Undercliff Drive has been closed to through traffic for several years due to a large landslip. We ambled along it for some time, passing woodland, interesting houses, snails, crossing a bridge and a strange stone inscribed with initials and a date and surrounded by a cage. No idea what it was for! We also found the remains of a stone cottage in a small nature reserve which had a small cloud of bumblebees buzzing round it. There were also enormous fungi!
We followed Undercliff Drive to Ventnor Botanic Gardens and had a very pleasant lunch in the cafe there. Afterwards we had a mooch around the gardens (Gardeners World 2 for 1 card came in handy here!) admiring all the interesting plants and then joined the coastal path and started our way back.
The coastal path led past Orchard Bay. We could see a rock at the far end with three cormorants on it, so we went down the steps and crossed the beach to have a closer look. This was a new beach to me and I really liked it! The beach was covered in fine shingle (not ideal when wearing sandals) but had big rocks at the bottom and sides which were great for scrambling on. We got quite close to the cormorants and then had an explore of the rocks and rock pools; there were lots of clusters of winkles (I think. Sea snails anyway.) in depressions in the rocks, and a lot of limpets. As we made our way back over the rocks near the steps we saw a lizard - really exciting! Neither of us had seen one before. We then saw a wren, which was nice but not as exciting.
Back up the steps then to follow the coastal path to St Lawrence and up a side path leading to St Lawrence Old Church. This was delightful. The church is small, seating perhaps 60 people, and dates from the twelfth century. The first rector was called Roger! There is a beautiful pre-raphaelite stained glass window there too.
We walked back into the village and rejoined Undercliff Drive and made our way back to the car. A really lovely, interesting walk.
Distance, including the botanic gardens, approx. 16km.
Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/843531?units=km
Great account of your walk. Fancy joining one of our complete 72 mile round the Island walks? As well as being part of IOW Ramblers, I also Chair IOW Long Distance Walkers Association - part of the national LDWA. I have been round 47 times. We go round about six times a year, in four days, three days, thirty-six hours and under twenty four hours. Some walks are great opportunities to take photographs and write blogs, others may incur some blisters! My wife and I have a smallholding in Kingston, Shorwell, where we have over fifty goats and other animals, plus a six-berth caravan and camping. We offer very cheap rates for walkers: £20 per person per night in the caravan, and £7 for camping - and can also rent tents and sleeping bags etc. Come and join us! Ring me on 07718-685936 for details.
ReplyDeleteHi David, thank you! I will certainly think about joining you.
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