We are the Isle of Wight Ramblers. We arrange walks, monitor paths and help our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
***Update 7/12/2024 (ev)***
I see Wight Sole have cancelled their walk (Quarr), and the weather has obviously enough been vile today. I am still hoping to run tomorrow's walk (Brighstone) but inevitably there is some uncertainty re weather. If it was like it has been today, then tomorrow's walk will be cancelled - however the forecast seems to show the storm peaking today (Sat) and weather improving tomorrow (Sun) ? Still windy, but only small chance of rain in the morning. I walked the route out in the week and it is only short (4.5 miles); a couple of (short) uphill stretches, and a couple of (short) road stretches; no stiles; not near the cliff edge; and (as of Wednesday anyway) minimal mud - though this last may have changed by tomorrow....
I am going to have to turn up anyway (10.00am Brighstone carpark) so IF you want to turn up and join me that's great - I have a coat and am happy to walk if conditions allow ! - but please only do so bearing in mind the uncertainty ! If the weather seems sufficiently OK in the morning we can do the walk as planned, or if not then we cam just walk round the Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival venues (crikey I feel for the poor organisers of that this year) and go for a drink ! Sorry I would rather not cancel unless I have to, but i think it's only wise to be prepared to be flexi on this occasion till we know how conditions are on the day. But I quite understand if you decide to stay in bed and warm instead !
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Meet at Brighstone village free car park (and toilets) at 10.00am (to tie in with No 12 buses in both directions, details below). Be aware that the festival means that the car park is likely to be busy, or full, so if you’re driving allow sufficient time to find on street parking and walk back to the meeting point at the car park – or consider the bus?
The plan is to do a shortish leisurely circular walk {subject to recce, approx 4-5 miles, maybe slightly shorter if weather bad) via the Christmas trees on display at the IOW Pearl venue (drinks / toilets etc) , returning to Brighstone to have a look round at our leisure, collectively or separately, as many or as few as you wish of the Christmas tree venues in the village:
(See map attached)
For anyone with onward transport there will also be Christmas trees on display at Mottistone Church, and All Saints Church Calbourne. Apparently there is also a shuttle bus operating from the Three Bishops to Mottistone.
It looks like there will also be live music and general festivities on in Brighstone village, as well as the pub, a choice of two lovely cafes, and Christmas Tree Festival pop-up refreshments at the Reading Rooms ; the Methodist Church; and the Scout Hall.
It is therefore proposed we have the stop at IOW Pearl, but that the lunch stop on this walk be left until the end of the walk, so you can either bring a packed lunch or if you want check out these Brighstone options and support the festival and village.
Sunday afternoon
JC&Angelina at the Three Bishops 1.00-3.00pm;
Raw Samba parade through the village at 2.00pm;
Quarter Peel at St Mary’s Church 3.00-4.00pm
https://brighstonechristmastree.com/
By car
There is free parking at the meeting point at Brighstone village car park, Warnes Lane, but do be prepared to have to walk, as mentioned above.
By public transport
Not terribly frequent on a Sunday unfortunately – however the walk’s 10.00am start time has been designed to tie in with the morning buses. And there should be plenty to do and see in Brighstone to fill in any wait for the afternoon return.
The No 12 bus leaves Newport bus station at 09.30am arriving at Brighstone Three Bishops at 09.52. The meeting point is just a couple of mins from the bus-stop, down Warnes Lane.
Or from west wight there is a No 12 bus which arrives at Brighstone Three Bishops at 09.59am (if anyone knows they are catching this bus we'll wait!)
(Return buses to Newport at 14.59 and 17.19; Return buses heading westward 13.42 or 16.02)
Car share
In the interests of the air, parking, and non-drivers, if anyone is able to offer, or needs, a carshare then please post on WhatsApp group (to join group please message Serena 07564-811690)
Drink and snack. Bring packed lunch if you wish.
Depending on the weather, consider suitable clothing, footwear, walking stick, sun cream, drinks, and food. Watch out for ticks and remove ASAP. If you are unsure about your ability to undertake this walk, please contact the walks leader. If you need to leave the walking group, please ensure you inform the leader or back marker
Please note there may be short sections of road walking – please walk in single file and take good care.
Wise to look at the website on the day just in case of any changes or additional info. And in the event of extreme weather please check back for cancellation /postponement notices. You can also check with Serena on 07564-811690
New walkers welcome
If you are new to the Ramblers you can just turn up for any of our walks, unless we specify otherwise. We invite you to come along for three walks as a non-member.
Emergencies
It's very rare that an emergency occurs, but we may need info about
We'd ask you to make sure that we have ready access to this, if needed
General
If you would like to join the informal WhatsApp group (or even just temporarily for the purposes of communications regarding this specific walk and then exit again) , please message Serena on 07564-811690 to be added.
Brighstone Village car park, Warnes Lane. You may need to park elsewhere so allow additional time, but this car park is the meeting point for the walk. Public toilet.
