Ventnor to Sandown- a shorter a walk today. Partly by purpose and partly due to not being able to find accommodation further on.
A slow start as I didn’t want to arrive at my final destination too early. Planned to go back down into Ventnor for a coffee and then continue around the coast – I should have known!
I set off almost backwards going diagonally down to the coast only to find I couldn’t turn right at the sea because that part of the path was blocked. So had to turn left, I wasn’t going to go back up the hill to circumnavigate this closure to turn round and have to reverse my route.
My luck was in a small coffee kiosk and a friendly local. Not surprisingly the path through to Shanklin was closed much of the way. She made a suggestion which was born out when I got to the coastal footpath diversion sign.
The walk before the diversion didn’t feel totally comfortable with several piles of chalk that had fallen and one tree whilst another toppled at the top with half its roots exposed.
The path up from the coast was quite steep and wound its way near some large houses and the edge of the village of Bonchurch. I passed and went inside the old church and then came across the current one – no wonder there was a sign asking for donations as they struggled with up keep in such a small parish! And then the route took a turn and a footpath sign between houses. Well more of a never ending staircase than a footpath. About 200 steps at least, a few twists and turns, no resting places, stone steps just up and up- luckily a handrail – I’m guessing some Victorian thought it would be a good idea when the area was in its seaside prime! This was basically up the cliff face, on the map it’s possible to see how close together the contour lines are placed.
The cafe owner had suggested walking along the road at the top of these steps but the redirection signs suggested crossing the road and going up to the top of the hill and then down the spur.
Having looked at the map I decided on a middle ground and could see no reason to walk up a very steep hill when I could just walk round the base!
Although the path was narrow it was well defined and I had the advantage of elevation and being able to look out to sea but without the unnecessary climb. Also spotted Scarlet Pimpernels which I haven’t seen for a while, a chalk loving plant. At Nansen Hill I was back on their recommended route and for about a kilometre the marked route was followed. Then another diversion this time through a buttercup field.
As the path dropped back to the cliff top again I got my first glimpse of Shanklin and Sandown.
It had taken longer than I imagined to reach this point and hunger was setting in. I was now on a road on the outskirts of the town and went rather wrong as the sign seemed to bear no resemblance to the map. I should have just believed it. Met two couples at this point both a little confused. Doubled back from my unnecessary exploration and followed a sign which seemed to take me even further from the sea an eventual turned into the Main Street of old Shanklin.
Plenty of pubs – I chose one that clearly did food and also looked quite busy. Hadn’t clocked the stag do until I saw the chap with a beard, veil and pink tutu! Still it was good quick service and I enjoyed my meal.
Onwards and a little closer to the sea front but with the coastal path staying above it. Past Shanklin Chine, a popular spot to visit. The coastal path stayed a little above the beach all the way along towards Sandown. I could see white cliffs in the distance which I knew would be part of the final day.
The beaches looked quite tempting but were virtually empty even though it was quite a warm day.
My accommodation – a B&B was not too far from the main part of Sandown- only 5 minutes this time. I had replied as to my time of arrival but no one there. Luckily a phone number on the door which I rang to be told my key was under a garden gnome near the front step. Room 6. No lights as I went in and having phoned again he explained they were on sensors, I did ask for a clue as to where Room 6 might be and did then managed to let myself in.
Decided I needed a beer so back down to the front to enjoy the sea and some sun before returning a different way and finding somewhere to eat for the evening – a vegan cafe which was very friendly and less than 5 minutes from my accommodation. So the 5 miles turned into about 8.5 and I managed to fill my day!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 