Isle of Wight Hiking Adventure: Coast, Downs & Red Squirrels - 4 days / 3 nights

Join us for an unforgettable long weekend exploring the stunning landscapes of the Isle of Wight. Based at The Lakes Rookley, staying in lake house accommodation, this trip blends scenic coastal hikes, rolling downs, historic landmarks, and unique wildlife encounters with a welcoming community of adventurous women.

Over four days, you will discover iconic sights like The Needles, walk high chalk ridges with panoramic sea views, explore woodlands home to red squirrels, and visit hidden beaches and historical sites.

Each evening, return to our comfortable accommodation to relax and share stories with like-minded women. Whether you are looking for a personal challenge or simply want to explore somewhere new, this weekend offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

What to Expect:
- Epic Walks Showcasing the Isle of Wights Most Stunning Landscapes
- Coastal Adventure - Explore the dramatic chalk cliffs of The Needles and relax on the secluded beach at Freshwater Bay, with breathtaking sea views along the way
- Historic Landmarks - Discover ancient burial mounds, scenic downlands, and historic villages along stunning countryside trails
- Wildlife spotting - Walk through ancient woodlands in search of red squirrels at Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve, with a stop at the Garlic Farm Cafe for refreshments
- Rolling Downs and Panoramic Views - Climb Ventnor Downs, the islands highest point, and traverse the open landscapes of Brook Bray, Dunsbury, and Limestone Down for breathtaking vistas

Comfortable and Cosy Accommodation:
Our base is at The Lakes Rookley, a rural escape that combines modern comforts with a beautiful lakeside setting We’ll share Four lakeside houses, each with a kitchen, living room, and shared spaces for relaxing in the evenings
Bedrooms include twin-share rooms for a sociable experience or private double rooms for those who prefer their own space

Facilities include:
- WiFi available in public areas
- Free parking on site
- Access to an indoor swimming pool
- perfect for a post-hike dip
- On-site bar and eatery (The Quarterdeck Bar and Eatery) for evening meals and drinks
- Outdoor seating areas and sun terrace for enjoying scenic views

Please note: The Lakes Rookley is a family-friendly location, so there may be children on-site during our stay

Meals and Dining:
For dinners, we will either head out to local pubs and restaurants, eat at the on-site restaurant, or grab a takeaway to enjoy at the accommodation You are also welcome to cook your own meals using the fully equipped kitchens in each house
Bring your own breakfast and packed lunches for the hikes

A Supportive and Fun Group Experience:
- Fully guided walks led by an experienced and qualified leader.
- A supportive group of women, creating a friendly and inclusive atmosphere
- Evenings can be spent relaxing by the lake, enjoying the on-site bar, or unwinding in the shared living rooms

The Walks:

Day 1: Culver Down and Bembridge Circular Distance: 13 km | Elevation Gain: 223m | Time: 4 to 4.5 hours with breaks | Difficulty: Moderate 2.5 out of 5

A scenic introductory hike with coastal views, historical landmarks, and quiet beaches. Starting at Bembridge Windmill, the islands oldest windmill, we will walk through rolling countryside towards Culver Down, where panoramic views stretch across the coastline. We will explore Bembridge Foreland and stop at Whitecliff Bay Beach, a secluded spot perfect for dipping your toes in the sea. The walk finishes with a cafe stop in Bembridge before we head back to our lakeside accommodation

Day 2: Brook Bay to The Undercliff Circular Distance: 16.7 km | Elevation Gain: 424m | Time: 5 to 6 hours with breaks | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging 3 out of 5

This stunning countryside walk takes us through ancient burial sites, sweeping downlands, and historic villages. Starting at Brook Bay, we will ascend Dunsbury Down, passing the Bronze Age Five Barrows burial mounds, and continue across Mottistone Common with its expansive views. The route continues through Castle Hill and Calbourne Bottom before reaching Brightstone Down and Limestone Down, with panoramic vistas of the islands rolling hills. We will descend toward the coast via Brightstone and Chilton Chine, finishing with a scenic stretch along The Undercliff, where lush cliffs and hidden coves offer a beautiful finale

Day 3: Fort Victoria, Freshwater Bay and The Needles Circular Distance: 19 km | Elevation Gain: 441m | Time: 6 to 7 hours with breaks | Difficulty: Challenging 4 out of 5

