Pick Your Walk.
In Dickens’ Footsteps
Celebrating nearly 175 years since Charles Dickens’ visit to Bonchurch, walk leader Sue will share her most recent discoveries about the holiday during 1849.
Before visiting the Isle of Wight, Dickens suffered from writer’s block working on David Copperfield.
We shall see the introduction of several important new characters during the visit staying at Winterbourne.
Many family friends joined the holiday, and you will discover the activities they revelled in.
The visit was influential on the future of the Undercliffe becoming a hub for artists and writers.
The walk is illustrated with photos and drawings and readings from the period to bring to life to the holiday adventures.
We meet at The Pond in Bonchurch Village Road at the bench and notice board near the top of Shore Road. We begin looking at ancient local maps and Sue talks about the history of the village and why Dickens came to stay in Bonchurch.
We stroll onto Winterbourne, the Dickens summer holiday home to hear of the many friends and of family activities. There are more discoveries as we progress uphill to visit the home Dickens' friend, the illustrator John Leech and his wife stayed during holiday taking a route uphill via one of the secret paths of Bonchurch.
The tour group returns downhill walking along The Pitts down the steep 101 steps.
We turn down Shore Road to the waterfront where Sue will describe more holiday activities and finish with Sue's interesting recent discovery marking the holiday.
Length of walk: Approx 3 miles (2.5 hours)
Walk Cost: Payment required - £20
Please note, places on this walk will be confirmed once payment has been made directly with Sue.
Walk Start point: At the bench at the top of Shore Road by the pond in Bonchurch. PO38 1RG
Walk Finish point: Sea Front at Bonchurch
Pace of Walk: Moderate This walk will follow a moderate pace.
Walk grade: Moderate. Varying landscape with some more challenging slopes. Stiles and steps to be expected en route, suitable for keen walkers and anyone who is reasonably active.
Walkers need to be reasonably agile and mobile. Not suitable for walkers with mobility impairment of any kind
Facilities:
Toilets along route
Rest stops
Good walking footwear recommended
Takes in coastal scenery
There are steps on the route
Nearest Bus Stop (Start & Finish):
Trinity Church, 5 minute walk away. (number 3) - check your route: islandbuses.info
Bonchurch Discovery Walk
Join one of Sue's sell out walks and discover some of the hidden histories of Bonchurch.
Bonchurch was 'the place' before Ventnor was developed.
Around 1838, a few years after the Rev.White married the local heiress, the tiny village suddenly became populated with 'cottage orné' villas attracting artists, musicians, actors, poets and writers.
We shall discover some of these wonderful characters as we meander around the village stopping outside key residence to hear more of their stories.
As we soak up the atmosphere of the village Sue bring the stories to life with illustrations and photographs pointing out hidden treasures with tales of the local people and village ghosts.
You will also hear of Kings, Queen Camilla, and two famous TV doctors who have links to Bonchurch.
The walk starts at the first bend at the top of Bonchurch Shute. There is a bench and notice board.
We shall be walking down hill past the Bonchurch Inn and into the Pitts. There are some slight detours along the way walking along short steep rubbly and uneven paths.
At the end of the Pitts we will walk down the 101 steps and back towards the village pond.
The walk returns along the main village road before strolling by the 11th Century Church and down to the shore.
Length of walk: Approx 3 miles (2.5 hours)
Walk Cost: Payment required - £20
Please note, places on this walk will be confirmed once payment has been made directly with Sue.
Walk Start point: At the bench at the top of Shore Road by the pond in Bonchurch. PO38 1RG
Walk Finish point: Sea Front at Bonchurch
Pace of Walk: Moderate This walk will follow a moderate pace.
Walk grade: Moderate. Varying landscape with some more challenging slopes. Stiles and steps to be expected en route, suitable for keen walkers and anyone who is reasonably active.
Walkers need to be reasonably agile and mobile. Not suitable for walkers with mobility impairment of any kind
Facilities:
Toilets along route
Rest stops
Good walking footwear recommended
Takes in coastal scenery
There are steps on the route
Nearest Bus Stop (Start & Finish):
Top of the Shute. (number 3) - check your route: islandbuses.info
The tales of Bonchurch’s two historic graveyards—one a centuries-old resting place dating back to the 11th century, the other a Victorian-era burial ground. Stroll among the headstones and uncover the lives, legends, and mysteries of those who left their mark on this extraordinary village.
