Walk OF THE WEEK

BEMBRIDGE FORT, SANDOWN, ISLE OF WIGHT

Although peaceful today, Bembridge and Culver Downs were once a scene of heavy military activity.

This fairly flat walk along the top of the downs gives an insight into the Isle of Wight’s wartime role.

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.8 miles / Approx 1 hour

1 From the car park, take the road to Bembridge Fort for a look. Then return in the direction of the car park, but follow the grassy path running alongside the road on its left as far as you can.

2 At the field boundary the path cuts through the hedge back to the road. Cross straight over the road, go through the opposite hedge and turn left, following the grassy path which runs parallel to the road on its right. 3 The path rejoins the road at a cattle grid just before the Culver Haven Inn. Go through the gate to the side of the cattle grid and follow the tarmac road past the inn to the car park marking the site of the old signal station. 4 Continue along the road to the start of the one-way system and follow it left, down to the car park with views to Whitecliff Bay and Brading Haven. Proceed on to Culver Battery.

5 Continue along the road to meet the outward route. Retrace your steps along the road past the inn, noting the War Department boundary stones.

6 Go through the gate alongside the cattle grid then leave the road on the left and follow the grassy ridge-top path that you came along, keeping the hedge and the road on your immediate right. Don’t cross the road this time but continue directly ahead and back to the car park.

Details and map at nationaltrust. org.uk/