Nunwell – Ashey - Brading Woods and Downs
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Variety all the way for this personal journey back in time. Leave the historic Bull Ring after admiring the impressive bull and wander the quiet back streets skirting around Brading. Soon the open fields and downs beckon. Look for flint tools as you walk up the first long field in Waymark 05. My neighbour and I have found quite a few scrapers which he tells me could be 10,000 to 50,000 years old. If you can hold one in your hand it is truly mind-boggling to imagine who last held it. They are pretty common, so good luck.
As you join the steepening foot of the Nunwell downs you contour parallel with it. Watch out for red squirrels. They are even easier to spot. In fact you will be unlucky not to spot one. Another interesting mammal around here is the stoat. I once saw three from this track. They survive on the plentiful rabbits. You will turn away from the downs and cross open farmland to arrive at a beautiful pair of miniature adjacent woodlands called Bloodstone and Eaglehead Copses. (See 'Additional Info' for a link). As kids me and my brothers played in these woods which we always called Bluebell Woods for reasons you will see if you walk it in April or May bluebell season.
Next, after an invigorating climb, you get to see the same woods from above on the side of the chalky Ashey Downs. We used to take matches, bread and butter to make bonfires and toast. Well, you can guess what happened one windy day. Luckily someone helped us put the fire out. Boy, that burnt toast tasted so good.
A short, safe roadside walk brings you back to the roller coaster curves of Nunwell and Brading Downs. There's often an ice cream van in the car park viewpoint. Cross the ridge top and descend to the dark wooded north slopes. On your way back to the Bull Ring perhaps pause for a rest at Brading's community playing-fields with their plentiful seating.
England - South England - Isle of Wight - Countryside
Features
Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Nature Trail, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, Wildlife, Woodland
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