This is the big one in the Walking Festival's Thursday programme: a full-day route from St Catherine's Oratory across the south downs to a secluded cove for lunch, then up and along the clifftop to St Catherine's Lighthouse. Two medieval and Victorian lights bookending a stretch of south-coast walking that covers some of the least-visited downland on the island. Allow six to seven hours.
The Oratory on St Catherine's Hill is a 14th-century lighthouse tower built as an act of penance, standing alone on the highest point of the island with views on a clear day that reach Dorset. The lighthouse at the south tip is still operational. The route between them crosses chalk grassland, drops to the coast path above Watershoot Bay, and climbs back through National Trust land above the cliffs. Experienced walkers will find this one of the best days on the island.
Part of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival; booking and ticket price via the festival site. Walking boots required. Carry food and water for the full day. One of the best walking routes available during the four-day spring programme.
