Freshwater Bay to the Needles

This walk is from the popular Freshwater Bay, up over Tennyson Downs and to the Needles, with some amazing panoramic views.

Generally, a dry grassy walk with easy, if hilly, walking conditions. It can get breezy!

Starting at Freshwater Bay, the walk starts with the steepest slope heading up Tennyson Down. Once at the top of the first field, the slope is more gentle up to the high point at Tennyson Monument.

From there the track is back down to the beacon, through the gate, and along to the Needles and the viewpoints out to the west.

This route can also be started at the midway point at the Highdown, or from the Needles end. 

Please note: there are sheer cliff edges along this walk, so keep dogs under control. 

Pay and display parking is available at Freshwater bay, or if starting the route at the Highdown, the parking is free.

Click here for directions

There are public toilet facilities at Freshwater bay, and seasonal refreshments at the Freshwater Inshore Lifeboat building also at Freshwater Bay.

The Southern Vectis Route 12 goes past the Freshwater Bay end of this route, and the number 7 goes to the Needles end of the route.

Route 12 bus timetable

Route 7 bus timetable

You can download a printable map of the walk below:

Printable Map (PDF)

You can download a GPX file for the route below:

GPX Route Map