St Boniface Down
Category 32.8 km
Distance
198 m
Elevation Gain
7.1%
Average Gradient
15%
Max Gradient
At 241m, St Boniface Down is the highest point on the Isle of Wight and the island's defining climb. The ascent from Ventnor town climbs steeply through the built-up fringe before the road opens onto exposed downland, with gradient regularly exceeding 10% and spiking to 15% on the ramps below the radar station. The summit plateau rewards with panoramic views south across the English Channel on clear days — on the right morning, the Normandy coast is visible. The road surface is reasonable but narrows considerably above the lower slopes. This is the climb every serious cyclist visiting the island must tick.
Pro Tip
Approach from Ventnor town centre for the full 198m ascent. The descent north towards Wroxall gives significantly more room on the road and flows better than reversing the ascent. Combine with Shanklin Road for a back-to-back climbing loop that totals over 350m of elevation.
Part of
Cycling in Isle of Wight