Isle of Wight landslip means steep diversion for King's coastal path

But there's a problem with the section through Bonchurch on the Isle of Wight - the original proposed trail disappeared when a major landslide struck in December 2023.

Now, Natural England, which is planning the King Charles III England Coast Path, has submitted a modification to the route to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The only problem is, it's not very coastal and involves a very steep incline.

Nansen Hill from Bonchurch Landslip car park (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

• Read more: Everything you need to know about Leeson Road's closure
• Read more: Warning to stay away from unstable area of Bonchurch after landslide

The proposal now avoids the original route from Luccombe Farm Cottages along the coastal footpath to just above Bonchurch beach - that route is no longer accessible.

Instead the plan is for walkers to head up Nansen Hill from Bonchurch Landslip car park and high up on to the downs.

The route then continues across Bonchurch Down, above Leeson Road, then down an incline to Leeson Road itself.

The proposed route, in deep pink (Image: Natural England) From here, walkers must cross the road then carry on down steep metal steps to The Pitts, and down towards the coast.

Of course, if Leeson Road reopens before Christmas, as is the hope, walkers could simply stroll down the road - but this isn't included as part of the official route.  

The proposed route between the downland trail and Leeson Road (Image: Isle of Wight County Press) There is another public footpath that runs from the bottom of Nansen Hill along parallel to the back of the gardens along Leeson Road - again not the official route.

Local residents have been asked for their views, before November 13.

Steps from Leeson Road down to The Pitts (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)