Brighstone to Ventnor – only suppose to be 20 km/12 miles today – well that was planning at home before I discovered coastal footpath diversions!
Good start to the day as I immediately found the village shop and the means of getting some lunch!
I managed to find paths straight down from the village to the coastal path. Again next to red earth cliffs and further evidence of erosion. There are flags out, at regular intervals waymarking a charity event. 10 kms and then 9. To be continued…..
At Shepherd’s Chine there’s a cut up to the main road and luckily the overgrown verge has been trimmed – probably as it is part of the run/ walk route. The path turns back down a valley and then an interesting part of the path as it suddenly goes up some steep steps- even more notable as I can spot two people about to come down, with bicycles and a dog. They were following the charity route which their sons were about to complete.
A good stretch along the cliff tops again but very wet underfoot and quite a lot of lying water.
Near Chale there is the setup for the start of the event with lots of tents, pre pitched. Still not quite sure what the event will be but obviously very well organised.
The path has gone back up to the road and through the village, feeling hungry I spot a church- they usually have seats in the graveyard – I’m in luck and I have a tranquil view of the sea over the top of gravestones.
The path curs away from the main road and then back again, at least there are wide verges. The road wriggles past ‘Blackgang Chine’, from the sounds, a fun fare area. Luckily soon back to cliff tops , well almost. The ground drops away flattens out and has some habitation.
I am stopping to look at a lighthouse on this stretch of land, St Catherine’s. A young woman catches me up and asks what it is? I explain and she rushes on.
Near St Lawrence the path stays at the top as a diversion although I have met two people who apparently came through the closed path and said it was no worse than a lot of the Cornish coast. Even this top path comes to an end and starts to drop down really steeply, including some steps and a handrail in places.
A short respite along the road called the ‘Undercliff’, before more steep down hill. Eventually I’m back near the sea and the last stretch into Ventnor. Bizarrely my OS map seems to have stopped recording but I really did walk the last bit!
I’m staying in an apartment tonight and have no idea of whether there will be any milk, tea etc so decide on a cup of tea and Bakewell Tart by the sea front. Strange to be in a town.
Next to find my apartment. Ventnor is on a steep hill, so guess what I was near the top. So another 15 minutes to go. Opening the key safe was nearly the most challenging part of the day! The whole of the top floor of a large Victorian house. It would have been comfortable for four adults.
Notes told me that there was a Tesco Extra about 5 minutes away. Otherwise this part of the town had few facilities. Managed to sort an evening meal and a porridge pot for breakfast! And there was a washer / dryer and washing gels – so I took advantage.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 