Hampshire Walks – Isle of Wight Bembridge Fort Video

Walks And Walking – Hampshire Walks – Isle of Wight Bembridge Fort Video

Walks And Walking – Hampshire Walks – Isle of Wight Bembridge Fort Video.

This video was taken on an 18 miles or so Hampshire walk from Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight to Bembridge Lifeboat Station via the impressive Bembridge Fort. The full article can be found here Walks And Walking – Hampshire Walks Isle of Wight Ryde Pier to Bembridge Lifeboat Walking Route.

Whilst on the Isle of Wight I also completed a second walk from Bembridge Lifeboat to Sandown by walking along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path visiting Whitecliff Bay and Bembridge Fort. The full article can be found here Walks And Walking – Hampshire Isle of Wight Walks Bembridge Fort Walking Route.

However my favourite walking route on the Isle of Wight was the Tennyson Trail from Carisbrooke Castle to The Needles and genuinely offers spectacular views across each side of the island covering 15 miles. The full article can be found here Walks And Walking – The Tennyson Trail Isle Of Wight Hampshire Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Hampshire Walks Isle Of Wight Walking Festival 2012

Walks And Walking – Hampshire Walks Isle Of Wight Walking Festival 2012

Isle of Wight Walking Festival 5th – 20th May

Autumn Walking Weekend 26th – 29th October

The Isle Of Wight Walking Festival is the biggest walking festival in the UK and this year the fun starts from the 5th to 20th May followed by the Autumn Walking Weekend from the 26th to 29th October.This year is the 14th year of the Annual Isle of Wight Walking Festival and includes over 250 walking routes, with the Autumn Walking Weekend including about 70 walking routes. If you haven’t experienced Hampshire walks on the Isle of Wight before then you can expect the walking to be generally quite easy with fairly mild ascents and descents on the Coastal Path and inland with only a few steep climbs.

Walks And Walking - The Isle Of Wight Walking Festival 2012

All of the walking routes are designed to suit walkers of all ages and abilities and you can choose your walks by distance, pace, difficulty and date covering over 500 miles of well-maintained footpaths throughout many paths recognised as areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Last years event attracted over 20,000 walkers making it the most successful walking festival ever staged on the island. All walks are led by experienced walkers with the Ramblers organising a series of much longer walks for those who would prefer more than just a leisurely stroll. There are also exciting walks available for young toddlers and children.

A popular walking route is the Round The Island Walk, a demanding non stop 72 miles in 24 hours. This offers the opportunity to complete a guided walk around the Coastal Path encountering the Island’s dramatic coastline and truly beautiful countryside scenery. What makes the Island so unique for walkers are the 360 degree views and, if it is a clear, you really can see for miles. Another classic walk is the Charybdis Passage, a coastal scramble across the rocks from Ventnor to Whitecliff Bay and back. One for the early birds this walking route starts at 4am with a very brisk 17 miles in 7 hours.

Walks And Walking - The Isle of Wight Walking Festival 2012 - Stunning Countryside Views

This year will see the launch of 2 new footpaths, albeit only for the festival launch, designed to get the festival off to a fiery start. On Saturday 5th May in Newport there will be a 20 foot pathway of hot embers no less. And if that is not enough to warm your feet up for miles of fantastic countryside walking routes then you can also try the path of broken glass that will be created from thousands of smashed wine bottles, presumably drunk and emptied by the people brave enough to attempt the challenge!

The full Isle of Wight Walking Festival programme is now available online along with a downloadable .pdf and with hard copies available by request so you can plan your walking routes well in advance. To get you straight in the mood there are also some competitions you can enter to win a Goodie Bag, a walking holiday with Wight Walks, a weekend hotel break with Step-By-Step Walking Holidays, a camper van holiday with Isle of Wight Camper Vans, a pair of Hi-Tec Walking Boots and a full board break for 2 at Freshwater Bay House with HF Holidays.

For more information please visit The Isle Of Wight Walking Festival Official Website.

 

Walks And Walking – Hampshire Walks – New Forest Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Hampshire Walks – New Forest Walking Route

This was one of our very first walking weekends away so we decided to go to the New Forest in Hampshire. The New Forest offers a multitude of great walks along ancient woodland trails, forest tracks, heathland pathways and trying to combat the thick gorse. This walking route started at Brock Hill, just off the A35 near Lyndhurst.

In terms of walking clothes, you are quite protected in the forest and woodland areas but can be quite exposed to the blustery winds and our interchangeable weather so having a windproof jacket stored in your rucksack is advisable as well as gaiters for when you reach the gorse. It was early spring when we went so I put my walking shorts on and my The North Face walking boots and off we went.

