A challenging finale...

Friday, September 02, 2016
Ryde, England, United Kingdom
24 miles to go...not ideal but we were back on the trail by 7am, following a well-defined track along the cliff top above the 'undercliff' with its lush vegetation attributed to the noticeably warmer temperatures at this level. We passed St Catherine's Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouse locations in Great Britain, and Rocken End, a large offshore rock and home to a colony of cormorants, also the most southerly point of the island.

In good spirits we descended through Ventnor Botanic Garden and arrived on the promenade at around 10am - perfect timing for a fry-up and cuppa . Soon after setting off from Ventnor, the weather began to close in, despite the fair forecast for the day. Classic island microclimate! We took refuge in a pleasant seaside pub just outside Shanklin, but unfortunately the rain didn't ease and with 12 miles still to cover, we trudged on along the Victorian promenades of twin seaside resorts, Shanklin and Sandown. It would be nice to return to their sandy beaches in better weather.

Once out of urban surroundings, the trail rose over the chalk cliffs of Culver Down to the monument at its summit, which we're sure would offer a wonderful view on a nice day. We rounded the tranquil Bembridge Harbour, before returning to promenades once again for the home straight into Ryde. Shattered, cold, wet and hungry, we were glad to be back on the Hovercraft just before sunset heading home! We were happy to have achieved our goal but reflected that an extra day on the trail would have been beneficial...

 

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