Shanklin to Ventnor Coastal Walk
Shanklin to Ventnor Coastal Walk
Shanklin to Ventnor Coastal Walk
4.6
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.6
527 reviews
Excellent
352
Very good
146
Average
23
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Adrian B
4 contributions
Jun 2022
A nice scenic walk to Ventnor, the start of which is a significant climb, but it becomes easier when it levels off. Anyone with mobility issues would find parts of the walk difficult, if not impossible, so be aware before setting off.
Part of the walk had previously been closed, with diversions in place. But a local informed us (correctly) that this was now open. However there are conflicting notices in place which can cause some confusion.
At the end of the walk (along the sea front) there is a nice beach bar with drinks and lunchtime meals, which was a welcome break on a hot day.
Part of the walk had previously been closed, with diversions in place. But a local informed us (correctly) that this was now open. However there are conflicting notices in place which can cause some confusion.
At the end of the walk (along the sea front) there is a nice beach bar with drinks and lunchtime meals, which was a welcome break on a hot day.
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam Olesker-Taylor
Cambridge, UK55 contributions
Jul 2021
A really lovely walk. Both going through the forest and along the seafront. Check out the pictures for a taste.
We had a bus pass for the week so got the bus Shanklin to Ventnor. We then started walking along the seafront in Ventnor and it was so nice that we decided to walk all the way back to Shanklin! We then got the bus back to Ventnor.
I highly recommend walking Shanklin to Ventnor directly, not doing the silly route that we ended up doin!
It is quite a long walk, though. So you may want to get the bus back. I believe that it took us around 1.5hr; we're fairly quick-walking 27yrs olds.
Watch out, too: Google Maps doesn't seem to know that it exists. So you aren't going to have that navigation assistance.
We had a bus pass for the week so got the bus Shanklin to Ventnor. We then started walking along the seafront in Ventnor and it was so nice that we decided to walk all the way back to Shanklin! We then got the bus back to Ventnor.
I highly recommend walking Shanklin to Ventnor directly, not doing the silly route that we ended up doin!
It is quite a long walk, though. So you may want to get the bus back. I believe that it took us around 1.5hr; we're fairly quick-walking 27yrs olds.
Watch out, too: Google Maps doesn't seem to know that it exists. So you aren't going to have that navigation assistance.
Written 19 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJK
Coventry1,388 contributions
Oct 2021
You can go around the entire Isle of Wight walking along the cliffs or on the top of them. The walks in the Western part of the island are more spectacular, however Shanklin to Ventnor is probably the best one, in the Eastern part of the island.
There are several interesting spots along the way, such as the St Boniface Old Church or Wishing Seat, however the best of all is amazing Devil's Chimney (you have to stray a bit from the main path, but it's really worth it!) We did this route back and forth with some modification on our return - even if the weather was far from great (overcast) it was a very pleasant hike.
There are several interesting spots along the way, such as the St Boniface Old Church or Wishing Seat, however the best of all is amazing Devil's Chimney (you have to stray a bit from the main path, but it's really worth it!) We did this route back and forth with some modification on our return - even if the weather was far from great (overcast) it was a very pleasant hike.
Written 16 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darren
15 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
After walking this route I’m slightly surprised by the high rating it receives, maybe I’m lucky with the routes available to me closer to my home.
As you walk out of Ventnor you will be on the coastal defence path which is wide and made of concrete, once well out of Ventnor you will pickup the coastal path which is very well signposted.
My biggest gripe is that you then enter woods with almost no views of the sea / coast, apart from a couple of good viewpoints.
The terrain is undulating and if wet good walking shoes / boots will be required. Even if dry, due to a fairly dense canopy the wood could be wet.
As you walk out of Ventnor you will be on the coastal defence path which is wide and made of concrete, once well out of Ventnor you will pickup the coastal path which is very well signposted.
My biggest gripe is that you then enter woods with almost no views of the sea / coast, apart from a couple of good viewpoints.
The terrain is undulating and if wet good walking shoes / boots will be required. Even if dry, due to a fairly dense canopy the wood could be wet.
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle1967_13
Ramsgate, UK197 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
Stunning walk and amazing views. Very impressed with the signs en route, they were extremely useful. Passed some lovely beaches. Parts can be hilly and a little slippery if wet but all in all I would highly recommend
Written 27 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carl H
Orpington, UK18 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
A great walk with lots of interesting places to stop and soak up the views. Yes it was a little sad that parts of the path were closed but brave the steps up the cravace between the rocks up to Bonchurch. From there follow the signs to the Bonchurch inn and on your way you are rewarded with a 12 century church to visit, blue plaques where famous literary people used to live, and make sure you are in time to catch a pint of real ale at the inn before it closes at 3pm. From there stroll through the pretty village on to Ventnor and take in a pint at the Crab and Lobster Tap. If you plan it and book it they do an amazing Sunday lunch for £7.95 - not to be missed.
Then be lazy and catch the No. 3 bus back to Shanklin that runs every 30 minutes.
