Walkers can now explore almost 16 more miles of the Isle of Wight’s coastline following the official opening of 2 renovated sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path earlier this week (Wednesday).
The new stretches at Thorness and across the South Wight have been delivered through partnership working between Natural England, the Isle of Wight Council and local landowners.
Their opening was marked with an event at Thorness Bay Holiday Park, where Councillor Paul Fuller, who represents Cowes West and Gurnard, cut the ribbon.
The first new section, known as IOW8, covers 1.8 miles between Thorness Bay and Gurnard Luck, taking walkers along the northwest coast with views across the Solent.
Walking on the cliffs at Gurnard where boats travelling to and from Cowes can often be seen, the route boasts a breathtaking sunset over the water.
Combined with the IOW9 section which opened in September 2025, walkers can now travel uninterrupted for 4.6 miles between Thorness Bay and the Floating Bridge in Cowes.
Councillor Nick Stuart, local member for Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet, has said:
“I’m delighted to see this new section of the King Charles III England Coast Path open here in Gurnard and Thorness.
Article continues below this advertisement “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.”
A much longer 14-mile section, known as IOW4, has also officially opened between Binnel Bay and Chilton Chine.
Heading west from Binnel Bay, the route offers views towards St Catherine’s Point and along the Undercliff before continuing towards the cliffs around Blackgang Chine and Chilton Chine.
The area around Chilton Chine is known for dinosaur fossil discoveries and is also a location where whales and dolphins can be spotted in the English Channel.
New infrastructure has been installed across both of the footpaths including a number of stairs and footbraidges as well as a boardwalk at Thorness Bay as part of the works.
Combined with the recently opened IOW3 and IOW5 sections, the latest opening means walkers can now follow a continuous 38-mile coastal path from Culver Down, near Sandown all the way to Colwell Chine in Freshwater.
Councillor Claire Critchison, local member for Chale, Niton and Shorwell, has 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 work forms part of Natural England’s national programme to establish a coastal path around England.
Once complete, the King Charles III England Coast Path is expected to stretch for around 2,700 miles and become the longest managed coastal walking route in the world.
Graham Horton, Deputy Director for Natural England’s Thames Solent team, has 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 latest additions msrk a milestone of 5 sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path being opened on the Isle of Wight within the past 12 months.
