Length: 6.6 km

Duration: 2:21

Ascent/descent: 242/289 m

Wayfinding: Easy, all paths signposted

Weather: overcast, occasional drizzle, shorts + shell

Bus from Newport to Shanklin. The trail starts in a park with a grand avenue, through a churchyard then onto the Worsley Trail, before turning south to go across three Downs: Shanklin, Luccomb and Ventnor. The weather did not show off the scenery, which was still impressive and pleasing.

The highlight of the day was the village of Bonchurch. Maybe it was the French influence, there was a grand air about it. Grand houses, grand village pond, grand pavements, but the sweetest little church, St Boniface’s.

It was a short day. We decided to walk along the coast towards Ventnor for lunch. We found a cute seaside shack with nice cider and seafood. Ventnor the town was grey and tired, another former Victorian resort.

Bus back to Shanklin, this time to the railway station. A one-track line to Ryde for the ferry to Portsmouth.