Reverse Island 8 (final section !) - Sandown to Ryde

This is a provisional entry pending uptodate recce. As before, this listing will be updated in due course, so please check back nearer the time for more uptodate details; confirmation of distance [currently estimated] ; and anything particular to note.

We are walking the Coastal Path round the island in 8 sections  - anticlockwise this time.

This is the eighth (and final !) of our coastal path stages. It is a linear walk.

This section is from Sandown to Ryde - a relatively long section but don't let that deter you if you are interested - there's an up-and-down over Culver cliff at the start of the walk, but thereafter the route is pretty flat and on good surfaces . Plus there are plenty of convenient exit points should you decide to cut the route short either in advance or on the day (according to a new guidebook I have on loan, at no point is the coast path on this section more than a 20 minute walk from a bus-stop)

The walk starts outside Sandown Pier (free loos on pier) at 10.30am. From there we go along the seafront to Yaverland, and walk up to the top of Culver cliff, have a short drinks stop with stunning views in all directions. Descending then to Whitecliff Bay and into Bembridge, which will probably be about time for a lunch stop . The route continues on around Bembridge harbour, across the Causeway to St Helens, and from there to Seaview where the path follows along the seawall from Seaview village back into Ryde where we started earlier in the summer

A lunch stop so bring packed lunch, and drinks stops as applic on the day 

Toilets at Sandown (pay and free), and (free) at Bembridge, St Helens Duver, Seaview, and Ryde. Plenty of food and drink outlets along the way. 

(NB : With any length section it is obviously up to you if you choose to make it a shorter walk and “exit” the section earlier and arrange your transport accordingly - just please let me know before you disappear ! There would be easy exit points to bus routes at Bembridge, St Helens, and Seaview and various points between)

The finishing time is an estimate only and will be dependent on a number of factors, including the weather, the speed at which the group walks and the number/duration  of breaks taken.

Travel
Quick little disclaimer  please - I'll do my best to try and assist as regards time estimates, checking timetables, and suggestions re possible travel logistics, however, as with all walks, your own travel arrangements are your responsibility, so please do check details and how they might meet your individual needs.

TWO CARS:

I try and promote using the bus, and this section is very easily accessible by various bus options as well as the train. Or with car + bus combo (which is what I will be doing).  

However if you still prefer to consider a two-car carshare/shuffle, park the first car at Ryde  (or your chosen end point, if shorter) and take the second car back to Sandown for the start of the walk, Any carshare offers or requests can be posted on the Whatsapp group, if you are on that.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT (or car + bus combo):

Whether you want transporting at the beginning at/or end of the walk, there are numerous easy public transport options.  Beyond saying that Sandown is served from both Newport and Ryde directions by (at varying speeds) bus routes 2, 3 and 8, as well as the Islandline train from Ryde and Shanklin, it is probably best you check out which precise bus suits your needs / geography best !   

However for what it's worth, I will mention a couple of obvious options (NB : on current timetable - but that doesn't extend as far ahead as 28 Sept so please check back nearer the time as I will check out whether they amend their winter timetable), both of which should be fine for the 10.30am start as it is only a few mins walk from the bus to the Pier:

From Newport:

No 8 bus that leaves Newport bus station at 09.40 and gets to Sandown Conservative Club (6 mins walk from start point acc to googlemaps) at 10.20am

From Ryde: 

No 3 bus that leaves Ryde Interchange at 09.50 and gets to Sandown Pier Street (2 mins walk from start point acc to googlmaps) also at 10.21am (this is what I am planning to do - park at the end in Ryde and catch that bus)

As above, the startpoint at Sandown Pier is only a few mins walk from these bus stops

(Regular return buses and trains back from Ryde ) 

Car share
In the interests of the air, parking, and non-drivers, if anyone is able to offer, or needs, a car share in respect of all or part of the travel for this walk, please post on WhatsApp group (to join group please message Serena 07564-811690).