This is a short circular walk, from Upper Bonchurch to Bonchurch and back. It should only take about an hour and a half but allow two hours to include a cup of tea or an ice-cream at The Smuggler's Haven Garden Tearooms right at the end of the walk. Despite it being a short walk, it is not easy and certainly not suitable for anyone with reduced mobility.
There is a 'Pay and Display' carpark on the main road from Shanklin to Ventnor (A3055), on the left-hand side, just after a bend and right by the the sign that says 'Welcome to Bonchurch and Ventnor'. On the opposite side of the road from the carpark is a footpath up to Bonchurch Down. From the carpark, there are two footpaths: one takes you towards Luccombe Chine and the other goes through gardens behind the tearooms. You may be arriving in Upper Bonchurch by bus (the Southern Vectis no.3 bus stops on the main road, called Leeson Road, next to a free car park which is limited to two hours) and if so, head away from Upper Bonchurch with the sea on your right and the downs on your left. The walk starts at SZ 580 789 and the path heads in to Bonchurch Landslip.
It's not far into this walk when you reach some steep steps which take you through the Devil's Chimney (see photo below taken from the other side looking back). This is a spectacular rock cleft and is well worth seeing! From the Devil's Chimney, there are steep wooden steps down to the coastal path. Once you reach the coastal path junction, turn right and follow the path to East Dene and the Old Church. The Old Church, rebuilt in 1070, is usually open so do pop in.
Go past East Dene, which is now an outdoor activity centre for young people, and take the road in to Bonchurch. Bonchurch is lovely. Stop at the pond to read the information on the wildlife and look at the map. You are next looking for '101 stone steps' on the right after the pond.
Take these stone steps. They are steep and there are certainly 101 of them! From the steps, follow the road a short way until you reach another set of stone steps on your left. Take these and walk through The Chink, which is similar to the Devil's Chimney, just a bit smaller. The stone steps become metal steps and come out on to Leeson Road, close to the free carpark, viewpoint and bus stop. I chose to park at the 'Pay and Display' rather than in the free carpark as I wanted to finish off the walk with an ice-cream at the tearooms!
Comments