The Ventnor parish contains 128 numbered footpaths and bridleways. These combine splendid coastal paths, steep flights of steps through the town and the enchanting and heavily wooded wilderness areas in the Landslip and Undercliff. There are many paths over the Downs which boasts the highest point on the Island St Boniface Down at 241 metres/791feet.
From the top of the Downs it is possible to see right along the south coast of England as far as Beachy Head, given a clear day. In the other direction the higher land way beyond Southampton and Portsmouth can be seen.
The annual Island Walking Festival takes place in May. Ventnor always has walks in this festival which may have local history or natural history themes. More information about the Island Walking Festival can be found on their website.
Ventnor town is a conservation area and still retains its quaint Victorian character. The footpaths are great for exploration and many are composed of steps running up and down the steep landslip on which Ventnor is built.
Footpath maps and walking guides
The most convenient map of footpaths and bridleways is the Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL29 The Isle of Wight.
Walking routes can be downloaded online here.
The website of the Island branch of The Ramblers has downloadable maps and routes.
The Definitive Rights of Way map for the island can be searched by area and may be found online here.
Perry’s guide maps of the Isle of Wight, 2016 includes footpaths with their numbers.
The Ventnor Local History Society has published Ventnor Town Trail leaflets available from the Heritage Museum 11 Spring Hill, Ventnor PO38 1PE or from the Ventnor Post Office.