Shanklin Road (Ventnor to Shanklin)
Category 43.4 km
Distance
152 m
Elevation Gain
4.5%
Average Gradient
11%
Max Gradient
The Ventnor Undercliff area contains some of the island's most consistently challenging gradients, and the road between Ventnor and Shanklin via the B3327 is the local benchmark for interval training. The climb leaves Ventnor's seafront and immediately pitches up through the town's Victorian terraces, with several distinct ramps at 9-11% before the road eases across the coastal plateau. The view back across the Undercliff and out to sea makes this one of the most scenic short climbs in southern England. Traffic is moderate on this road in summer; early morning starts are strongly recommended in July and August.
Pro Tip
The Ventnor-to-Shanklin direction gives the better climbing line. Combining this with the descent into Shanklin via the Old Village and returning via the Landslip trail (pushing on a gravel path) creates a genuinely varied 25km loop from Ventnor. The Old Village in Shanklin has a good café at the top of the chine.
Part of
Cycling in Isle of Wight