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Tennyson Down
Isle of Wight
Tennyson Down
Circular walk

A challenging downland walk, providing some great views, at Tennyson Down. Tennyson Down is a hill at the west end of the Isle of Wight just south of Totland. Tennyson Down is a grassy, ridge of chalk which rises 147m above sea level.
OS Map: OS map available here.
National Trust Membership: For free parking at most National Trust car parks, and free entry to over 500 places - join here.
Useful Information
How to get there: B3322 from Yarmouth/Totland or Alum Bay road from Freshwater Bay.
Grid Reference: SZ 324 856
what3words: ///rivers.wishes.canoe
Nearest Postcode: PO39 0HY
Parking: Tennyson Down car park.
Facilities: Facilities at the Needles Park.
4 miles
Challenging
1hr 45min
The Walk
A challenging downland walk, providing some great views.
Map with thanks to Ordnance Survey.
Walk
1 Facing the quarry, follow the left-hand path out of the car park. Take a right to climb the steps by a wooden bench, signposted T27. Pass through the kissing gate to the top of the hill.
2 When you reach the Tennyson Monument, turn right to follow on any of the cliff-top paths, with an aim of the aerial mast visible on the skyline to the west. Head to the right of the aerial building, then head diagonally left and down to a concrete road. Cross the road and follow the signs to the Needles viewpoint.
3 Return to the road, then turn left and climb the steps on the left, before the New Battery. Follow the path down to the Needles Old Battery, then the road towards Alum Bay.
4 At the corner, go straight ahead, signposted T25. Climb some steps and pass through the kissing gate. Remain on the path along the lower boundary of the slope, with a fence on the left until it starts to rise. Take the path diagonally upward to a beacon. Pass through a gate and take the path T24 gently downhill on the left, back to the car park after a gate.

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