Cripple Path Niton Walk

2.5 miles (4 km)

This rugged circular walk explores the Cripple Path in Niton on the Isle of Wight.
The route navigates the unique landscape of the Undercliff, an expansive landslip zone created by historical cliff collapses that has developed its own sheltered microclimate. The Cripple Path itself is a historic, steep trackway cut directly into the vertical inland limestone cliffs, which was originally used by local smugglers and fishermen to transport goods between the clifftops and the shoreline below.... The trail starts near the traditional stone village of Niton, passes close to the landmark St Catherine's Lighthouse, and follows sections of the Isle of Wight Coast Path along the rugged shoreline.
The sheltered, humid conditions of the Undercliff make it a thriving habitat for a diverse array of local wildlife and rare plant species. Walkers can spot dense clusters of wild orchids, ferns, and ivy, alongside specialised coastal birds such as fulmars and kestrels nesting on the high rock faces. The unique warmth of the area also supports a variety of reptiles, including common lizards and slow-worms basking on the stone paths, while the nearby chalk downlands are a stronghold for the rare Glanville fritillary butterfly during the summer months.
To continue your walking around Niton head west to visit St Catherine's Lighthouse.