Shanklin to Ventnor Circular: Downs and Coast

I first did this walk with my sister on what was probably one of the hottest days in May, but through the sweat and pain, we were blessed with the most unbelievable views and true Isle of Wight treats. This 10-mile walk takes you up an 1178 ft elevation climb, over Shanklin, Luccombe and Ventnor Downs. Then returns back to Shanklin via the Coastal Footpath, which can take you up Devils Chimney - a narrow stepped rock cleft hidden amongst the Landslip vegetation.

From here, head towards the edge of the field where there a few stiles dotted within the hedge. Then walk the length of the hedged edge to the gate at the end where you enter Luccombe Down. This is a brilliant chalk downland with an abundance of plant and wildlife species, as well as lots of stone-age history as detailed on various information boards. From here, it's a case of following the chalk ridge round into Ventnor Downs. Once the road becomes visible on the edge of the downs, follow this round and down the hill. The road is windy and steep so it can be hard to see cars coming round corners, so you can instead walk the path on the Downs beside the road.

Once down and out of Ventnor Downs, you enter a residential area in Ventnor. Continue to the end of Down Lane then turn onto Newport Road and take a choice of really any road that takes you down to Ventnor seafront (albeit very bendy roads). Once at Ventnor Seafront, aim for the bandstand (a large building that protrudes out from the coast), from here you can either get a quick snack from the cafes or walk up the hill to the town where there are a few shops (Tesco, Boots, co-op etc.).

From the coast, walk in the direction away from Ventnor along the Wheelers Bay sea defence. This takes you a fair distance along the coast under towering chalk cliffs, then a path is accessible just before the end beach which cuts up towards Bonchurch. This enters a lovely wooded path alongside running water. Once up to the top of the hill where the church is, turn right back down another path alongside a field. The path then opens up to a few driveways then continues again into a dense woodland onto Ventnor Landslip. This is an incredible landscape to walk through, dotted with windows that look out to sea where there are clearings in the trees, cute old and narrow stepped paths, and curious branches and pre-historic-like vegetation. You can either follow the main, shorter, but just an as nice path through the landslip, or take a diversion up (once past the wooden steps .. there's also a sign) through Devils Chimney. This is one of those gems only those who know of it get to experience it, which makes it all the more special. A brief glance and you'd miss it amongst the foliage, but once you spot it and turn the corner to look up the old rock steps, it's truly a pause and appreciate-how-awesome-it-is moment!

With any walk on the Isle of Wight, they are for the most part, well directed with the recognisable blue 'Coastal Path' signage, or useful Footpath/Bridleway signs. If you're struggling to find Devils Chimney, please refer to the map below.

Once up and out of Devils Chimney, it's just a case of following the path round, where it should take you to the top of the landslip where you can look down over an old brick wall. Then continue to follow the coastal path signs once you get out of the main tree cover, through a section of green space into some more wooded cover, which takes you down a stepped slope. Once at the bottom, turn left down a road that runs between houses and driveways. Follow this for a little while until you rejoin the footpath that takes you over Luccombe Landslip. This path has only a couple paths that lead off it, so pretty easy to follow.

The end of this footpath comes out at the quiet Luccombe Road. Further along this road, you can also enter Haddons Pits if you wanted a nice picnic space with amazing coastal views (but again be aware as there may be cows). To continue on to Shanklin, follow this road down until you get to the bottom at which you will meet Rylstone Gardens. To your right, you could follow the path that takes you down to the beach via a steep cliff stepped path. Or to your left, you could walk down the cut-through of Shanklin Chine, which brings you out at Shanklin Old Village. This brings you to the end of the walk - turn right to go to the Town/Beach, left to go back to Big Mead Park.