A spectacular coastal and countryside walk showcasing The Needles, Freshwater Bay, and Fort Victoria Country Park. Starting and finishing at Fort Victoria, we will follow the coastline towards Colwell Bay and Totland Bay, before climbing Tennyson Down for breathtaking views of The Needles and Alum Bay’s colorful sands. After exploring The Needles Battery (National Trust), we will descend to Freshwater Bay Beach, a quiet pebble beach perfect for a break or paddle. The return route takes us through woodlands and farmland, ending back at Fort Victoria, where we can explore the nature trails and enjoy a coastal cafe stop before heading back to our accommodation

Day 4: Ventnor Downs and Appuldurcombe Circular with Secluded Beach Visit
Distance: 12.8 km | Elevation Gain: 388m | Time: 4 to 5 hours with breaks | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging 3.5 out of 5

Our final walk takes us over the Ventnor Downs, the highest point on the Isle of Wight, offering incredible sea views. We will descend through St. Martin’s Wood, where there is another chance to spot red squirrels, before exploring the ruins of Appuldurcombe House, an elegant 18th-century mansion. After the walk we will head to Steephill Cove, a hidden sandy beach with a small cafe, perfect for a final paddle or relaxing with an ice cream before heading home

Who Is This For:
This trip is for women who want to challenge themselves, explore beautiful landscapes, and connect with a supportive group. Whether you are drawn to rugged coastlines, rolling downs, or woodland wildlife, this weekend offers an incredible mix of experiences
You should be comfortable walking 4 to 7 hours per day on varied terrain, including some steep and uneven sections Walks range from moderate to challenging, so a good level of fitness is required Perfect for solo travellers looking for an active weekend in a friendly womens group Trip

Details and Pricing:
- Dates: Saturday 7th to Tuesday 10th June 2025
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging, suited for walkers comfortable with 4 to 7 hours per day
- Group Size: 12 including guides
- Accommodation: Four lakeside houses with private and shared rooms

Pricing:
£295 pp - Twin-share room (single bed, up to 2 per room) - £95 Non-Refundable Deposit required to secure your place, Plus meetup booking fee OR pay by CARD

£370 pp - Private double room (only 4 available) - £170 pounds Non-Refundable Deposit required to secure your space (Book this option direct HERE)

Balance of £200 pounds due by 26th April What's Included: - 3 nights accommodation at The Lakes Rookley - 4 fully guided walks with experienced and qualified guides - Outdoor first aider present for all activities - Access to the indoor swimming pool - On-site bar and eatery for optional evening meals - Detailed trip pack to help you prepare - WhatsApp group for pre-trip chats and coordination - Pre-trip Zoom call for any questions - Adventure Women guide on hand throughout Whats

Not Included:
- Meals and Drinks - Bring your own breakfast and packed lunches. Dinners will be in local restaurants, or cook your own meals using the kitchen in your house
- Transport - You will need your own transport to and from the hikes. Car sharing will be encouraged within the group
- Ferry Crossing - Participants are responsible for booking their own ferry tickets to the Isle of Wight. Car sharing is encouraged to reduce costs and simplify travel

Why Join This Trip: A perfect mix of coastal, downland and woodland landscapes Iconic landmarks like The Needles and historic Bronze Age sites Red squirrel spotting at Alverstone Mead and Ventnor Downs Relaxed evenings in lakeside accommodation with a group of like-minded women

Safety and Guidelines:
Walks and activities are led by qualified guides. All activities will have a first aider on hand.

Important Note:
By RSVPing "yes" to any event, you agree to the group's terms and conditions and payment policies. All payments are non-refundable, and any deposit and reserved spaces will be forfeited if the full balance is not paid on time. Visit Adventure Women T&Cs: [https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs ](https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs)for more details.

You acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, and medical emergencies, serious injury and death and voluntarily assume all such risks.

For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs
Min 8 people needed to run this trip.
You will need to complete a waiver and provide a uk based emergency contact details before joining.

Note:
The itinerary and activities are subject to change for the overall safety of the group due to weather, group competence, or other circumstances.

About us:
Adventure Women is an outdoor pursuits club for women united by a shared passion of exploration and an unwavering spirit of adventure. We believe that the outdoors is a canvas for personal growth, camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences. We empower women to push boundaries, embrace the unknown, and create lasting memories in the great outdoors. Our community is a supportive network where women of all backgrounds can bond, learn, and thrive together. Join us to embark on journeys that inspire, uplift, and redefine what it means to be an adventure woman.