The Charles Dickens Trail, with Mid Berkshire Ramblers (7 miles, or 9 miles with optional extension)

A linear walk with a picnic stop. We are hoping to be joined by some members of the Mid Berkshire group who are on a holiday on the island that week.    

The Charles Dickens Trail  was created and launched in 2024 as a tribute to the 175th anniversary of Charles Dickens' last visit to the Isle of Wight in the summer of 1849 with his family.  It uncovers some of the hidden gems connected to his life. A great linear route with some stunning  views, as well as some Charles Dickens info along the way. Get informed and fit all at one go ! 

We will start at St Blasius church carpark in Shanklin (by the duck pond at Big Mead) and head up behind the church on the Worsley Trail. A steep climb over the Downs to Ventnor (but worth it for the views) up to the radar station.  We emerge at Upper Ventnor and then head, via Ventnor Park (loos)  down to the beach (cafes, ice creams, more loos etc etc) for a seaside lunch stop. (Option to leave the walk early at Ventnor – No 3 buses back to start from Ventnor Boots in the town half hourly at 18 and 48 mins past the hour). 

Then after lunch picking up the coastal path along to Bonchurch where the Charles Dickens Trail ends after a further final uphill to the main road. There are handy No 3 buses from Bonchurch Shute stop half hourly ( at 23 and 53 mins past each hour) back to the start of the walk at Shanklin.

Be aware : definitely some uphills/downhills in this part of the Island. This is an interesting walk with a theme, as well as some great views (assuming good weather / visibility), but the price to pay for which is that it is quite steep in parts, both uphill and downhill. The ascent is 1,158ft, and the route is uneven in parts. We won't be doing it at any great speed (you know me !), but do bring pole(s) if you use them.

Toilets  / cafes not until Ventnor . Drinks / food likewise. Bring a packed lunch for picnic stop.

[Optional extension : Whilst Bonchurch is the end of the official, linear, Charles Dickens Trail, for anyone up for a slightly longer walk there is the option of making this into a circular walk back to the start point, walking some of the (diverted) coastal path down through Dunnose to Luccombe and back to the carpark. This will add approx 2 miles to the walk. Be aware there is a section of steep and uneven steps on this route. Possibility of a quick visit to the Bonchurch Inn before completing this last section.... NB : The estimated end time for this walk of 2.30pm is based on the distance to Bonchurch, allowing for lunch stop. Obviously if you decide to add on this extension to make it a circular route then it will add on an extra hour or so] .

TRAVEL:

(Quick little disclaimer please: I'll do my best to assist as regards time estimates, checking timetables, and suggestions re possible travel logistics. However with this as with all walks, these can’t be guaranteed, your own travel arrangements are your responsibility so you need to satisfy yourself regarding your own individual needs and circs).   

By car:

There is a free carpark in car park St Blasius  Church, but it is not huge so maybe allow enough time to find onstreet carparking in the vicinity in case it is full.

If you are carshare/shuffling then park the other vehicle wherever you can find in Bonchurch. However tbh hop on a half hourly No 3 bus back at the end of your walk is probably easier !  

By bus:

The No 3 bus which leaves Newport bus station  at 08.50 arrives at Big Mead at 09.42

The No 3 bus which leaves Ryde Interchange at 09.15 arrives at Big Mead at 10.00 (The start of the walk is only a minute or two’s walk from the Big Mead bus stop but if you are getting this bus wise to just let us know so we can be doubly sure not to depart without you…)

Car share:

In the interests of the air, parking, and non-drivers, if anyone is able to offer, or needs, a carshare then please post on WhatsApp group (to join group please message Serena 07564-811690)