Few walks on the Isle of Wight combine dramatic coastal scenery, hidden coves, and a sense of adventure quite like the route from Ventnor to Binnel Bay.
Now, thanks to the reopening of a repaired coast path section, walkers can once again enjoy the official coastal route – without the inland diversion that had been in place following a cliff collapse earlier this year.
The restored stretch near Sir Richard's Cove, west of Battery Bay in St Lawrence, is once again open.
The section forms part of the 12-mile King Charles III England Coast Path between Culver Down and Binnel Bay, taking walkers through Sandown, Shanklin, Luccombe, Bonchurch, and Ventnor before continuing west.
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The route officially opened on January 14, but shortly after, a section between Woody Bay and Orchard Bay gave way after a cliff collapse.
The IW Council's rights of way team closed the path immediately on safety grounds, and walkers followed an inland diversion while discussions took place with the landowner over how the route could be repaired.
In a video marking the reopening, Ventnor and St Lawrence councillor Ed Blake thanked everyone involved in restoring the route, which he previously described as one of his favourites.
If you want to head out and explore the route yourself, a great place to start is the La Falaise car park, at the far end of Ventnor Esplanade.
From here, pick up the King Charles III England Coast Path and IW Coastal Path signs before following the shoreline west.
The route initially skirts beneath the cliffs overlooking Ventnor Bay before passing Flowers Brook, Castle Cove, and continuing towards the picturesque Steephill Cove.
Although just a short distance from the town, this secluded cove feels remote, with its colourful beachside homes, fishing boats, and coastal views making it one of the Island's hidden gems.
Beyond Steephill Cove, the path continues above the shoreline, passing Ventnor Botanic Garden before entering Orchard Bay and winding around to Mount Bay.
As you continue west, the path approaches Woody Bay before reaching the recently reopened section near Sir Richard's Cove.
After travelling through the newly reopened section, walkers will, however, have to follow an inland diversion route around Charles Wood due to a slippage earlier this year, reaching Binnel Bay via Undercliff Drive at Woolverton Road.
From here, most walkers will choose to retrace their steps to La Falaise, offering a new perspective of the coastline on the return journey.
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