A new section of the King Charles III England Coast Path has been opened between Culver Down and Binnel Bay, offering uninterrupted access along the scenic southeastern coastline of the Isle of Wight.
The route, proposed by Natural England after close consultation with landowners, whose cooperation is very much appreciated, was opened with the cutting of a ribbon at Flowers Brook at 12:00.
Ventnor Town Crier William Nixon addressed the crowds before the ribbon was cut.
The new section of the path, known as IOW3, starts 100 metres above sea level at Culver Down and offers stunning views throughout as it follows the iconic coastline through Sandown, Shanklin, Luccombe, Bonchurch, Ventnor and Binnel Bay.
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.
A celebratory organised walk to Binnel Bay was also held by The Isle of Wight Ramblers Association today, where all were welcome. IOW3 starts at Culver Down and begins with fantastic views of Sandown to the west and Whitecliff Bay to the north.
Graham Horton, Deputy Director for Natural England’s Thames Solent team, said:
“It’s great to see another section of the King Charles III England Coast Path opening today on the Isle of Wight, enabling everyone to access the outdoors and nature and enjoy its dramatic cliffs and bays.
“The improvements to coastal access around the island and upgrade of the coastal path to a National Trail, secure this amazing public resource for the future.”
You can plan your visit to the King Charles III England Coast Path – National Trails and other national trails at the National Trails website.
The path from Culver Down to Binnel Bay is the third stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path to open on the Isle of Wight in the past few months after sections passing along the Military Road and from Cowes to Gurnard were unveiled in September 2025.
Speaking to Island Echo, David Howarth from the Isle of Wight Ramblers, has said:
It’s fantastic to have this opened. What we want to see is greater access to all footpaths, but particularly the coast. With this path its not just access to the coast but also access to the low-tide area too.
It’s massive for the Island. We (Ramblers) think it’ll be worth around £70m to the tourist economy. We are delighted to be part of that and to help see the scheme implemented.”
Local Isle of Wight Councillor Ed Blake, has told Island Echo:
“When the path was closed there was a noticeable drop-off in people accessing places like Steephill Cove and the surrounding areas so to finally have an unbroken official path can only be a benefit and an attraction.”
I see the local loudmouth was on call then, a bell end holding, well a bell end.
Yet another photo-op for the usual suspects – Boojum&Snark, Jeffries, Long John Silver, Nutty Nellie and the Pink Lady. Well done!