Hampshire Walks New Forest Walking Route Ancient Woodland Trail

From the south end of the car park by the information post we found a gravel path that ran adjacent to the road. We then turned right just before the bench to go down the gravel track keeping ahead as the track started to bend left and straight on to reach a gate by the A35 road. We crossed the A35 to enter a gate at the other side to walk along the pathway and up to a junction where we turned right to then follow the path all the way to the car park at Knightwood Oak.

We then went right along the road before turning right in to the woodland to cross a stream and then reach a gravel pathway which started to bear right. We then followed the red trail signposts to a fork in the track where we turned left to the gate and the road. Walking passed the path through the Holiday Hill Inclosure we then reached the Portuguese Fireplace War Memorial, the only remains of a hutted camp occupied by a Portuguese army unit during the first World War.

New Forest Ancient Woodland Hampshire

Walking back to rejoin the main walk we then returned through the Holiday Hills Inclosure at the fork to now follow this track all the way to the New Forest Reptile Centre passing the access drive, passed the cottage and turning left at the barrier to walk down a path to then cross the bridge.We continued along this main pathway passing through the open clearing of Allum Green to walk uphill and then turn right at the crossing of paths bearing right to then find the clearing and footbridge.

We then continued along by the woodland edge to an electricity pole bearing right and then left through a gate to meet the A35 again. We then turned left and right across the road to a gate walking straight ahead to the garden boundary to the turn right to the path that then lead to a lane where we turned right passed Oak Inn and through the Bank area and across the cattle grid where we then turned right through a gate to a gravel track signposted for Brockenhurst.

We then followed this track until it reached a junction and small green area where we forked right towards Brockenhurst where we then entered Hursthill Inclosure through the gate to walk down passed a right turn to climb uphill and then bear left at the next fork. We then kept to the waymarker trail as the path now went downhill passed another right turn where we then left Hursthill Inclosure at the gate where we then walked straight ahead on the track to the bridge over Highland Water to continue along the same track to our right hand side.

The Opposite Side OF Highland Water Ancient Woodland Trails New Forest Walking Route Hampshire Walks

We then passed through the gate to follow the waymarker trail and into Poundhill Inclosure to a 5 way junction at Post 24 where we turned right and followed the track as it turned sharp right to continue the along the same track to the junction at the road, Ornamental Drive where we then turned left in to the car park.

This walk took us just under 4 hours and covered about 8 miles and for all the photos of this walk please visit: Walks And Walking Photobucket

Walks And Walking – Hampshire Walks Isle of Wight Ryde Pier to Bembridge Lifeboat Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Hampshire Walks Isle of Wight Ryde Pier to Bembridge Walking Route

This walking route was created out of an idea to walk as much of the east side of the island as possible and experience the wide variety of countryside walks that the Isle of Wight has to offer. I left home early whilst the rest of the family drove down with the aim being we get to our house at the same time; me by train, ferry and walking, them by car and ferry alone.

I had planned to walk about 18 miles so wasn’t too sure how much to pack in my rucksack as the weather was really good for walking. Opting for walking shorts I had my waterproof jacket and gaiters in the pack with a spare pair of trainers in case my walking boots rubbed… fortunately they lasted the whole 9 hours of continuous wear. That’s the quality and durability of The North Face Jannu II for you!

Walks And Walking - Hampshire Walks - Isle of Wight Walking Route - Ryde Pier

So, disembarking from the passenger ferry (which was late as usual) I walked the length of the pier to see an old familiar face of Ryde seafront. I lived on the island when I was growing up some 20 years ago and nothing has changed. At the end of the pier I turned right to cross the road and walk up the steep slope of Union Street to join the High Street and continue walking straight ahead and now slightly more uphill before passing the church on my left and then turning left down St. John’s Road to pass the train station and then turning right in to High Street, then in to Cross Street, turning right in to Slade Road and passed the wooden gate to turn left onto the bridleway and The Nunwell Trail to Smallbrook.

Following the rail lines to a road I turned right over the bridge and passed the orchard to a stile and the Nunwell Trail Ashey Road signpost.

Gaiters on! I was now entering the countryside so didn’t want to get bitten or stung I put my gaiters on to turn left over the stile and then right to follow the yellow and green waymaker. Turning right at Smallbrook Stadium entrance and then left on to the road to the Nunwell Trail public bridleway R35 to Harding Shute on the left of a wide gravel path which then bent right and then left through a gate to cross the rail track, to another gate and right down the wide grassy path through a gate to keep right and passing a wood on my right to a gate and in to open meadows keeping left ignoring the first stile to the next gate and then straight ahead to a small clearing and entrance to another wood to turn left and on to a sign for Harding Shute on the WightGreenLine.

