On balmy summer days the skies above Compton Bay are dotted with paragliders  probing the cliff edges for ridge lifts and thermals to take them soaring like sea eagles; cupped like heavenly angels in God's gentle palm. It's quite safe to shout all manner of things at them as they glide overhead. Until they land of course, and even then it's hard to run fast in all that equipment.

Apparently (it's not that we're scared, we've just been busy) paragliding is definitely the most exhilarating ways to experience our spectacular coastline. The Isle of Wight's unique geography makes it one of the premier paragliding destinations in the UK, and the chalky downs above Compton are the launch site for some of the best flights to be had.

Few adventure activities can match the sensation of floating high above the Isle of Wight's stunning scenery with nothing but the sound of the wind for company. And the sound of idiots on the beach shouting up at you.

There are two companies on the island that offer tandem flights and also one and two day courses or longer: High Adventure Paragliding and Butterfly Paragliding.

🌐 https://highadventureparagliding.co.uk/

Compton Bay

Coasteering is exploring a coastline through human locomotion rather than by boat, and can be an exhilarating and unforgettable way to experience and appreciate the natural beauty and power of the sea. It typically involves exploring sea caves, climbing and jumping off cliffs, navigating gullies, swimming through natural channels, and observing marine wildlife in areas often inaccessible by land.

Freshwater Bay Coasteering is an experienced and safety-conscious outfit that run two-hour guided trips along the coastline from the bay. The more physically challenging trips are run at high tide, with a minimum age requirement of 12. The low tide trips are much less demanding and you only have to be eight to join. But you still get to wear the cool wetsuit and helmet!

Freshwater Bay

Dimbola Lodge

It's quite a trek to get to this location from the cottages, but actually worth the 40 minute drive. Climb a huge oak tree in Appley  with ropes and harnesses, and enjoy great views from the canopy. Goodleaf Tree Climbing school runs two-hour sessions teaching budding Tarzans a special technique to get safely up the tree. Minimum age is eight. Free flapjacks!

Wight Karting

Dimbola Lodge

There’s over 200 miles of mountain bike routes on the island. A good trip is the Yarmouth, Totland, Alum Bay, Freshwater circular route; there’s also great routes up on the Tennyson Trail and through Brighstone Forest. Bikes can be hired from Wight Cycle Hire at the old railway station in Yarmouth, and advice on where to cycle can be found on their website, and also on Visit Isle of Wight.

Off The Rails

The Red Lion