Isle of Wight Cycle and Trek Vid

Day 5

　
Breakfast was a 200g bar of Cadburys chocolate and tasted great. It was a wet night so the tent was packed away damp and heavy. I was out of water within an hour and the next refuelling station was in Freshwater Bay some 4 hours away.
The sun was shining and it made all the colours in the rock even more special. At Hanover point I could see where the coastline cliffs change from chalk to sandstone and clay. Also, at Hanover point was a toilet that had fresh drinking water. I was very relieved.
I had spoken to Alison and she told me they had got the earlier ferry and would meet me at the most westerly point of the island called The Needles. I arrived at the destination 11 miles after setting of this morning. I was still feeling strong so I got changed into my running gear and Alison’s dad and I ran to Yarmouth some 6 miles away.
After a swift beer we decided to follow the coast further round and aim to be picked up in Hamsted. However, the coastal path for once followed the shoreline completely and made it impossible to be picked up by car. Without knowing exactly where we were, we decided to help back to the man road and found our pick up team in the pub. I covered approx 25 miles by foot today.
I thoroughly enjoyed this micro adventure and was truly amazed at the islands hospitality.

Day 4

Alarm bell rang at 0720hrs. A quick shower and beans on toast for breakfast. The path was much easier to follow today that at times passed through villages, climbed cliffs and rambled through forests. The weather was forecasted cloud until approx 1500hrs when rain was predicted. And sure enough the prediction came true. However, I stocked up with food from the little village of Niton and when the weather was changing I hid in a brick hut in the middle of a recently harvested field.
It started to hail and the temperature dropped dramatically. I pulled out my sleeping bag and started to read my book and wait for the weather to pass. At 1600hrs I packed up and continued walking watching the sun lower in front of me.
This part of the southern coast was beautiful. I had to pass around and through some chines. I was told by some locals that there has been landslides in the last couple of days and these were clearly noticeable. I was reluctant to camp right on the edge of the cliff but I found a nice spot a few yards away and watch the sun drop. I love wild camping! 15 miles covered.

Day 3

This is what it was all about. I was very excited about the hike as I have never done anything like this before. I took up my neighbours breakfast offer and headed towards the coastal path at 1000hrs.
Immediately I realised the path was harder to follow than I expected. After 0.5mile the path had been closed and a diversion along the road was suggested. As soon as I was back on the path, a recent land slip had made the footpath impassable with no diversion offered. Frustrated and aching already from my heavy backpack, I walked back to the road until I saw an opportunity to head back towards the coast.
I group of elderly cyclist passed me called the Bembridge Wheelers. We stopped and spoke about our cycling experiences. They got me back on track and I said farewell. I passed over some high hills and entered the coastal village of Sandon. I noticed a lot of bicycles outside the café and was ushered in by one of the Wheelers and treated to a welcomed coffee. With email addresses exchange I was back on the path and plodding away
By 1500hrs I was starting to feel rather tired and my exhaustion was noticed by a local who offered me another cup of tea. I excepted his offer and put my feet up. George had numerous bird boxes on his patio and is regularly frequented by red squirrels. As we chatted I was treated to a visit by these fluffy creatures. I had never seen a red squirrel before and was astonished by its beauty.
George and I had a lot in common and we chatted for ages. He suggested I stay for dinner and was offered a bed in the spare room for the night. I had only walked 10 miles but my back was sore from the heavy bag. I knew that if I stopped now it would not be possible to walk around the entire island but decided experience like these where more important.

Day 2

I was up early as I planned to get through Portsmouth before rush hour. The sun was shining and I was in a much better mood. The roads were quiet and cycling enjoyable. After getting lost a few times the Portsmouth spire could be seen in the distance. I decided to head due south and then follow the harbour around until I get to the hover craft crossing.

The hovercraft only takes 10 mins in comparison to the 40 mins boat ride. However, the hovercraft would not allow me on with my bike for another couple of hours so I had no choice but to get the boat. After a smooth crossing I disembarked and began my 10 mile ride to Bembridge, which is on the East of the island and my start of the hike.

My accommodation for the night was a floor of a friends summerhouse at the end of the garden. There was no power in the shed so I spoke to the neighbour that should they see a torch shinning in next doors garden to not call the police as it was just me. The neighbour was so sweet. She made me endless cups of tea and offered me breakfast in the morning.

I packed my bags in preparation for the hike the following day and headed of to a pub to watch the Man Utd vs. Milan.

Day 1

9th Tuesday March 2010
Day 1
I really wasn’t feeling this micro adventure. Well the cycle part anyway. I was taking a new bicycle and didn’t have a map to get me to Portsmouth. There were also a few hills called the south downs between myself and the finish line. I was very tempted to get the train but the whole ethos about these trips are that they are meant to be cheap.
By 1030hrs the bike was finally loaded and I was ready to leave. I got as far as 2 miles away when I realised I had not packed any puncture repair kits or spare tyres. Refusing to turn back, I plodded forth and fought against the bitterly cold wind.
Everything seemed to hurt, the bike felt heavy and I couldn’t help but struggle. After 17 miles I stopped for a coffee and cake.
After cycling through the sprawl of Crawly the surroundings became more rural. The darkness was drawing closer and it was time to be on the prowl for a campsite. I was surrounded by farmers fields but there was always a house that would have seen me wild camp there. I pressed on and out of nowhere a camping sign appeared at the side of the road. I followed the signs and it ended up at the Limeburners Pub.
To my delight, the landlord said I could camp for as little as £5 and make use of the facilities. After the shower I headed to the bar for dinner and some beer.
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