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Tennyson Monument – Freshwater Bay Promenade loop from Alum Bay

Routes

Running trails & routes

Tennyson Monument – Freshwater Bay Promenade loop from Alum Bay

Hard

runners

Tennyson Monument – Freshwater Bay Promenade loop from Alum Bay

01:46

15.2km

260m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 6, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Isle of Wight National Landscape

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

218 m

The Needles

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Needles is a row of three stacks of chalk that rise about 30 metres (98 ft) out of the sea off the western extremity of the Isle of Wight in the English Channel, United Kingdom, close to Alum Bay and Scratchell's Bay, and part of Totland, the westernmost civil parish of the Isle of Wight. The Needles Lighthouse stands at the outer, western end of the formation. Built in 1859, it has been automated since 1994. The waters and adjoining seabed form part of the Needles Marine Conservation Zone and the Needles along with the shore and heath above are part of the Headon Warren and West High Down Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The formation takes its name from a fourth needle-shaped pillar called Lot's Wife, which collapsed in a storm in 1764. The remaining rocks are not at all needle-like, but the name has stuck.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Needles

Tip by

2.67 km

West High Down

Peak

4.54 km

Tennyson Monument

Highlight • Monument

At the highest point for miles around, atop the Down that bears his name, is a monument to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, former Poet Laureate and Island resident.

Tip by

6.84 km

Freshwater Bay Promenade

Highlight • Viewpoint

Surrounded by white chalk cliffs, Freshwater Bay is one of the prettiest beaches in West Wight and is a perfect spot for recreation and relaxation. On the beach, you find a mixture of flint and chalk pebbles, which create a unique sound when the waves crash on the shore. Smugglers once used the caves around the bottom of the chalk cliffs that are exposed at low tide. It is possible to explore these but it is advisable to do so with a local guide as you can get stranded when waters rise.

Tip by

12.7 km

Totland Bay

Highlight • Beach

The clear blue waters of Totland Bay make this an ideal place for a post run dip. There are also plenty of places to eat here if your run has left you feeling hungry.

Tip by

13.6 km

View of the Needles from Headon Warren

Highlight • Historical Site

Great views of the Needles and across to the mainland. Also a Bronze age burial site at the highest point.

Tip by

13.9 km

View of the Solent from Heddon Warren

Highlight • Viewpoint

At the highest point of Heddon Warren is a bronze age burial mound. The views up here are stunning and it feels like a fitting place to have honoured the dead. You can see over the solent to the mainland as well as The Needles. The moorland is carpeted by vibrant yellow gorse in the spring and early summer.

Tip by

14.4 km

View of The Needles

Highlight • Natural Monument

Hiking up on Heddon Warren gives you a fantastic view of The Needles, the sea stacks extending out into the sea. You can also see the chairlift which takes daring passengers down to Alum Bay past the multicoloured cliffs.

Tip by

15.2 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.65 km

3.12 km

2.12 km

2.06 km

1.77 km

1.76 km

732 m

Surfaces

6.00 km

4.30 km

2.22 km

1.91 km

750 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (130 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Wednesday 26 August

22°C

18°C

12 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Tennyson Monument – Freshwater Bay Promenade loop from Alum Bay

The Needles

Tennyson Monument

Freshwater Bay Promenade

Totland Bay

View of the Needles from Headon Warren

View of the Solent from Heddon Warren

View of The Needles

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