Carisbrooke - how many ways?

During this past year I have had many walks centering on Carisbrooke Castle, and have found several new footpaths and variations to my regular walk. The castle is such a focal point locally; not incredibly imposing until you're close by, but there in the background much of the time.

My regular walk goes along the footpath from the road entrance to Victoria Recreation Ground (Recreation Ground Road/ Wilver Road), to Wellington Road. From here I pick up another footpath leading past St Thomas' Primary and Christ the King College and on towards the ancient church. You can either go through the churchyard or straight on past the duck pond to Gunville Road (or right to the estate if you feel so inclined). Either way leads to the mini-roundabout. From here I cross to Clatterford Road, and continue along to Clatterford Shute which leads down to a ford through Lukely Brook, and on to Well Lane. From here I walk up the steep path to the castle carpark, round the moat path to a sunken path leading downhill back to Castle Hill, and from there to Spring Lane (another ford) and back to the Village.

I don't always have the energy to walk up the hill to the castle so wander along Miller's Lane instead, which is pretty. From Castle Hill, there are two footpaths leading downhill to either Miller's Lane or Castle Lane. 

I discovered another footpath recently;  having decided not to walk to the castle, I walked along Whitepit Lane as far as JJ's Chip Shop and found a footpath heading to the Castle. Well. I had to see where it went! The path led uphill for three quarters of a muddy mile and I eventually slithered out at the top of Mountjoy, between the deer park and the cemetery. There were benches in strategic places (yay!), and I paused several times to admire the magnificent view across Newport and straight up the River Medina. It wasn't because I was unfit, honest. Mind you, it was a narrow path and very muddy after recent rain so it was quite a tricky slither. Anyway, the path continued past the cemetery to Whitcombe Road, with the option of a path to Nunnery Lane. The road must be crossed here, and after a brief walk up hill leads to the castle moat via another short path.

I chose not to go to the moat that day as it had been very muddy the day before and I had done enough slithering about, so I followed the road round to Froglands Lane and stomped down here, past another ford, and hedgerows full of catkins and snowdrops. The lane joins up with Clatterford Shute  and Miller's Lane.

Another route was somewhat less direct; I walked along to Shide then up Nunnery Lane (very narrow and very little wiggle room if a car drives along). Nunnery Lane comes out at the top of Whitcombe Road opposite the carpark, and next to Carisbrooke Priory. From there, take your pick of routes already mentioned!