Welcome to the enchanting Southern Coast of Isle of Wight, where stunning natural landscapes, fascinating geological formations, and a rich history combine to create an unforgettable walking and exploration experience.
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In this guide, we will take you on a journey through the breathtakingly stunning countryside between Ventnor and St Lawrence, where you’ll encounter an array of wildlife, be able to watch the circling birds of prey (you may even be lucky enough to see a white tipped eagle), discover hidden coves that are not easily accessible by the crowds and stumble upon simply some of the most inspiring scenery you can possible find on the Island. On the way you will be able to explore a tiny 12th Century church and see the remains of a 14th manor house. You may even be lucky enough to see a sunbathing lizard!
Experience the “Micro-Climate” of Ventnor and surrounds
This side of the island has not changed in years so pack your sun hat, walking boots and a picnic and immerse yourself in a slower pace of life that has surprises around every corner.
You will also notice a wonderful array of differing plants not found elsewhere on the Island or mainland – you will certainly feel like you are exploring a sub-tropical wilderness at points along this walk.
- Public toilets at start and finish of walk (Ventnor Botanic Gardens Car Park)
- Easy Bus Access – Stop at Ventnor Botanic Gardens
- Easy Parking £5 all day at the Botanic Gardens
- Suitable for over 8 year olds (due to sheer cliff edges steep path in places)
- Dog friendly but keep on leads due to livestock
- Leave around 3 hours to include a picnic
- Under 5 miles
- Refreshment stop available at Ventnor Botanic Gardens
Fascinating geology
But it’s not just the history that will captivate you on this walk – this region is also home to some truly unique geological features that are sure to leave you in awe. The Undercliff is a unique and stunning geological feature located on the Isle of Wight, England. It is a 7-mile long stretch of land that runs along the southern coast of the island, between the towns of Ventnor and Niton. The Undercliff is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem.
The Undercliff was formed by a massive landslip that occurred in 1799 and again earlier in the 19th Century. Heavy rainfall and erosion caused the cliffs along the coast to collapse, causing a large section of land to slip down the hillside and come to rest at the base of the cliffs. You can see the layers of Blue Gault clay under the rocks along this area of coast that caused the land to move.
The aftermath of the landslip created a new landscape that was unlike anything else on the island. The area is now home to a unique ecosystem that supports a wide variety of plant and animal life, including rare and endangered species.
Sheltered warmer climate
The area is protected from the cold northern and easterly winds that the rest of the island experiences, and sheltered nature of the Undercliff creates a mild microclimate that allows subtropical plants to thrive, look around you during the walk, you will see an unusual range of plant species that are not elsewhere on the Island.
If the wind is blowing from the North or East on the Island this is a great spot to head to!
The Undercliff is a popular destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts due to this unique micro-climate, even though the differences in temperature may be only 1degree, you can certainly feel like you are in a sub-tropical paradise on a warm sunny day.
So lace up your walking shoes and join us on a journey through the charming countryside of Ventnor to St Lawrence, where every step is an opportunity to uncover something new and enchanting.
Start Point: Ventnor Botanic gardens
Turn right out of the gardens car park and pass Ventnor Cricket Club on your right hand side (this is pavement) – on a sunny day you could easily feel like you are in the Caribbean with the pristine cricket green and club house.
There is a small road marked Steephill Cove on your right, walk down this running adjacent to the cricket club grounds.
The path splits into 2 – one way down the zig zag path to Steephill Cove (well worth a visit) and the other signposted coastal path, follow this path and you will walk slightly uphill, the path opens out into a lovely tree lined walk with good shade, you can see the Botanic gardens directly to the right of you and the steep drop to the left (behind the bushes!).
Follow this path and enjoy the views of the gardens, the path then opens our onto a grassy pasture – this is a great picnic stop and provides stunning views over to the bays ahead.
Keep walking down through the pasture and you will see the “Woody Bay” sign on your left, continue past this, along the coastal path, on your left will be the entrance to Orchard Bay, another secluded bay, again a great picnic stop.
Continue along the coastal path, take the opportunity to glance back along the path – the views are incredible.
Butterflies are abundant along the path and don’t forget to look up to see the buzzards and maybe if your lucky white tipped eagles soaring.
Continue along the path and you will see the former coastguard cottages on your right where the path leads you in land towards Wolverton Lane.
You can see the old 14th Century entrance to the former Woolverton House and take a moment to look at the ruins and beautiful gardens, this area is so peaceful and serene. Carry along Woolverton Lane.
Detour to 12th Century St Lawrence Church
At this point you can either choose to walk back to Ventnor which is around 15mins walking, you have to walk around 500yds walking on the road then the path returns or you can take a detour and walk up Seven Sisters rad to the historic 12th Century St Lawrence Church, a charming rest stop on a pilgrimage walk. It is worth the steep walk of the hill, the church is tiny and immaculate, you can imagine travellers and pilgrims through time resting and worshipping in the church – look our for the old bell that was once housed in Appuldurcombe House.
To return, head back down Seven Sisters road and re-join the road towards Ventnor, the road is quite wide and safe to walk along, this the re-joins a footpath on your right down to Ventnor Botanic Gardens.
You are able to enter the Botanic Gardens to have refreshments and visit the cafe and it is a much appreciated stopping place to refuel after the walk.
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