Day 4: Brighstone to Shanklin

To quote the Dean's Virger of St. Paul's Cathedral, "Holy living Lord almighty!" What a day. We're both very tired and very sore having walked another 27 kms (16 miles) mostly up and down steep hills. But it was worth it!

The day began just after 9 am and was very much like the end of yesterday scenery-wise. 

 

We took a tiny shortcut to avoid the first Chine on the path. (We have decided we don't like Chines at all, thank you very much.)

 

Another beautiful day to walk and we started off by looking back at where we'd been the day before. 

 

Dad found another good field and had to take a picture.

 

Much of the pathway seemed to be eroding away, including this rather alarming chunk that had separated from the cliff edge. We didn't get too close to inspect it. 

 

Another good field. This one is Canola (known as rapeseed in the U.K.).

 

We stopped for an early lunch in Chale, where the bell tower chimed like St. Paul's. 

 

 

 

We then hiked up a very steep hill at Blackgang Chine where we heard children screaming as the were riding the rollercoaster at the local park. (Or perhaps they'd accidentally stumbled upon the Naturist Resort...? We'll never know...)

 

 

Finally we made it to the southernmost point of the Coastal Path, so we had to take a selfie. This was only half our day!

Dad and I couldn't quite believe the size of this field. It must have been a couple hundred acres and was beautifully cultivated and was just sprouting its winter barley or wheat. 

 

The path continued on through more ivy tunnels. At times it felt like Narnia and we'd find snow on the other side. 

Ventnor was a sleepy little town that reminded us of Tobermory, Ontario. 

 

 

 

We spent some time trying to work out how much concrete it'd take to build the seaside path we took alongside the island but we gave up as every time we turned a corner, there was more concrete!

 

 

The clear, easy concrete was followed by the most difficult section of the path as it seemed we went straight up and then straight down. Our blisters and sore legs didn't enjoy it very much but it was still beautiful with these old stone walls lining parts of the pathway. Very rewarding. 

Finally, Shanklin came into view. 

 

The most rewarding thing today is the bathtub in your room! (We've only had showers the last three nights.) And so I'm going to soak myself before tea and then out to the Old Village for dinner. 

 

The Belmont Hotel wins the prize for the biggest room to date *and* a bathtub!! 22 kms (13.5 miles) tomorrow, if our poor feet can take it!

Thanks everyone for the lovely comments on these posts!