Length of walk: 0.5 miles (approx. 2.5 hours)
Walk Cost: Payment required - £20
Please note, places on this walk will be confirmed once payment has been made directly with Sue.
Type of Walk: Linear
Start Location: The 11th Century Church, bottom of Bonchurch Shute, follow the old signs.
Finish Location: The Victorian Parish Church on Bonchurch Shute
Pace of Walk: Gentle - This walk will follow a gentle pace.
Walk grade: Fairly Easy - Gentle, rolling landscape, walking on paths with good to average surfaces. Some walking on gentle inclines, some stiles or steps to be expected en route.
Mobility level: Walkers need to be reasonably agile and mobile. Not suitable for walkers with mobility impairment of any kind
Facilities:
Rest stops
Nearest Bus Stop:
Either Trinity Church or Top of Bonchurch Shute No (3) check your route: islandbuses.info
The Souls of Bonchurch
Walking Information.
All walks take nearly 3 hours at a relatively slow pace, with some long pauses in areas that can be very chilly even on a sunny day, so please be prepared. At these times you may be standing up to twenty minutes while Sue describes the location and stories about the residents and visitors.
There is very uneven ground in several locations and a few steep ascents. There is a steep descent down the 101 steps when we walk down in to the village. There is also some slippery paths and there is loose rubble in some areas. Good walking shoes are essential and walking poles recommended if required.
I recommend that you bring layers of clothing, a hat and a drink and maybe a picnic for the end of the walk.
The Bonchurch Inn or The Seapot are highly recommended for a drink and food (check their opening times on the links below) and there are public toilets at the sea front at the end of the walk.
- If the weather is fine, the seafront is excellent for a picnic and swimming.
- I am insured to take guided walks, however this does not cover general mishaps or typical countryside perils.
- I usually start the walks at either 10am or 2pm, timing can be discussed.
- The Meeting Points are either:
"In Dickens’ Footsteps"- The top of Shore Road by the Pond in the Bonchurch Village Road.
Bus Route 3
Alight at Trinity Road and walk into the village along Bonchurch Village Road where you will see the pond, a five minute walk.
"Bonchurch Discovery Walk" - Walk down Bonchurch Shute to the first bend, there is a bench and notice board.
Bus route 3
Closest bus stop/s: 'Bonchurch Letter Box' at the top of Bonchurch Shute and walk down to the bend in the road for the "Bonchurch Discovery Walk", about 2 minutes.
“The Souls of Bonchurch“ - Either alight at Trinity Road and walk into the village along Bonchurch Village Road. Walk past the pond until you see a fork in the road. Turn right and follow the narrow road until you see the Old Church, a brisk 10-minute, mainly flat walk.
Or
Alight at the ‘Bonchurch Letter Box’ at the top of the Bonchurch Shute. Walk downhill on the Shute past the ’new’ church. Take the left turn past that church, where you will see a sign on the wall to the Old Church. Follow the narrow road down to the Old Church. This will also take about 10 minutes.
The walks are for over 16 years of age and walkers should be able to walk easily and quickly around the steep and sometimes slippery areas of the village.
Dogs are not allowed on the walks.
Parking
There are usually parking places available as you approach Bonchurch from Ventnor. If there are no spaces, carry on driving past the pond and take the first right and park in the area by East Dene and The Turrets. Alternatively there is more free parking towards the top of Bonchurch Shute near the Bonchurch Inn.
There is paid parking on Shore Road, and a car park on Leeson Road.
Click below to access useful resources.
Find your way with ease.
We want to make sure you have a smooth and stress-free start to your walking tour! To the left is a handy map showing the exact starting point, along with nearby car park options to make your arrival as easy as possible.
Tips for a Smooth Start:
Starting points are indicated with red markers.
Allow 10-15 minutes for walking from the bus stops or car parks to the starting points.
Try to arrive at least 10–15 minutes early to check in and get comfortable.
If you’re parking, take a moment to note the car park location so it’s easy to find after the tour.
Limited parking spaces are available along the Bonchurch Village Road.
Not sure where to go? No worries — just give me a call, and I’ll be happy to guide you!
I’m looking forward to seeing you soon — it’s going to be a great adventure!
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