Wanting the challenge of a long distance path but not really wanting to pay for my baggage transportation and the extra single tariff that goes with such tours, I decided to try my own version.
I’ve chosen the Isle of Wight as there is a good transportation system, and is therefore less remote, than my ideal challenge of the South Downs Way. My hesitation is due to walking with all my belongings. Luckily I have a well fitting 40 litre rucksack, so that is my companion for the next few days.
A couple of minutes walk to the bus, then the train to Portsmouth Harbour a swift crossing to Ryde and ready for the first leg.
Only 8 miles today, 14 kilometres, as the route plan didn’t account for the very long pier at Ryde. Much of this section is not that close to the sea but much of it was very pleasant. Found an old Cistercian monastery at Quarr and then a modern Benedictine Monastery.
A busy road with a good pavement ultimately lead down into East Cowes and the floating chain bridge over to Cowes and my first night’s stay.
Good to have got the feel of the rucksack and got started. The longest day tomorrow and staying in a holiday home for the night so some careful food planning needed.
Learnt that it is more important to stop and sit for a while with a much heavier sack.
So started with very warm sunshine but also a great sea breeze.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 