Quelling Quarr and Striking Spires
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Join ODL on the Isle of Wight for a post-Pride Sunday stroll from Ryde Pier head out to Whippingham with a steam locomotive back towards Ryde. This walk is ideal for beginners and seasoned ODL regulars alike, and a great way to meet new friends and see more of this lovely part of the country.
"It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot" said Queen Victoria of Osborne House her beloved home on the Isle of Wight; the same can be said about so much of this charming island.
We will take the coastal path out of Ryde and head in the direction of Fishbourne, past the ruins of a Norman Abbey dating back to 1132AD and the impressive current rebuilt Quarr Abbey completed in 1912, the monastery is considered one of the most important twentieth-century religious structures in the UK, and is still home to a religious order of monks. We can stop here at the Quarr cafe for refreshments.
We will then head further west along Wootton Creek into the town of Wootton Bridge and over it's namesake bridge, through woodland and farmland onto our lunch spot destination of St Mildred's church at Whippingham. This unique church dates back to the Doomsday book as a place of worship, It was heavily redesigned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria with styling reminiscent of his homeland as a suitably grand place of worship for Victoria and her family, whenever the royal family was in residence at nearby Osborne House.
After lunch we will walk along the River Medina past the marina and back across country to Wootton, where we have our own carriage reserved on the Isle of Wight Steam railway which will take us back towards Ryde in the style and comfort of a bygone era. We have a discounted price for the journey from Wootten to Smallbrook Junction of £9 per person and dogs travelling for £3 each. From Smallbrook to Ryde we will need to change onto the mainline service (single fare of £3) to return to the starting point.
What to bring
Water: at least two litres but you can refill at Whippingham church yard
Medicines: anything you may require on the walk, hay fever, diabetes, minor ailment medication
Rucksack: 20-30 litre is ideal, comfortable and freeing up your hands and arms.
Boots: waterproof breathable hiking boots, if no rain forecast trainers are ok.
Socks: good quality walking socks keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters also blister plasters if you might need them.
Layered clothing: allows you to adapt quickly to changes in weather and body temprature. Base layer T-shirt or vest, microfleece mid layer and a windproof jacket makes for complete versatility on the go.
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy when wet and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry quickly, shorts should be ok if no rain or high winds forecast.
Hat: keeps you shaded in summer.
Sunglasses: essential for sunny days.
Suncream: essential even on cloudy days.
Snacks: being snacks in an easy to reach place such as side pockets of your rucksack.
Dogs: Well behaved dogs are always welcome on my walks, make sure you pack all your four legged friend needs for a day out, Check your dogs tick prevention is up to date especially in the summer months.
Cash: the steam railway from Wootten to Smallbook Junction costs £9 per person and £3 per dog. The journey from Smallbrook to Ryde is £3.
Food & drink
You will need to bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. You can refill water bottles at St Mildred's church at the standpipe in the churchyard.
There are a few benches in the church grounds but definitely not enough for a full ODL walking group so something to sit on on the ground for your own comfort is advisable.