floating Bridge also opened.
