Shanklin to Ventnor Coastal Walk

3.4 miles (5.5 km)

This is a popular walk using a lovely section of the Isle of Wight Coast Path to take you between these two seaside resorts. It's a signposted 3.5 mile hike with some moderate hill climbs, a woodland section and fabulous views throughout.... Most of the walk is on fairly flat paths but there are some climbs so a reasonable level of fitness is required. You can get the bus back or return the same way if you are feeling energetic!
Walk Report October 6th 2026 By David Mercer:
There is quite a bit packed into this short coastal walk. I started on Shanklin seafront and followed the coast past the beach and Shanklin Chine, enjoying the views across the water before reaching Appley Steps. This is where the walk really starts to make you work, with a fairly steep climb away from the seafront. Once at the top, though, the path settles down and the views make the effort worthwhile.
The section around Luccombe was particularly enjoyable, with the cliffs dropping away towards the sea and plenty of open views. From here the route heads into the Bonchurch Landslip and the character changes completely. The dense woodland was one of the biggest surprises for me. In places it felt almost subtropical, with the thick vegetation and twisting paths making it difficult to believe I was still only a short distance from the seaside resorts.
I took a little detour to see the Devil's Chimney, an unusual cleft in the rocks hidden among the woodland. It isn't a huge diversion but was well worth doing, and made the Landslip section feel much more adventurous than simply following the main path. The uneven ground and steep sections also meant it was a place to slow down and enjoy the surroundings rather than trying to rush through.
Further on I stopped to look around Old St Boniface Church at Bonchurch. The church dates back to the 11th century and is tucked away in a surprisingly peaceful setting, which made it a nice contrast to the more dramatic coastal scenery earlier in the walk. From here the route gradually drops towards the sea again, eventually emerging for the final coastal section into Ventnor.
By this stage the sea was looking quite lively, and there was a fair bit of spray coming over the shore as the tide came in. The weather had been bright for most of the walk but became more unsettled towards the end, which actually added to the atmosphere along the exposed coastline. I was glad to reach the seafront and find the shelter of the town.
I stopped at the Seapot just before Ventnor for lunch, which proved to be an excellent choice. Sitting looking out towards the sea with something to eat was a much-appreciated end to the walking part of the day. Rather than walking all the way back to Shanklin, I then caught the bus, which runs regularly between the two towns and made the whole outing much easier.
This is a short walk but it feels much more varied than the distance suggests. There is the initial climb from Shanklin, open cliff scenery around Luccombe, the almost jungle-like woodland of the Landslip, the unusual Devil's Chimney, the old church at Bonchurch and then the final stretch beside the sea into Ventnor. Finishing with lunch and a bus back to Shanklin made it a particularly enjoyable way of seeing this part of the Isle of Wight.
You can extend the walk by continuing west along the coast to St Lawrence and St Catherine's Lighthouse, the most southerly point on the Isle of Wight.
Above Ventnor you can climb to Ventnor Downs and St Boniface Down, the highest point on the island. There's fabulous views, wildflowers, heather and New Forest Ponies to be seen on St Boniface Down.
Pubs and More Info
Head to the Bonchurch Inn for some refreshments on your walk. Located in an Island Stone building this noteworthy pub includes a delightful Dickensian courtyard where you can sit out and enjoy your meal on warm summer days. They also offfer authentic Italian cuisine, and comfortable accommodation if you need to stay over. You can find the pub just to the south east of the downs at Bonchurch Shute with a postcode of PO38 1NU for your sat navs.
In Shanklin head into Old Shanklin village and you could pay a visit to the Old Thatched Tea Shop. This quaint old tea room is located in a delightful Grade II listed cottage dating from the 17th century. It was originally built in 1690 as two or three fishermans cottages and it is believed to be the oldest building in Shanklin. Underneath the building is an original tunnel which takes you about 500 meters further on towards Ventnor. The tunnel was used by the Fishermen/Pirates to hide their contraband and as a get-a-way when Custom & Excise came knocking on the door. They serve delicious cream teas which you can enjoy in the beautiful fairy garden. You can find them at 4 Church Road, Shanklin with a postcode of PO37 6NU for your sat navs.
The Sandown to Shanklin Walk heads in the other direction from the village. There's another nice cliff top path with fine beaches to enjoy here.
The Ventnor to Steephill Cove Walk takes you to a popular little cove with kiosks, self catering cottages and a beach. The circular walk also visits the splendid Ventnor Botanical Gardens where you can enjoy a variety of Mediterranean plants and flowers.
Just north east of Ventnor there's the Devils Chimney Walk which visits an unusual geological feature in a wooded area known as the Landslip.
The Shanklin to Ventnor Railway Walk starts from Shanklin train station and will take you to Wroxall and Ventnor via the old railway line. The first section to Wroxall is also suitable for cyclists.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Isle of Wight Walks page.