Dark Lane

Just a quick walk today to get us back into the habit.  We left the car at Carisbrooke Castle, headed along the moat then took a footpath down a steep chalk bank, along a path between two high hedges, across a field and past a chestnut tree then onto Froglands Lane.  We turned left and followed the lane to the end then turned right and followed the footpath.  This was rather muddy and led to Dark Lane; this is a deep, ancient lane cut into the chalk with high, wooded banks showing gnarly roots and stems.  The middle of the lane was clear, with debris washed away by rain from a recent storm.  There was the occasional large fallen branch to clamber round.  The kids had fun running up and down the banks and climbing trees.

Dark Lane emerged into fields and we continued for a while until we came to a junction; we turned left and followed another lane steeply downhill, emerging into the sunlight by a farm. We walked past, admiring rabbits in the fields, and came eventually to Whitcombe Road.  We turned left here and followed the road back to Froglands Lane.  Whitcombe Road was far busier than I expected and cars came down it at high speed.  There are no pavements, and only intermittent verges, so I don't recommend it if you are of a nervous disposition!

Route:  http://gb.mapometer.com/walking/route_3719835.html

Footpaths: N89,  N108

Fairlee Farms

I went for an amble while my daughter had her swimming lesson.  Getting off the bus at Medina Leisure Centre I walked up the road away from Newport. Turning left into Mews Lane I followed the track past Little Fairlee Farm, then on towards another farm, over stiles and along a path ankle deep in wet grass and weeds. At the farm there was a footpath on the right that led to a field of bullocks. They were large and started moving towards me when I opened the gate, so, like the wussie townie I am I beat a retreat, shut the gate and stared at them for a while. I bet the farmers were having a laugh at me!  

I  continued up the farm track and came to a junction of footpaths; the left turn took me towards Wootton (not today thanks), the right took me across another field of cattle, so I went straight on up Mews Lane and joined up with Staplers Road.  I followed this for a while, then turned right into the estate and wended my way among the streets until I found a small cemetery which I explored.  This cemetery was obviously a haven for wildlife, being unkempt though clearly looked after, and was a pleasant ocean of calm yards from the main Newport to Ryde road. Leaving the cemetery, I turned right and after a few yards  found another footpath, possibly the old railway line, going towards the Leisure Centre so I followed this until I found the turning  back to the main road. A pleasant walk!

View towards Fairlee Road from Mew Lane

Cemetery

Distance: 3 miles
Footpaths used:  N118, N117, N208, N208c