St Boniface Down and Ventnor Downs Circular
Isle of Wight
St Boniface Down rises above Ventnor to around 240 metres, the highest ground on the Isle of Wight, and the National Trust looks after it together with Bonchurch and Luccombe Downs. Unusually for chalk, the top carries acid grassland and heather grazed by New Forest ponies and feral Old English goats, so dogs stay on a lead here, and part of it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. During the Second World War the RAF Ventnor radar station up here, built in 1937, was bombed by Stuka dive bombers during the Battle of Britain. This 4km circuit from the Ventnor Down car park at the top of Down Lane crosses Luccombe, Bonchurch and St Boniface Downs, with views over Sandown Bay to Culver Cliff and north to the mainland. It is short but hilly, with around 200 metres of climbing on grassy paths, including one of the steepest paths on the island, which is slippery when wet.
This is a dog friendly walk, but a lead will be needed for much of it. New Forest ponies graze St Boniface Down and a herd of feral Old English goats, brought in to control holm oak, roams the slopes, so the National Trust asks for dogs to be on a lead around livestock and wildlife. Skylarks and meadow pipits nest in the grass in spring and summer. There is no water or shade on the open down, so take water for your dog. The Bonchurch Inn and Ventnor's cafes are close by for afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.0 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 1 hr 40 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Heathland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on the down; Bonchurch Inn and cafes, shops and toilets in Ventnor.
- Parking
- National Trust Ventnor Down car park at the top of Down Lane, Ventnor.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to St Boniface Down and Ventnor Downs Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in Isle of WightFrequently Asked Questions
Is St Boniface Down and Ventnor Downs Circular dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this 4km circular walk across Luccombe, Bonchurch and St Boniface Downs, and it earns a solid 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. That said, it's worth knowing that leads are required for much of the route due to grazing livestock, so it suits dogs that are comfortable walking on a lead in open countryside.
Can dogs be off lead at St Boniface Down and Ventnor Downs Circular?
Off-lead time is limited here. The National Trust asks that dogs are kept on leads around the New Forest ponies and feral Old English goats that roam the downs, and skylarks and meadow pipits nesting in the grass during spring and summer add another reason to keep dogs close. If your dog struggles with livestock or wildlife distractions, it's worth bearing that in mind before you go.
What should I know before visiting St Boniface Down and Ventnor Downs Circular with my dog?
The walk is short at 4km but genuinely hilly, with around 200 metres of climbing and one of the steepest paths on the Isle of Wight, which can get slippery when wet — so good paw grip matters. There's no water or shade on the open down, so bring enough water for your dog. On the plus side, the Bonchurch Inn and cafes in Ventnor are close by for a well-earned rest afterwards.
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What’s Nearby?
Beach0.6 mi awayWheelers Bay
Isle of Wight
A small, rocky cove east of Ventnor on the warm Isle of Wight Undercliff, with year-round dog access, interesting tidal ledges to explore, and a steep approach that keeps crowds away.
Beach1.2 mi awayMonks Bay
Isle of Wight
A small, rocky cove in the heart of Bonchurch village, with year-round dog access, historic connections, and a characterful Undercliff setting far removed from the island's busier resort beaches.
Beach1.3 mi awayLuccombe Beach
Isle of Wight
A secluded, cliff-backed sandy cove between Shanklin and Ventnor, accessible by foot along the beach at low tide or via a steep chine path, with year-round dog access and a genuinely undiscovered feel.
Beach1.3 mi awaySteephill Cove (via Ventnor Botanic Garden)
Isle of Wight
One of the most picturesque small coves in England, accessible only on foot and almost unchanged for decades, with a tiny beach café and lobster pots on the quay.
Attraction1.5 mi awayAppuldurcombe House
Isle of Wight
The baroque shell of the grandest house on the Isle of Wight, with Capability Brown parkland for your dog and no roof to leave them out of.
Beach2.3 mi awayShanklin Beach
Isle of Wight
A broad, sandy beach at the foot of Shanklin's famous chine and Victorian esplanade, with seasonal dog restrictions on the main stretch from May to September and year-round access to the south and towards Sandown.