We are the Isle of Wight Ramblers. We arrange walks, monitor paths and help our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Serena H.
This is a bit of a work in progress experiment, and thus a “Save the Date” entry on the programme, subject to recce etc. Further details may be added in due course, so please check back nearer the time.
Pursuing the idea of walking some of the Island's named trails in full, today's walk is the Sunshine Trail - so named because it circles an area which has the highest amount of sunshine in the country. In November ? Well we'll see...
This is in fact a 12 mile cycle route, a circular trail which we will start at Sandown railway station. The route initially follows the Route 23 cycle track (old railway line) from Sandown through Alverstone, Langbridge and Horringford, turning off shortly before Merstone to Godshill (lunch stop). From there, up to Freemantle Gate, on to Wroxall, back via another old railway line to Shanklin, ending up back at Sandown station.
Hoping that, as the route was designed as a cycle track it should be mostly decent surfaces for a winter walk, and hopefully a relatively good bet so far as avoiding mud is concerned, but again, we’ll see.
For anyone wanting to join us but seeking a shorter walk, there are several easy exit points onto bus routes back to Sandown (or on to elsewhere), the most obvious of which would be to finish your walk , if you wished, when we stop for lunch at Godshill. There are various possibilities (please satisfy yourself re bus timetables if this is your preference).
(*These approx distances will be completed following recce)
Travel
Meet at Sandown railway station for a 9.30am start. There is a pay car park at the station, or free on street parking in the vicinity. Alternatively Sandown is easily accessible from all directions by bus (the station a short walk from nearest bus stops), or of course by train.
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 the group please message Serena 07564 811690.
Drink, snack and lunch as you wish. This is a full day's walk. Lunch break will be at Godshill village where there are various café and pub options. We should hopefully be time for a drink (but not for a three-course Sunday lunch).
Depending on the weather, consider suitable clothing, footwear, walking pole(s), sun cream, hat, drinks, and food. 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 there may be short sections of road walking so walk in single file and take good care.
Wise to look at the website on the day for any changes or additional info. And in the event of extreme weather please check back for cancellation or postponement notices. You can also check with Serena on 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.
General
If you would like to join the informal WhatsApp group (even just for this walk), please message Serena.
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.
Meet at Sandown railway station
