UPDATED - A summer evening walk from Arreton + optional pub at end

UPDATE:  OK so I have now recce’d a route for Thursday ev….. my initial thought of up on the Downs went a bit pear-shaped  when I couldn’t find the path down to make it circular and had to retrace my steps, doh !  - but in any event I had marked this walk as green/easy one , which it now is as I've decided on a pleasant and easier alternative route….

Meet at the Wishing Well at Arreton Barns / Dairyman’s Daughter carpark (as per pic)… we’ll take in a pretty carp pond (with baby coot when I was there) … cute old church… some nice open countryside … a sad memorial to a young  WW2 airman …. cut through on the boardwalk at Roberts’ nature reserve at Haseley … pick up a brief section of the cycletrack / red squirrel trail…across past Stickworth Hall onto part of the River Yar trail… turning off right before Merstone down East Lane and heading back on a circular route via Perrtorn Farm and across the fields to get back to our startpoint. 

The walk tracked at just under 5 miles, so for anyone joining us to eat or for a drink at the Dairyman’s Daughter we should be back there at around 7.15-7.30pm. The route is mostly very straightforward and flat/wide mud-free paths so ideal for a social evening walk.  There is just short sharp section of uphill at the very end of the walk up from Perreton Farm (but I was rewarded with skylarks singing in the fields at the top). And I think there were 3 stiles.  There are a couple of  sections  of road-walking, but very quiet roads. The main road needs to be crossed twice – but there are pedestrian traffic lights at both points

I have booked a post-walk table at the Dairyman's Daughter for guesstimated 12 people  and  I think we are currently up to 8 or so (plus a couple of members just walking not pubbing) so do feel free to join us after the walk if you wish (it would be helpful to know for numbers though)

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The first day of May ! Looking to make the most of the longer (and hopefully warmer) early summer days, I'm experimenting with the idea of short early evening walks … a few miles circular… ending at a pub, café, or picnic spot for an optional drink or bite to eat after our walk.

So, kicking off with this one from Arreton Barns, a “Save the Date” entry as pending a recce I’m not yet sure precisely what our route will be, but basically it will be circular; leisurely ; and max 5 miles (possibly shorter), ending back at the Dairyman’s Daughter pub at Arreton Barns where there is the option to drink and eat. I will update this entry nearer the time so please watch this space if you need to know more detail. But hopefully an enjoyable and social walk, weather permitting.

PLEASE NOTE : Booking not needed for the walk itself, but it would be really helpful, if you have not already done so,  if you could please let me know (text or whatsapp 07564-811690 or email serenaheyes@hotmail.co.uk ) if you are likely to want to eat so that I can try and update numbers accordingly with the Dairyman’s Daughter ? 

By car:

Arreton Barns has a big carpark which they have confirmed we are welcome to use (maybe try and park in the "overflow" carpark area if possible though, out of consideration to any less mobile pub visitors who may wish to use the nearer main carpark

By public transport :

The slightly strange 17.15 start-time is to tie in with that No 8 buses arrive at Arreton Barns  from the Newport  direction at 16.59 and from the Ryde/Sandown direction at 17.09 - so if you’re thinking of having a drink or two (or indeed even if you’re not) then consider the bus!

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 group please message Serena 07564-811690).