Chillerton Down circular walk
This 4.5-mile walk circumnavigates Chillerton Down, a peaceful, unspoilt and largely undiscovered area of chalk downland in the centre of the Isle of Wight. It's regarded as something of a beauty spot, with great views of the Island, and is arguably at its best in the spring, when the wildflowers turn the hillsides in to a sea of colour.
Chillerton Down paths
There are no well defined paths on the open access land on Chillerton Down, so it is best to choose an aiming point and walk towards it.
Total steps: 6
Total steps: 6
Start point
Lay-by off Berry Shute, Chillerton, grid ref: SZ481829
Step 1
Take the G13 bridleway to the base of Chillerton Down, ignoring a path to the left. Immediately after passing through a gate, follow the curving upward path along the right-hand side of the chalk pit in front of you. When level with the top of the pit, carry straight on up the hill to the fence visible on the skyline, just to the right of the mast. This is the perimeter fence of Chillerton transmitting station.
Step 2
Turn right and follow the fence line. Go through a kissing gate close to the boundary corner and, aiming just left of straight ahead, head towards a group of trees by a fence corner where there is a wooden bench and viewpoint.
Step 3
Follow the top of the ridge to a kissing gate 110yds (100m) down from the top field corner. Pass through to leave the open access land, and continue onwards along a defined path, descending gently then steeply close to the fence to the far lower corner of the field. Go through the gate and turn immediately left for 25yds (25m) then through another kissing gate and follow the path through a copse. Go straight along G8 at the signpost and around a field gate to reach a crossing track.
Step 4
Turn left and follow the track as far as a minor road, then turn left. Leave the road just to the left of Newbarn Farm and follow an uphill bridleway, part of which is a sunken lane. Bear right just after a signpost indicating G22 Dunkem Down, and after a short rise bear left just before the gate at the top. Now the path rises more gently, passing a dew pond on the right. Shortly after this, go through a gate to reach a crossing track in the conifer belt.
Step 5
Turn left and follow the ridge-top bridleway signed N146 to Shorwell. Pass the Chillerton Down Transmitting Station to reach its concrete and tarmac access road.
Step 6
Cross the access road and go through a gate. Take the downwards sunken path straight ahead. Curl left-wards round the hill, pass through two gates and rejoin the outward path back to the start.
End point
Lay-by off Berry Shute, Chillerton, grid ref: SZ481829
Trail map
More near here
Challenging Chillerton Down walk
This walk takes you off the beaten track in the middle of the Island – through woods and valleys, and across the downs with distant sea glimpses to enjoy.
A climb to the common at Mottistone
The views from the heather-covered Mottistone Common are the highlight of this walk, which also takes in a mysterious ancient monument.
A Mottistone meander: south to the sea
A circular walking route that takes you south from Mottistone Gardens to the coastal cliffs at Sudmoor Point.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Chillerton Down Circular walk GPX file
Right-click and 'Save Link As' or ‘Save Target As’ or ‘Download Linked File As’ (depending on your browser) to download this Chillerton Down Circular walk GPX file to your device, then open with your GPS program.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Things to see and do at Chillerton Down
From picnicking to paragliding there's so much to see and do at Chillerton Down, in the rural heart of the Isle of Wight. Explore some of the highlights here.
Walking on the Isle of Wight
From discovering dinosaur fossils on a walk at Compton Bay and Downs to the secluded creeks and waterways of Newtown National Nature Reserve, find out where to go for the best walks on the Isle of Wight.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.