Reverse Island Part 7 - Round the Island - Ventnor to Sandown - 10.40am start

This is a provisional entry pending uptodate recce. As before, this listing will be updated in due course, so please check back nearer the time for more uptodate details; confirmation of distance [currently estimated form app] ; and anything particular to note.

We are walking the Coastal Path round the island in sections  - anticlockwise this time.

This is the seventh (and penultimate) of our coastal path stages. It is a linear walk.

This section is from Ventnor to Sandown - a relatively short section simply because of transport logistics. But it is still a good walk, plenty of coast, a few ups and downs. And the fact of it not being too long a section means we can have a nice civilised start-time, a relaxed pace, and time for a swim and/or drink at the end if wished.

The walk starts at the paddling pool on Ventnor seafront at 10.40am. From there we go along the seawall to Bonchurch. Due to the landslip and consequent coastal path diversions, there is then a short section of road walking - heading up to, and briefly along, Leeson Road, regaining a path at Luccombe (please note steep uneven steps) and following the coastal path diversions from there, down (road) to Shanklin Old Village. From Shanklin to Sandown we will be slightly less than purist and divert from the official coastal path route (which goes along the clifftops) to instead walk along the seafront and revetment at Sandown Bay - it's just more coastal that way  ! Finishing at Sandown Pier , where we will resume the final section next time

Toilets (free) at Ventnor, Bonchurch, Shanklin, and Lake; and (pay) at Sandown. Many food and drink outlets along the way

(NB : With any length section it is obviously up to you if you choose to make it a shorter walk and “exit” the section earlier and arrange your transport accordingly - just please let me know before you disappear ! On this section there would be easy exit points to bus routes at Bonchurch, Shanklin or Lake)

Travel
Quick little disclaimer  please - I'll do my best to try and assist as regards time estimates, checking timetables, and suggestions re possible travel logistics, however, as with all walks, your own travel arrangements are your responsibility, so please do check details and how they might meet your individual needs.

Two cars:

I try and promote using the bus, and it is perfectly do-able by bus from Newport and Ryde/Sandown directions  for this section. Or with car + bus combo.

However if you still prefer to consider a car share/shuffle, park the first car at Sandown  (or your chosen end point, if shorter) and take the second car back to Ventnor (pay car parks on the seafront or in town, or find free onstreet parking in the town) for the start of the walk. Any carshare offers or requests can be posted on the Whatsapp group, if you are on that.

By bus – from Newport:

The 9.35 am No 3 bus from Newport bus station at arrives at Ventnor Boots 10.18am , just walk down to the seafront, a few mins walk, for the start of the walk at the paddling pool at 10.40am

By bus - from Ryde / Sandown direction:

There is a No 3 bus from Newport/Sandown direction which gets to Ventnor Boots at 10.32am , just walk down to the seafront, a few mins walk,  for the 10.40am walk start time is designed to tie in with that bus

(Return No 3 buses in both directions run half-hourly ) 

One car:

This could be a popular option for people , and is what I propose doing myself :

Park at the end of the walk in Sandown (pay car parks or free onstreet parking)  and catch the No 3 bus from Sandown back to the start which bus, as above,  gets to Ventnor Boots at 10.32am. Just walk down to the seafront, a few mins walk,  for the 10.40am walk start time which is designed to tie in with that bus.   This bus departs Sandown High Street at 9.45am , or there may be an alternative bus-stop en route which is more convenient for you to board at

Car share
In the interests of the air, parking, and non-drivers, if anyone is able to offer, or needs, a car share in respect of all or part of the travel for this walk, please post on WhatsApp group (to join group please message Serena 07564-811690).

DATES FOR THE FUTURE SECTIONS OF THE REVERSE ISLAND WALK :

                ~ Sun 28 Sept

NB : If today's walk has to be postponed for any reason, it will simply take place on the date listed for the next section, and so forth. So basically all the sections will just fall back a date, no "fresh" dates creeping in for any postponements, any change will just default to the next date (and if need be then extra date(s) can be added at the end). Hopefully this may make it easier for the diaries of walkers - and leader!