Wootton and Briddlesford

Three of us set off on a exploration of the Wootton area this morning, at crack of dawn. Not entirely sure why, but it seemed like a good idea. We parked the car in Fernside Way, strolled round the corner to Station Road and turned left and went in search of a footpath. We rejected the first one we saw and took the second, heading blindly on (we did have a map but, well,...) until we eventually reached Briddlesford Road. We turned right again and continued until we got to Knights Cross and turned left down a farm track, past Knights Farm, and an antiques emporium until we came to the delightful Trufffles Tiny Campsite.

This was the main reason for the walk, as we had read about the campsite on Twitter and wanted to check it out. We were beguiled immediately! This was proper, almost wild, camping. With Llamas. We were shown around by Marnie, and saw the compost toilets (fantastic) and the wood burner, sunken fridge (butler sink with a lid), woodfire and solar heated shower, and outdoor kitchen area. Amazing. I felt like I wanted to live there all summer! I hope that it works out well as it is a lovely idea.

Afterwards we walked to Briddlesford Copse with Marnie and Stewart (a wild camper), and said goodbye, and then continued on to Wootton through Fernhill woods, past the ice house and Hurst Copse, picking blackberries on the way, then stopping at The Sloop for lunch before going home. Lovely!

Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/660662
Distance: 4.5 miles

Compost Toilet 

Camp kitchen

March

Snow Day
I had a pleasant amble around the town crunching through the ice layer on the snow and sliding on the ice patches on the hills. Good fun and very invigorating. Not quite the right snow for my sledge unfortunately.

Cowes
I needed a stomp after snow day so walked along to Egypt Hill, then up it and along Baring Road to the Zigzag and down, detouring through Mornington Woods and back along Queens Road and the lane behind Trinity Theatre before heading through town once more. Along the route were two of Paul Sivell's magnificent tree carvings; dolphins on Egypt Hill and Owls and squirrels at Mornington Woods. Lunch, prior to the walk, was at Tiffins, Lovely bacon and brie baguette.


Lower entrance to Mornington Woods

Lymington

We had a family day out to Lymington, travelling on the Wightlink ferry "Wight Sky", and noticing the penguin on the harbour wall as we passed. We then got the train to Lymington town, and meandered up the High Street through the snow, looking at the market and a few (warm) shops. We then had a lovely lunch in Prezzo before returning to the Island.

Isle  of Wight Symphony Orchestra

Another fabulous concert, with the orchestra playing 'Norwegian Dances' by Greig, a cello concerto by  Walton (not keen) with a fabulous soloist, Jamal  Aliyev, and then Dvorak's Fourth Symphony. Lovely! A very pleasant way to spend an evening.