Walking round the Isle of Wight Day 3

A long day today starting in Cowes just after 9am following a superb breakfast and a very comfortable night at One Fifty B&B. The day ended at Bramble Chine holiday park at Colwell bay after an interesting and challenging 20 miles.

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/12379444/activity8804067975

The day started grey and cool in a strong wind and we were barely past Gurnard and we had to put on waterproofs as light rain came and went.

Walking out of Gurnard you are on nice country paths past Thorness bay, although it is difficult to see the sea, up through the holiday park, where there is an option for a coffee stop but we decided to keep going as a bit early in the day.

The path then heads inland partly across fields and then on to roads. Leaving the last field we came across a really unusual site as we crossed the style where there were hundreds of caterpillars hatching from what looked like webs in the hedge 😳

These are caterpillars that will become the White Ermine moth (the wonders of Google 😁)

A little way down the Lane we came into Porchfield where had our first break of the day in a bench in the middle of the village

From Porchfield we walked along the road, then a small lane and back onto a grassy path towards Newtown where we bumped into John and Alex walking the opposite direction around the Island.

Second time of meeting the clockwise team.

From Newtown we walked along the roads again until we were the far side of Shalfleet when we finally turned right and went up into the woods back to the coast. This is a really pretty part of the walk.

However the rain started to really come down on leaving Newtown and although it was fine for a couple of hours after nearly three hours of heavy rain and wind we were wet and a cold. The last couple of miles into Yarmouth were hard work and we couldn’t wait to get there.

Finally we made our way down into Yarmouth where we bought some food and wine for the evening as we were staying on a holiday park with no pub or restaurant within a number of miles. Then coffee and cake for some energy and a chance to warm up and rest the feet for 10 minutes.

The last couple of miles were much easier and with the sun finally making an appearance we made it to our overnight stop . Another big day of about 20 miles again tomorrow but nearly all on paths with great sea views ending in Chale at the Wight Mouse Inn, which has always been one of our favourites. Until tomorrow 😊