Appley to Seaview

The teenager and I have decided to go for a walk every Sunday afternoon for the foreseeable future, come rain or shine. I'm not sure about the last bit as we are essentially creatures of comfort who prefer to stay in the dry, if not the warm. However, we have made a start.

 

We drove to Ryde and parked in the car park behind Appley Tower, a folly on the seafront, then strolled through the soggy park and down to the promenade. From here we turned right, headed past the tower and stomped along the seafront past the wintry, sandy beach full of dog walkers, and avoided small children on bicycles and scooters. The wind was behind us, and the drizzle was upon us, but we carried on, chatting amiably about films, books and school. Very pleasant. The promenade took us past lots of fading Victorian and early 20th century villas, and as far as the beginning of Seaview, a lovely village, and its extremely nice beach houses. When the path turned towards the village proper, we turned back, and detoured through Puckpool Park, built in the remains of a 19th century coastal fortification.

 

On the way home we made a minor detour and stopped for a cuppa and a slice of cake at Bluebell's Café at Briddlesford Farm. Very nice it was too, and I highly recommend the lemon drizzle cake!