Coastal Walk 1

Moderate walking
2 1 /2kms /1 1 /2mls.3 /4-1 hour. Steep in places so care is needed with the elderly and infirm.

High spots: Great views of Ventnor ’s Victorian skyline as you approach the traditional seaside resort. Take time out to explore the interest-filled shoreline of Steephill Cove at the start.

Begin this walk by following footpath V89 marked Steephill Cove and Coastal Path, which borders the eastern perimeter of the Ventnor cricket ground from the Ventnor- St.Lawrence road. This feeds into the Coastal Path (V88A)for Ventnor and there ’s a choice of easy steps or a slope down to the cove.

Tiny south coast Steephill Cove is a far cry from the Isle of Wight ’s usual image of sandy beaches. Locals treasure its rocks and rock pools as a peaceful place to get away from it all.

From here it ’s an easy, though energetic and sometimes steep walk along the Undercliff on a well-trodden route past the Island ’s sub-tropical landscape on one side and the shoreline on the other with huge boulders that form an effective (to date) man-made sea defence.

You can see why the boulders are needed further on, at the outskirts of Ventnor, where the lower path has fallen away. Put dogs on a lead here because of the sheer drop along the higher footpath, which is at first narrower, steeper and winding, before opening out to grassy slopes. These lead to a hillside car park and from here it ’s a short walk downhill to Ventnor, one of those traditional seaside resorts you remember with affection from childhood.

Fishing boats are piled on the beach, there ’s a wide expanse of red sand with weed-encrusted groynes leading down to crashing waves and, in the midst of it all, a welcoming inn from which to view the day ’s comings and goings.

The Spyglass Inn is set directly above the beach at its western end. For good days –and there are plenty of these –there’s a large outside decked area with beach views whilst inside the Spyglass is crammed with Nautical artefacts. Always bustling, the Spyglass has managed to retain its olde worlde charm while at the same time running a fast, efficient show.

Spyglass Inn (Tel: 01983 855338) Open from 10.30am. Lunch: 12 noon

Specialities: freshly caught local seafood. Veggie meals. Selection of real ales includes Tanglefoot and Ventnor Brew. 60 wines include six by the glass. Children in family room and on outside deck. Dogs on leads welcome throughout.