***UPDATED*** The Sunshine / Red Squirrel Trail - 6 miles, or 13 miles (or inbetween)

***UPDATED***

OK so I have now recce'd this walk in full

I made the distance to Godshill (from Sandown) approx 6.5 miles (it is proposed Godshill be the lunch-stop - cafes, loos etc - so is at the end of the first half of the walk, or midway if you do the full circuit)

I made the  whole loop back to Sandown just under 13 miles

The reason for choosing this route in November was that it would hopefully minimise risks of mud as it's mostly hard surfaces.  This means, be aware, that it is a slightly unimaginative/unexotic route (largely cycle track for much of the route), parts of which may be very familiar to some, but it's still a nice walk. And on the plus sides - mostly flat, nice wide tracks for social walk, and no stiles !

You are welcome to join us for as much or as little of the walk as you wish - there are various easy "exit" points to bus routes back to Sandown - see approx distances below - so there are options

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Pursuing the idea of walking some of the Island's named trails in full, today's walk is the Sunshine Trail - so named because it circles an area which has the highest amount of sunshine in the country. In November ?  Well we'll see... This is also the loop of the Red Squirrel trail 

This is in fact a mile cycle route, a circular trail which we will start at Sandown railway station. The route initially  follows the Route 23 cycle track (old railway line) from Sandown through Alverstone, Langbridge and Horringford, turning off shortly before Merstone to Godshill (lunch stop). From there, up to Freemantle Gate, Appuldurcombe, down to Wroxall, back via another old railway line to Shanklin, ending up back at Sandown station.

Hoping that, as the route was designed as a cycle track it should be mostly decent surfaces for a winter walk, and hopefully a relatively good bet so far as avoiding mud is concerned, but again, we’ll see.

For anyone wanting to join us but seeking a shorter walk, there are several easy exit points onto bus routes back to Sandown (or on to elsewhere), the most obvious of which would  be to finish your walk , if you wished, when we stop for lunch at Godshill. There are various possibilities (please satisfy yourself re bus timetables if this is your preference).

• Godshill (approx 6 miles) - No 2 (or, longwindedly, No 3)
• Wroxall  (approx 8.5 miles) - No 3
• Shanklin (approx  11 miles) - No 2 or 3

Travel
Meet at Sandown railway station for a 9.30am start. There is a pay car park at the station,  or free on street parking in the vicinity. Alternatively  Sandown is easily accessible  from all directions by bus (the station a short walk from nearest bus stops), or of course by train.

Car share
In the interests of the air, parking, and non-drivers, if anyone is able to offer, or needs, a car share then please post on WhatsApp group. To join the group please message Serena 07564 811690.