Walking in Bonchurch: A Guide to Safe, Open, and Historic Routes
The dramatic landscape of the Isle of Wight’s south coast is a massive part of its charm, but as many residents and visitors know, that landscape is constantly evolving. Following the significant ground movement and landslip, a few of our beloved historical trails—including the wooded Landslip area and the famous Devil’s Chimney cleft—have been permanently closed for public safety.
If you are looking at older guidebooks or out-of-date walking blogs from years past, it can be confusing to figure out what is actually accessible.
The wonderful news is that Bonchurch remains completely open, vibrant, and beautifully walkable! You just need to know which paths to take. Here is your definitive guide to safely navigating our enchanting historic village.
What is Currently Closed?
For your safety, please pay close attention to local council signage and physical barriers. The following areas are strictly inaccessible:
The entire 70-acre Bonchurch Landslip woodland zone.
Footpath V65C (Devil’s Chimney and The Chink).
The traditional through-coastal path connecting Bonchurch directly to Shanklin.
Attempting to bypass these fences is highly dangerous, as the ground in those specific zones remains unstable.
The Best (and Safest) Places to Walk in Bonchurch
Thankfully, the heart of our historic village, its architectural gems, and its stunning coastal views are entirely untouched and waiting to be explored.
The Historic Village Core: Stroll safely along the old village roads to admire our famous "cottage orné" villas, watch the ducks at the serene Bonchurch Pond, and take in the peaceful atmosphere that enchanted Victorian society.
The Ventnor Sea Wall: Looking for a classic coastal walk? The paved, flat sea wall path heading west past Wheelers Bay into central Ventnor is fully open, offering spectacular sea air without any safety risks.
The Two Churchyards: The grounds surrounding our 11th-century Norman church and the Victorian-era burial ground remain safe, stable, and profoundly peaceful spaces to visit.
Experience the Village with an Expert
If you want to explore the deep literary and social history of the village without worrying about dead-ends or closed paths, the absolute best way is to join a guided tour.
As the local village historian, I have meticulously designed all the Bonchurch Village Exploration Walking routes to stay strictly on the safest, most stable village paths and open areas.
Whether you want to step into the footsteps of Charles Dickens during his 1849 holiday, uncover the stories of the village's incredibly talented Victorian women, or discover hidden architectural gems, our walks are 100% active and operating normally.
Don't let out-of-date blogs spoil your trip. Come and enjoy the real, safe, and fascinating history of Bonchurch!
👉 Explore our GUIDED and UPCOMING WALKS to secure your spot today!