Here I turned right and on to the road by the pond where I saw a white peacock to continue along before turning right at West Lane and then left passed a sign for Nunwell House as the road now climbs steadily up to the Nunwell WightGreenLine signpost to turn right and on to the Nunwell Trail public bridleway to Brading Down Road. Continuing uphill to a crossing of paths I then turned left downhill to then take the right hand fork to climb steeply up in to Kelly’s Copse and a gate where the path now bends to the right and meets another gate to join the road where I turned left on to the car park and viewpoint for Brading Down.

Following the first signpost public bridleway B42 to a walk the downland to a gravel path and then a sharp right downhill to a gate and then straight down to reach the road at the vineyard to cross over and then go left down Sheep Lane and then turn right to a signpost on my left public footpath B47 to the Roman Villa. Walking strangely up to the ultra modern buildings the remains of the villa can be seen so I crossed passed the fencing to the bottom left hand corner of the field and then steeply down to the road and then right to the junction to turn right to go down to the traffic lights to cross straight over Yarbridge Cross to turn right over the railway bridge to a signpost for Brading Yardbridge GreenWightLine.

Following the steps down to the railway line to then cross the line at gates to walk along the platform at Brading Station and the view of Bembridge Fort clearly on my right hand side. Walking out of the station and in to the residential area I turned right by the signpost public footpath B1 and then turned right at the signpost public footpath B36 through gates to cross the rail line and through a kissing gate signposted Brading Marshes WightGreen Line and on to the River Yar where I turned left to follow the river to a bridge on my right and on to the Yar River Trail and through a kissing gate at the RSPB Brading Marshes Nature Reserve sign.

View of Bembridge Fort from Centurian's Earthworks Isle of Wight Walks

Keeping right at the next turn I entered Gander Down and walked up to the message board and bench with panoramic views down the valley of the River Yar and Bembridge. Turning left I walked downhill to join the treeline around the edge of the field towards the road and then turned left at the kissing gate to exit gander Down to the turn left and then right up Culver Down Road to Bembridge Fort.

After the long steep climb I took a short video showing the splendid views of Bembridge Fort, Sandown, St Helens and Bembridge before continuing along the road turning left at the signpost public footpath BB29 to Peacock Hill and Hillway by the kissing gate to then head quite steeply downhill with Whitecliff Bay now in view on my right hand side. I then turned right to join a track by the waymaker turning left at the stile to a gate across fields to the road with the footpath parallel on my right. I then turned right downhill passed Longlands Farm and then turned left at the sign post public footpath BB23 Centurian’s Lane Brading and back in to the RSPB Brading Marshes Nature Reserve.

I then entered Centurian’s Copse and along Centurian’s Lane keeping on the public footpath BB20 Bembridge to rejoin the Yar River Trail passing the Centurian’s Hill Earthworks on my right and following the path as it bends to the right to then leave the copse and on to a wide grassy path with a great view of Bembridge Fort on my right.

The path then bends to the right by a bench and tree to then leave the marshes at the next gate and it was now a very clear pathway all the way up to Bembridge Windmill. Crossing the runway at Bembridge Airport and seeing a few planes take off and land was quite exciting as I steadily climbed up towards the Windmill which was now in clear view.Once I reached the Windmill I turned left to walk down the road passed the Village Inn pub on my right turning right down Dennett Road to a signpost public footpath BB9 to Forelands Road where I then turned right to walk along to the Windmill Inn where I then turned left and walked all the way down to the Bembridge Lifeboat Station.

This was the end of my walk for today and I covered a good 18 miles taking me just over 5 hours.

More photos from todays walk can be seen here: Ryde Walking Route To Bembridge Lifeboat

Walks And Walking – Hampshire Isle of Wight Walks Bembridge Fort Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Hampshire Isle of Wight Walks Bembridge Fort Walking Route

This walking route took us from Bembridge Lifeboat by walking along the Hampshire Isle of Wight Coastal Path to Sandown, by Whitecliff Bay and Bembridge Fort. This is one of the most pleasant walks we did on the island as it was beautiful clear day with the vibrant green of the countryside against the striking bright blue sea below us.

Strapping up Tedi in the child carrier it was definitely walking shorts and t-shirts weather today. With coastal path erosion and steep climbs ahead walking boots with plenty of ankle support were laced up tightly as we set off early in the morning.

