The path is waymarked in both directions and can be started at any point, but is described here clockwise from the pier at Ryde (grid reference SZ594929).

It then climbs inland on footpaths, skirting Priory Woods, before returning to sea level at The Duver near St Helen's Old Church.

This part is subject to regular erosion; as of 2012 a section at Foreland is closed (walkers may prefer to divert and walk through Bembridge village).

Dropping fairly steeply away from Culver Down, the path meets the beach again at Yaverland, then passes the Isle of Wight Zoo and enters Sandown.

It continues uphill on a minor road, passing Luccombe village, where there are magnificent views across Sandown Bay.

The path continues forward to the Needles Old Battery (National Trust) with views over Alum Bay.

Away from the approaches to East Cowes and Yarmouth, the majority of this section follows inland roads and many unmade, muddy public footpaths.