Plan your trip
WALK HERE
Turn to Walk 4 at the back of this magazine for an 11-mile walk from Carisbrooke Castle to Shorwell. Find five more walks exploring our parts of the Isle of Wight at www.livefortheoutdoors. com/bonusroutes
GETTING THERE
Wightlink (0333 999 7333; www.wightlink.co.uk) operates car and passenger ferries from Portmouth to Fishbourne (45 mins) and Lymington to Yarmouth (40 mins), plus a high-speed catamaran to Ryde (22 mins). Red Funnel (02380 248500; www.redfunnel. co.uk) offers competing services from Southampton to Cowes (25 and 60 mins). Fares range from £28 for a short-stay return on foot (which can be covered by a National Rail ticket), to £54 for a short stay with a vehicle.
GETTING AROUND
Southern Vectis operate 18 bus routes around the island, including the seasonal Needles Breezer and Island Coaster services, which are especially useful to walkers (0330 0539 182; www.islandbuses.info). Island Line trains serve the east of the island ( www.southwesternrailway.com).
WHERE TO EAT
Midway on Walk 4, we recommend stopping for lunch at the The Crown Inn in Shorwell. With a stream gurgling through its garden, this historic village hostelry is the perfect spot to relax with a pint of real ale. On the menu are a choice of tasty local specialities, including Isle of Wight stuffed pheasant breast (£13.95), and pub classics from £10.95.
WHERE TO STAY
Sleep soundly in a country B&B at Rowborough Stone Barn in the Bowcombe Valley, where you can stay in one of three Wightthemed, en-suite double rooms, available from £85pn ( www. bedandbreakfast-isleofwight.com; 01983 533325). For a quirkier break, book into one of the unusual glamping pods at Carisbrooke’s Windmill Campersite, which include shepherds’ huts, cosy ‘shacks’ and a Westland Wessex helicopter. Prices start from £25pn. It’s open May to September and campervan/tent pitches are also available (079 5757 2221; www.windmillcampersite.com)
MORE INFORMATION
To find more places to eat out and stay on the Isle of Wight, log onto www.visitisleofwight.co.uk. Here you’ll also find details for the Isle of Walking Festival, which this year takes place from April 28th to May 13th.