Bembridge Fort Walking Route Hampshire Walks Isle of Wight

From Bembridge Lifeboat station we walked up the road to the signpost turning left and along the coastal path route to the car park by the Crab and Lobster pub just passed the Coastguard building where we turned left on to a path where we then turned right at a small car park continuing to follow the coastal path sign posts.

Here the coastal path was closed so we followed the diversion signs (although at low tide you can walk on the beach to Whitecliff Bay) with the path now joining Howgate Road where we turned left by the signpost for the Public Footpath BB14 where we turned left on the coastal path to Culver Down and in to woodland, crossing a wooden footbridge heading right uphill after the next bridge to keep right where the path forks passed the Kingswood Activity Centre to follow the green and yellow sign posts to cross in to the caravan park and left down the steep concrete path to the beach at Whitecliff Bay.

We then turned right after the cafe to walk steeply uphill and then turned left to rejoin the coastal path over a wooden footbridge to open fields where we followed the signpost taking us left only to rejoin the same field a few steps later! We then turned left at the next signpost and a steep climb to a stile to a wide chalky path and Culver Down. We then headed right at a sign post and up to the  monument and then right at the kissing gate to walk up to and around Bembridge Fort.

We then walked back down to rejoin our route at the signpost on our right Public Footpath BB41 Coastal Path to Yaverland heading down the wide grassy slopes of the downs to Yaverland which now offers splendid views of Sandown.Continuing down we walked between two metal posts to a kissing gate and with views of Bembridge Fort on our right hand side to a National Trust sign for Bembridge Downs to pass a caravan park and then down to the Yaverland Sailing Club.

We then walked along the sea wall passed the Isle of Wight Zoo to Sandown Pier for ice cream after an enjoyable 8 miles which took us just under 3 hours.

For more photos please click here: Bembridge Fort Photos

Walks And Walking – The Tennyson Trail Isle Of Wight Hampshire Walking Route

Walks And Walking The Tennyson Trail Isle Of Wight Hampshire Walking Route

This walking route on the Isle of Wight follows the Tennyson Trail from Carisbrooke Castle to The Needles and genuinely offers spectacular views across each side of the island from the north to south and east to west it all makes the island look so small… on a clear blue sky day like today.

So, sun tan lotion applied to the arms left exposed by my walking shirt, walking shorts donned, gaiters on and walking boots securely fastened I got dropped off at the precise point the map says that the Tennyson Trail (TT) starts from. Later I regretted not applying sun tan lotion to the backs of my calves as they got burnt…

The route ahead to The Needles on the Tennyson Trail before Freshwater Bay July 2011

So, from the junction of High Street Newport and Nodgham Lane I walked down this small road to find the sign post (SP) for the WightGreenLine (WGL) to walk uphill to splendid views of Carisbrooke Castle behind me on the left.

I then walked straight ahead (SA) on the same path with occasional gaps on my left offering perfectly framed photographs of the countryside below. The next SP WGL was to Whitelane and I then walked through a gate and then SA to the first Sp for the TT Old Highway N136a which then bent left and through Bowcombe Down WGL SP to a gate and then SA to Public Bridleway (PB) N136a to Brighstone Forest and through a gate to continue SA to gate and SP Byway N139 TT and views of The Solent on the right…looking deceivingly close albeit quite a few miles away.

I then continued SA after the next gate and then in to Brightsone Forest and Down SA on the TT past a SP PB B54 turning right when reaching a clear view of the sea and on the Byway BS10 TT to Freshwater Bay at the WGL SP Lynch Lane to then cross the road and turn right, then left in to the car park entering Mottistone Down National Trust and then through the gate and uphill SA at next gate and on to views of the cliffs and the westerly tip of the island, The Solent and mainland….stunning!

I then walked down past a SP for the TT PB SP for Brook Down and through a metal gate and downhill to cross a road and rejoin the TT at a SP S26 Byway in to the National Trust for Brook and Compton Down and then steeply uphill to the Tennyson Monument and through a gate on to the Freshwater Bay Golf Course and SA on the TT Old Highway F33 SP to Freshwater Bay turning right on to the road to follow the SP for the Coastal Path and then turn left and SA by the gate to climb steeply up the cliff edge to the Tennyson and West High Down to a gate and then on to The Needles Old Battery and then SA to the Coastguard Building and The Needles.

This is the end of the Tennyson Trail and is good 15 miles and 5 hours of beautiful, breathtaking scenery and I thoroughly enjoyed every step!

More photos from this walk can be found here: Tennyson Trail Photos