Ventnor to Godshill via Appuldurcombe House Walk

12.6 km (7.9 miles).

6 out of 10. Some steep bits but nice views.

The walk will take us along St Boniface Down and then a climb up the very steep path to Bonchurch Down, across Wroxall Down and past the Radio Station viewpoint. The walk then takes you across Stenbury Down and into the grounds of Appuldurcombe House. After looking around the hollowed-out rooms and possibly picnicking in the grounds we will walk into Godshill village for tea. After that you can return by bus to Ventnor or Shanklin or walk back.

Start at the Bus Stop by the Central Car Park, High Street, Ventnor at 10.30am.

Return Buses from Godshill Hollies:

• No.2 to Shanklin (15 minutes) or Ryde (1 hour). These leave at around xx:06 & xx:36; last bus 18:05 Sun, 18:35 Mon–Sat.
• No.3 to Ventnor (20 minutes), Shanklin (40 minutes) or Ryde (1 hour 20 minutes). These leave at around xx:23 & xx:53 to late evening, then hourly.

Lunch: There is nowhere to buy any food on this route until Godshill village, so please bring a picnic which can be eaten in the grounds and parkland of Appuldurcombe House. Note that there are no toilets in the house or grounds.

Tea: There are plenty of tearooms and pubs in Godshill Village.

Appuldurcombe House: This early 18^th century house was the seat of the Worsley family, and once the greatest house on the Isle of Wight built in the English Baroque style. Sir Richard Worsley, the 7^th baronet, gained notoriety for a 1782 court case in which his wife, Seymour, admitted to having had 27 lovers. The house is now just a shell, and you can walk through the rooms which have information boards. House and Grounds are free.

Godshill Village: A very picturesque village with a medieval church, thatched-roofed cottages and a winding main street lined with traditional tearooms and pubs. There is also a famous Model Village.

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Jun-23 Sylvia Tahnyet