Familiar and unfamiliar - a morning walk, based on the Mill Trail

This circular morning walk is based on the Mill Trail heritage walk - a trail developed by Island Rivers to celebrate the industrial heritage of the rivers of Newport and Carisbrooke. 

However on this occasion we are doing just the rural section  (maybe another time for the whole thing urban + rural... ), which means we mostly miss the mills but I found it a nice walk, and interesting for me as it included some unfamiliar paths which I don't believe I've walked before. 

The trail starts at the (free) carpark at the junction of Whitcombe Road and Froglands Lane, opposite Carisbrooke Priory. It is also served by Carisbrooke Priory bus stop, and the morning start time of 9.00 is designed to tie in with the No 6 bus which arrives there from  Newport direction at 8.57. (The nearest bus from Ventnor direction arrives at the the Priory at 8.23) NB: If these bus timings change when the summer timetable is published, start time will be adjusted so please double-check before the walk.

From the carpark, we walk down Mountjoy, through Shide, and along the first section of the cycletrack / Red Squirrel trail. Branching off at Blackwater, we take a pleasant path I didn't know before past Blackwater Mill , and across to Gatcombe. At the lovely little 13th century  St Olave's church (which contains reputedly the oldest Medieval glass window on the Island) we will have a short snack stop - or early lunch if you wish it (though we should be back at the Priory by lunchtime if you prefer to get something at their tearoom, or eat your picnic overlooking the back of the castle). 

From Gatcombe, a short stretch of (quiet) road-walking, before taking the - back to the familiar - Shepherds Trail back to our startpoint. 

A pleasant and varied walk, with nothing too steep or challenging.

This walk has deliberately been listed for a Friday so that you can end your walk with lunch or  coffee and cake at the characterful Priory tearoom if you wish ! 


Please note there are no facilities on this walk. However there are toilets / cafe available at the Priory at the end. 

TRAVEL: 

I'll do my best to assist as regards time estimates, checking timetables, and suggestions re possible travel logistics. However with this as with all walks, these can’t be guaranteed. Your travel arrangements are your responsibility so you need to satisfy yourself regarding your own individual needs and circumstances.    

By car: 

Carisbrooke Priory car park (free). It's the one on the bend of Whitcomb Road opposite Carisbrooke Priory, don't go into the actual Priory. 

By bus: 

The No 6 bus which leaves Newport bus station  at 08.50 arrives at Carisbrooke Priory  at 08.57.
(Or coming from the opposite direction the nearest No 6 bus which arrives at Carisbrooke Priory at 08.23). 

 (NB: These bus times are based on current timetable and may change when the Island Buses summer timetables are published, so please check back nearer the time) 

Car share: 

In the interests of the air, parking, and non-drivers, if anyone is able to offer, or needs, a car-share then please post on WhatsApp group (to join group please message Serena 07564-811690).