Follow this linear walk of about 3 miles (one way), reading the historical information boards at each stopping point. Each board provides a vague map showing the route to the next board.
The Pilgrim Paths are way-marked by the scallop-shell symbol in the banner image for this listing.
The walk starts in Whitwell, which was named after the Holy White Well, a place of pilgrimage in Medieval times. Pilgrims arriving by ship would climb St Rhadegund's Path, devout in belief of the healing properties of its waters. This walk starts at the parish church of St Mary and St Rhadegund, descends down through St Lawrence, and ends at St Lawrence Well.
THIS SIDE OF THE ISLAND IS PRONE TO LANDSLIPS, SO TAKE CARE WALKING ALONG COASTAL PATHS. IT MAY ALSO MEAN PATHS ARE CLOSED IN PLACES IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECENT EVENT.
BOARD 1 - Parish Church of St Mary and St Rhadegund
Location: By the path leading up to the church, Ventnor Road, Whitwell PO38 2PP
Description: This fine medieval church stands at one end of the Pilgrims Path, along which pilgrims travelled in the Middle Ages to a holy well nearby.
BOARD 2 - A Place of Medieval Pilgrimage - The Whit Well
Location: Well Lane, a grass track (the NT15 Briddlepath) on the other side of Ventnor Road a short distance south of the parish church.
Description: White is derived from an Old English word meaning clean or pure, and the village of Whitwell is likely to take its name from a well or spring with a reliable supply of fresh water. A small well is located nearby.
BOARD 3 - A survival from the Age of Pilgrims - Nettlecome Medieval Village
Location: Near Beryl Farm Cottages, Nettlecombe Lane, Whitwell PO38 2PX
Description: On the valley sides opposite, below the farm and cottages of modern-day Nettlecombe, may be seen the earthwork remains of the larger medieval village of Nettlecombe.
BOARD 4 - Memory of an Early Christian Saint - St Rhadegund's Path
Location: Along St Rhadegund's Path, which is the path heading south to the village of St Lawrence from Ventnor Road (path starts by the old Dean Crossing Nursery).
Description: This stretch takes its name from the dedication of Whitwell Church to St Rhadegund. St Rhadegund's path
BOARD 5 - The Undercliff of the Isle of Wight
Location: The board is near a bench along the St Lawrence to Niton top cliff path, west of St Lawrence Shute PO38 1XA
Description: This route takes you west along the top cliff path. Ahead will be a sweeping panorama across the Undercliff of the Isle of Wight.
BOARD 6 - 700 Years of Maritime Safety - Beacons of the South Wight Shore
Location: Along the V79 St Lawrence to Niton cliff top path.
Description: This route continues west, past Niton Marine Radio. The trees obscuring the view of the sea along this path give way to a cliff edge. From this information board three lighthouses can be seen all in the one vista, two of which are now ruins. Retrace your steps back to Board 5 to then continue onto Board 6.
BOARD 7 - Pilgrims, Pilgrimage and Pilgrim Paths
Location: By the entrance of Twining Road, St Lawrence PO38 1TX
Description: Pilgrims in their broad-brimmed hats, each carrying a staff and purse, are one of the enduring images of the Middle Ages.
BOARDÂ 8 - A wayside shrine - the well of St Lawrence
Location: Opposite The Old Cottage, Undercliff Drive, St. Lawrence PO38 1UW
Description: The well is dedicated to St Lawrence, a third century Roman saint martyred, according to legend, by roasting on a gridiron.