Then be lazy and catch the No. 3 bus back to Shanklin that runs every 30 minutes.
Written 28 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travellerB
13 contributions
Aug 2020
Lovely walk, parts with sea views, parts through the woods. Was very quiet and I met very few people. A lot of the walk was climbing up, so I suspect going the other way around - from Ventnor to Shanklin might be easier. When you finally reach the coast by Ventnor - the first stop is great little cafe The Seapot, right by the water. After Ventnor there is about 20 minute walk into the Steephill Cove, which is also worth a visit.
Written 11 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
curlew 30
51 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We were staying in Ventnor and decided to do the coastal path to Shanklin.
Flat walk along the seafront to begin with then a detour inland to Bonhurch.
Some guesswork is necessary at times to follow paths as close to the coast as possible and stick to the official coastal footpath.
Lovely woodland walk in places with a few challenging sections for those with mobility problems.
Detour through fields then roads into Shanklin Old Village.
To get to Shanklin promenade we bought tickets to Shanklin Chine which we reused a few times over a week.
Finally arrived and ready for a pint or three!
Flat walk along the seafront to begin with then a detour inland to Bonhurch.
Some guesswork is necessary at times to follow paths as close to the coast as possible and stick to the official coastal footpath.
Lovely woodland walk in places with a few challenging sections for those with mobility problems.
Detour through fields then roads into Shanklin Old Village.
To get to Shanklin promenade we bought tickets to Shanklin Chine which we reused a few times over a week.
Finally arrived and ready for a pint or three!
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim H
Brinklow, UK134 contributions
Oct 2022
We followed the Coastal Path signs from Shanklin. You need good shoes, but if is dry then you don't need boots. It is very up and down with uneven surfaces. The early part of the walk is in shaded woodland, then in drops down beside the Church of St. Boniface to a seaside walk. Look out for the spray if the tide is in! Also look out for the Seapot restaurant just before Ventnor. We had an excellent lunch there, looking out at the sea. Having got to Ventnor we chose to get the bus back to Shanklin using our bus passes. The buses run every half hour.
Written 11 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beveraldo
London427 contributions
Jun 2022
Due to a landslip we were only able to do part of this walk and think we got a little lost. We saw the Devil's Chimney. Parked at Smuggler's Haven Tea Rooms car park. Nice walk for kids and dog.
Written 21 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi ,
Can anyone give me details where you find the start of the Shanklin to Ventnor coastal walks , I’m coming for just a day and would really like to know ahead so I in can plan. I’m coming Monday 28 th July. Thank you .
Written 28 July 2019
Hi, you can start from either end. If starting in Ventnor, aim for a pub called The Spyglass on the sea front and follow the path alongside the sea walls for about a mile before climbing up towards the Bonchurch landslip. Aim to finish in Shanklin Old Town where there is a restaurant called Vernon's which has a stunning garden.!
Written 29 July 2019
Where can I get a map of the route?
Written 9 October 2017
All above are correct, not sure about Post office?? However ORDINANCE SURVEY 1:25000 maps should be a must, less than a tenner and half price at Blacks. Wherever we go, I buy one. They show everything there is. If you don’t do maps, give one a go. With practice it’s like looking at a big picture.
Written 11 June 2018
Hi, is this walk suitable for a pushchair?
Written 18 May 2017
There is a lovely coastal walk to Sandown above the beach, with wonderful views. This is suitable for push chairs.
Written 18 May 2017
Is it possible to safely walk from Shanklin to Ventnor at night? If not, would there be taxi cabs available to take me from Shanklin to Ventnor after the evening show at Shanklin Theatre?
Written 6 April 2016
Perhaps the best way to get from Shanklin Theatre to Ventnor at night would be to catch a bus. I live in Ventnor and am a bus user. We are very lucky to have a half-hourly service every day that goes on until after midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays there are later buses running once an hour until 3 am. The bus stop is in the Old Village just a few hundred yards from the theatre. It's the number 3, running from Ryde to Newport via Ventnor.
I wouldn't recommend walking, unless you're especially adventurous, fit and well equipped to hike over the downs.There IS a pavement running practically all the way along the road from Shanklin to Ventnor, but it's a dark and lonely road at night so not a good idea for women on their own. And you'd need a powerful torch, as there aren't street lamps all the way.There's a long steep hill before the road follows a high contour of the downs until it drops down steeply into Ventnor.
You could easily arrange for a taxi from Shanklin to Ventnor, as it's only about 4 miles. I would ask when you book theatre tickets if they can recommend a firm, ask what time the show ends and book a taxi in advance. If there are several people sharing, it could be cheaper than bus fares, and it would take you door to door if you aren't staying near the bus route.
Written 6 April 2016
Hello people I would like to know, how long is the walk from Shanklin to Ventnor?
Written 4 March 2016
two hours if you are ancient like me -but the views are so amazing that I didn't want to go quickly
Written 7 March 2016
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