Brading Surprises

This is an unusually difficult section to write because the nature of the walk is to look for surprises. If you can't bear the wait, I have listed them under 'Additional Information'.

Set off from the station and meander over and around the Brading and Nunwell Downs, where you will hopefully find all the surprises. There's even some at the station itself before the start. Moving away from the station and in a while through the park, contour along the base of the Downs for a while. You may be inclined to miss out the next dark surprise in the chalkpit near Waymark 09 (see Additional Info').

After beginning the climb, be wary of the surprise of mountain bikers as you make your way to the Downs ridge. See Additional Info' for an alternative.
At the top, as you cross the field just before the road crossing, spot an ancient structure hiding at the edge of the field.
At the ridge, the outstanding views open up before you across the valley to the Downs around Wroxall. Spot a historic building and a vineyard in the near foreground and monuments and obelisks on the distant hills. If you're lucky with the weather you might even see the ice cream van just down the ridge.

If you're very lucky you might see a giant of a bird. They have been seen from this spot, even on the ground. They are part of a reintroduction programme here on the island. Straight over the downs leads to a magical butterfly walk with added creativity and sheltered shady spots. Enjoy a seat and maybe a snack here before the short road-walk and further descent to another hidden white gem. This one sneaks up on you. If you chose this route then a short scramble from this hand-dug hole in the ground awaits you. Once again, if you don't feel up to a scramble see Additonal Info' for an alternative detour.

Out of this one and into another which is rather more advanced in its re-wilding. As ever, seats and surprises await you.
A short climb out of this one to the ridge again and another very overgrown pit as you descend the shady bridleway to the road you crossed earlier. Sorry, a brief bit of road-walking albeit past a pub. The final stretch is a riverside walk back to the station.

England - South England - Isle of Wight - Countryside

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Walk id: 8674

Walk grade

Moderate Walk

Length

3.7 Miles

Height gain

180 Metres

Duration

1 Hours 48 Mins

Average rating

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