Walking Britain Isle of Wight Walk
Shanklin to Sandown
Maps | |||
| Ordnance Survey Explorer OL29 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Explorer OL29 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Ordnance Survey Landranger 196 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Landranger 196 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
It is recommended you take a map. The preferred scale is 1:25k. | |||
Walk Route Description
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Shanklin and Sandown are two resorts on the east coast of the Isle of Wight that are conveniently connected by a section of the isle of Wight Coastal Path. The suggested start is Old Shanklin (grid ref. SZ581810) where there is a large pay and display car park from where the coastal path is easily reached. This path is then followed into the centre of Sandown from where there is a regular bus service back to Shanklin with a bust stop adjacent to the car park.
After parking follow Chine Avenue east towards the sea. It is only a few minutes walk. Reaching the top of the cliffs turn left and keeping, the sea on your right, follow the well maintained path. You are already able to enjoy excellent views back towards Shanklin Chine and ahead the sea front stretching all the way to Sandown. The path generally descends towards Sandown however there are some uphill sections although these are not unduly taxing.
The walking is generally easy and the path well signed. However in 2010 a section of the path was closed due to some erosion of the cliffs with a signed diversion in place. The path continues through the suburb of Lake and gradually descends to reach the shore at Sandown.
You should allow time to explore Sandown with its beach, pier, promenade and other seaside attractions before returning to the start by bus. Old Shanklin is also worth some time with a nice group of thatched buildings, some good cafes and restaurants and a range of shops.
An alternative method of travelling back from Sandown to Shanklin is by train. Less convenient and less frequent the railway uses some antique tube trains from London!
Other walks nearby
Walk 3745 Ventnor Downs Circular - moderate - 7.7 miles/12.5 km
Walk 2916 Gatcombe and Shorwell from Carisbrooke, IOW - moderate - 10.0 miles/16.3 km
Walk 1751 St Catherine's Hill & Coastal Path - moderate - 6.7 miles/10.9 km
Walk 3142 Bowcombe Down from Carisbrooke, IOW - easy - 4.8 miles/7.7 km
Walk 1601 Carisbrooke, Bowcombe Down & Upper Watchingwell - easy/mod - 8.0 miles/13 km
Walk 2435 Compton Down from Brighstone circular - moderate - 12.5 miles/20.3 km
Walk 2414 Compton Down and Five Barrows from Compton Chine - easy/mod - 5.0 miles/8.1 km
Walk 2311 The Needles & Tennyson's Monument from Freshwater Bay - easy/mod - 6.0 miles/9.8 km
Walk 1546 Freshwater and Norton from Yarmouth, IOW - easy - 5.0 miles/8.1 km
Walk 2223 The Needles & Tennyson's Monument from Nodewell Farm - easy - 4.0 miles/6.5 km
Recommended Books & eBooks
Walking on the Isle of Wight
Guidebook to 33 walking routes on the beautiful Isle of Wight, from 4 to 18 miles long. The routes are suitable for all abilities and are accessible all year round. Includes a complete circuit of the island's spectacular coast as well as walks exploring forest trails and downland, and visiting the towns of Yarmouth, Cowes and Ventnor.
More information
The End to End Trail
