We are the Isle of Wight Ramblers. We arrange walks, monitor paths and help our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Heather's debut walk! An approx 7 and a half mile circular. It's a nice mix of countryside, coast, and a bit of urban walking.
We meet at Shanklin County Ground, the football ground on Green Lane (free parking, or easily accessible by bus - "County Ground" stop), and walk via Lower Hyde holiday park to the Shanklin-Wroxall cycletrack. Taking a turn off the cycletrack we go up up up onto St Martin's Down. Be aware this part of the route is a very steep path, with roughly 102 steps up (and some down again later), in some places uneven, and potentially some mud. Although there is a handrail for most of the steep steps section, and we will do it at a relaxed speed, this is not a walk for the faint-hearted!
Once we've got our breath back, we'll enjoy some stunning views over Sandown Bay from the top of the Downs, weather permitting, before heading down, down and down again, via Shanklin Old Village to sea-level. Then we are walking along the coast, around the bay to just before Sandown Pier, where we head back on ourselves along the clifftop back to our starting point.
At the end of the walk you are cordially invited back to Heather's nearby home for tea, coffee, crumpets and hot cross buns!
For the avoidance of any confusion, if you did additionally want to bring a light packed lunch then you are more than welcome to eat this at Heather's at the end of the walk alongside your crumpet or bun. Or if anyone prefers to eat earlier, we can happily factor in a short seaside lunch stop (the precise details a case of 'play it by ear' depending on timings and weather on the day).
There are public toilets at Shanklin, Lake, and Sandown.
Start time of 10.30am ties in with No 2 buses arriving ("County Ground" stop) at 10.17 from Ryde direction, and 10.29 from the Newport direction.
There is potentially an option to exit this walk at Lake. This would probably knock a couple of miles off the overall distance, If you're OK to make your own way back to your transport. But the last couple of miles of the route are pretty straightforward and are actually probably easier than taking an early exit up the Blueberrys steps, so hopefully you'll be up for the full walk, with the incentive of hot crumpets etc at the end!
Due to the catering element at the end of this walk it would be really helpful for Heather to know numbers. A Whatsapp poll reminder will be sent nearer the time, but if you're not on the Whatsapp group can you please message 07564-811690 if you wish to attend and eat .
Travel
I'll do my best to assist as regards time estimates, checking timetables, and suggestions about possible travel logistics. However your own travel arrangements are your responsibility so you need to satisfy yourself regarding your own individual needs.
By car:
There is a free car park at the Shanklin Football Ground (County Ground), or in the event that is full please find on-street parking locally.
By bus:
Start time of 10.30am ties in with the No 2 bus which arrives ("County Ground" stop) at 10.17 from theRyde direction, and No 2 which arrives at 10.29 from Newport direction.
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)
New walkers welcome. If you are new to the Ramblers you can just turn up for any of our walks, unless we specify otherwise. We invite you to come along for three walks as a non-member.
Additional Notes
Depending on the weather, consider suitable, clothing, footwear, walking poles, sun cream, drinks, and food. Walking poles can be particularly useful in winter in helping you to stay upright ! Watch out for ticks and remove ASAP. If you are unsure about your ability to undertake this walk, please contact the walks leader. If you need to leave the walking group, please ensure you inform the leader or back marker.
Please note that there may be short sections of road walking, so please walk in a single file and take good care.
Wise to look at the website on the day just in case of any changes or additional info. And in the event of extreme weather please check back for cancellation notices.
Emergencies
It's very rare that an emergency occurs, but we may need info about
We'd ask you to make sure that we have ready access to this, if needed.
Some people may wish to carry an ICE (in case of emergency) card. We have Ramblers cards for this.
WhatsApp group
If you would like to join the informal WhatsApp group (even just for the purposes of communicating regarding this specific walk and then exit again), please message Serena on 07564 811690.
Shanklin football ground , Green Lane. Meet in the car park. Bus stop: County Ground
.png?itok=hHyiod9L)
