The Hikers' Hut at Highcliff, is a magical timber hut with stunning sea views over the east coast of the Isle of Wight. Situated on the cliff edge 100m above the shoreline between Shanklin and Ventnor, the famous Isle of Wight Coastal Path is at the front gate. The Hut borders a National Trust field and is a perfect cabin for hikers, bird watchers, beach goers and nature lovers. With its own separate entrance and garden, it sits in the apple orchard of Highcliff Estate, Luccombe.
The Hikers' Hut includes, one double bed on a mezzanine and two singles in bunk beds on the ground floor. A small kitchenette includes under counter fridge/freezer, microwave with grill, and a two hob burner. The hut also has an ensuite shower room. There are dining tables inside and out on the deck.
The Highcliff Estate sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Each side of the Highcliff Estate is bounded by National Trust property. Haddons Pit to the north is maintained by the National Trust as grassland, usually grazed by a few cattle in the summer, and visited by over 100 migratory bird species including locally nesting peregrine falcons. The garden at Highcliff is also a popular wildlife destination, so keep your eyes peeled for the butterflies, red squirrels, barn owls, pheasants, woodpeckers and the "black rabbits".
You may also see the occasional para-glider floating above the hut having launched off from Haddon's Pit next door or listen out for a Spitfire flyby, you will hear their lovely engines first. The Coastguard helicopter is another frequent sighting.
Getting to the Hikers' Hut:
On foot:
It is an easy destination on foot for those on a walking holiday coming via Portsmouth. Catch the Wightlink passenger ferry from Portsmouth to Ryde Pier Head, then the little red Island train (a 1930's London tube train) from Ryde Pier to Shanklin, and then its a 20 minute walk or a 5 minute (£6) taxi ride to the Hikers Hut.
