The best walks and hikes around St. Helens

Avoid the overpriced rip off cafe here and go support the local Bembridge chip shop.

These old windmills are the best proof that people were clever enough a number of centuries ago - long before the discovery of electricity and the inventions that resulted from it - to harness the power of the elements for their own purposes: no human or animal muscle power is required for the grinding process, but the wind captured by the wings is enough to drive the heavy millstones and thus, for example, to grind flour from grain (grain mills) or to press oil from olives (oil mills). Unfortunately, they are often only technical and historical evidence of a long tradition of craftsmanship, because most of the old mills have been abandoned over time.

Nowadays, only a few of them are still in operation in their original function, but are often just technical-historical monuments to a long tradition of craftsmanship: the heavy millstones inside were moved using the power of the wind as the driving force, for example to grind grain into flour (so-called grain mills) or to press oil from fruits (e.g. olives) (so-called oil mills). These old windmills are therefore the best proof that people were clever enough to harness the power of the wind a number of centuries ago - long before the discovery of electricity and the inventions that followed.

A lovely beach at low tide. At low tide you can also enjoy the walk around the headland to the SE, and you'll find yourself at Priory Bay Beach which is well worth a visit. Leave your bikes on the promenade so they don't get sandy. There are also public loo facilities here. The footpath through towards Seaview asks for you to dismount from your bike and walk. It's only 75m or so. Photo courtesy of Visit Isle of Wight.

The Duver Hire Co - Bike Rental - Opening April 2024

Grab a drink and great meal. Sit outside and enjoy the views over the Solent.

The coastal path takes you right along the edge of the expansive Bembridge Harbour. It is a working fishing port as well as a popular place to dock pleasure yachts. On the opposite side of the harbour there is a causeway over the Old Mill Ponds which can be crossed on all by the spring tides and is a unique place to run.

On Forelands Beach you can find the most easterly point of the Isle of Wight. It is a stony beach and at low tide 'The Ledge', a rocky balcony appears.