Luccombe Landslip and Devil’s Chimney – a short 1 hour walk
At the time of originally writing this article in February 2023, we had been enjoying regular walks to this area. A huge landslip occurred at the end of 2023 completely destroying Devils Chimney, Smugglers Haven Gardens and changing the face of the Landslip area forever. It was a much loved place and for this reason wanted to keep our exploration for everyone to read and enjoy.
News OnTheWight asked the council whether the Devil’s Chimney had survived the most recent landslide. An Isle of Wight council spokesperson replied
“Viewing the video footage and photographs gives an indication that the devil’s chimney itself, the path connecting the chimney to the coastal path and the section of coastal path beneath the slip have all been lost and destroyed by the landslip.
“A full inspection will take place in the future, but only when safe to do so.
“The public are reminded all public rights of way in the area are closed and they should respect the signage and barriers for their own and others safety.”
Read more about the situation from On the Wight News Page
Playlist
3 Videos
At the lower end of Devils Chimney
0:16
Entering the Devils Chimney from Lower End
0:16
Sample Video
0:16
Original 2023 Article
The Luccombe Landslip is a significant and fascinating geological feature on the Isle of Wight, that has been formed by the movement of land in the 19th century (although always moving very slowly). The landslip is located on the south easten edge of the island, between the towns of Shanklin and Ventnor, and is a beautiful and unusual walk. There are many steep steps involved so this may not be suitable for little legs, we covered the walk with a 6 year old who managed the explore with a few rest stops in between climbing the steep steps!
This walk will take you down the steep crack in the rock known as The Devil’s Chimney, (not for the feint hearted and may be a bit slippy on a wet day so go steady), then past the Wishing seat, and along to Dunnose cottages and back to the car park! The Devil’s Chimney is a natural rock formation located just above the Luccombe Landslip, this tall, thin column of rock has a steep crack running through that takes you down to the bottom of the edge of the cliff, and is a popular attraction for visitors to the area.
Luccombe Landslip Features
The Luccombe Landslip is characterised by a steep mass of land that has slipped towards the sea. The area is a popular walk, heading from Shanklin along the coastal path. The details below cover a shorter version of the walk starting at the Bonchurch Landslip car park in the map above. There is a lovley cafe and refreshment stop (Smugglers Haven) 100 yds from the car park if you walk through the trees.
Starting at the car park head southwards, through an opening in the trees you will notice a small cafe ahead and steep lawn on your left. Continue along the footpath directly in front of the cafe, walk through the car park (toilets on your left) and continue to almost the exit of the car park, you will see the footpath sign pointing down into the trees where the paths turns from road to mud track.
If you follow this path this will take you directly to Devil’s Chimney and the steep descent, that gets very narrow at the bottom. Once you are down another world seems to appear, this is the start of the Landslip and the old trees and vines create an almost sub-tropical rainforest feel. Follow the path down, head down what feels likes hundreds of steps and you will start to see the sea. The path continues down until you get to a turning point, head right to continue to Bonchurch or left to continue on this short walk past the Wishing seat.
The Wishing seat is a natural bench located in the landslip and according to local legend, the wishing seat has the power to grant wishes to those who sit on it and make a wish. (at least that is what you can tell the children to keep them inspired on the walk!)
The Wishing seat is located on the footpath that runs from Bonchurch to Shanklin, you will find it on your left handside on the path and can’t miss the formation!
The path then starts a steep rise again, and is signposted for Luccombe/Shanklin and will take you along a path with beautiful old brick work then onto a track. Follow this track down to Dunnose cottages at the bottom of the track, where you can continue along the coastal path or turn back up the hill, and up through the undergrowth up some more steep steps. (Turn right half way up the track, you have to look closley for the path).
Dunnose Cottage is now a private residence, but it has a fascinating history. In the past, it was used as a smugglers’ hideout and is said to have been the base for a notorious smuggler named Isaac Gulliver. It is also believed to have been used as a meeting place for a group of radical writers and thinkers known as the “Dunnose Society” in the early 19th century.
Carry on back up the steps on the path and you will find yourself back at the Bonchurch Landslip care park.
This is a good walk to do in most weathers, including winter, but due to the steepness of the steps it may not be suitable in heavy rain.
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