This is a reasonably easy walk that will take about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. You can detour off into Niton halfway, or take refreshment when you end the walk back at Whitwell.
Starting at St Mary & St Rhadagund's Church Whitwell, cross over Ventnor Road and into Well Lane, a grass bridleway (NT15). Look out for one of the red painted Spindler well pumps located near the Holy Well, so called as it was reputed to have healing properties.
Continuing along the path, you will pass the old stone sheep-wash, which was last used in the 1950s. Cross the old railway line (the Newport to Ventnor West line that closed in 1952) and the footpath will lead you to Berryl Farm House.
Pass Berryl Farm and continue south on the V116 footpath, through a stile and on towards Dene Farm. On the approach to the farm you will pass two old Ice Houses. The Farm House dates from 1702 but the buildings are now let to small businesses and used as holiday lets.
The footpath passes the farm, and comes out on Whitwell Road. Cross over the road and turn right, before shortly turning left on to V80 St Rhadagund's Path. This will lead you south to High Hat Viewpoint where it is worth pausing for a while to admire the view of St Lawrence below and the scenic coastline.
Take the V79 Coastal Path west, on past Niton Marine Radio with its large mast. Then its a gentle climb to another viewpoint of St Catherines Lighthouse, Binnel Bay and Puckaster below. This path takes you past the edge of a magnificent 300 ft drop. Take care as the path, with houses and a road seen through the hedge, is only a few feet from the drop.
Turn northwest towards Niton via the Pilgrim Path (NT27), so called because it led to the Holy Well at Whitwell.
SEE NOTE BELOW FOR HALFWAY POINT DETOUR INTO NITON
The NT27 path becomes the NT19 and will take you past allotments on the outskirts of Niton, and east along Allotment Road. This road is more of a unmade track than a road. At the end, a path through a gate will lead east across a field to Ashknowle Lane. This was once the main route between Niton and Whitwell, before modern roads.
On route you will enjoy views to Head Down and Bierley on your left before reaching Whitwell Cemetery, which is a newer burial ground than the church's graveyard in the village. Pretty tree-lined Ashknowle Lane will come back out onto Ventnor Road. Turn left to return to the church where you started the walk.
Head to the White Horse Inn for some refreshments.
HALWAY POINT DETOUR: If you want to make a slightly longer walk with a midway comfort break, continue on the NT25 path into Niton where you will find a cafe and a couple of pubs. Retrace your steps to return to the walk, picking up the NT20 to Allotment Road.
