Up and down the Downs

 It was another clear, crisp and bight autumn day and when N suggested we should make the most of it and go for a walk, I jumped at the idea.   We have often said that we need to actually make the effort to get out and about more during the winter and to take advantage of days just like today.

One of the many views of Carisbrooke Castle we had on our walk.  You can see the main gate right in the centre of the photo, and the keep on the far left.  There are battlements and a deep (but nowadays dry) moat all the way around.

We have a number of books of walks on the Island, and the one we chose to do was a circular route around Carisbrooke, and our starting point was a handy car park overlooking Carisbrooke Castle.  Our little island is well served for places and buildings of historical interest, and the Castle is right up there with the best.  Dating back to the 12th century, it is well-known for being the prison to King Charles I, and for the donkeys who operate a wheel to bring water up from the well in the well-house.  The Castle also features in the novel Moonfleet, by J Meade Faulkner - I have to mention that because N read the book a few weeks ago!  

Here's the main gate to the Castle - you can see the narrow arrow slits for defending against invaders

It was a really enjoyable walk, about 6 or so miles long, and the views were great.  There were intriguing sunken paths, 

and climbs up to the top of the downs - the name given to the rolling hills on the Island - where we spent time pin-pointing various landmarks and features.  At the top of Bowcombe Down (bit of a steep climb!) we joined the Tennyson Trail, one of the major footpaths which links Newport to Yarmouth.  The views across the Island were extensive and we could see glimpses of sea to the north and south.  

The view from the Tennyson Trail, which goes from the centre of the Island out to the west, looking to the east.  We were amazed how far we could see. 

We climbed up Downs and and down Downs.  There's a lot of that on the Island - it's surprisingly hilly.  It was a bit muddy in places - sturdy walking boots are a must, and N's walking gaitors meant his trousers stayed clean whereas mine will need to go in the wash!  We both took the opportunity of kicking up fallen leaves, as you do, but learned our lesson when we kicked stones by mistake. 

Coming down one Down, towards the hamlet of Bowcombe in the valley, with Bowcombe Down to go up the other side!

As we were coming back towards the Castle, we had to walk down Clatterford Shute and the instructions in the book were to 'cross the Lukely Brook at the bottom'.  As we approached I did get a little concerned as the Brook was rather more than just a trickle; I couldn't see the little bridge to the side!  

Lukely Brook

We arrived back at the car feeling a little puffed through exertion and the chilly weather but really pleased we'd made ourselves get out and about.  There are so many well-marked footpaths and bridleways to walk on the Island, and any one of them will take you away from the roads and into the countryside.  No cost involved (apart from possibly transport there and back) and there's the pleasure of fresh air, exercise and never quite knowing what might be around the corner.  

When we got back, I made drop scones, having been reminded of them in a recent post by Rhonda on her Down to Earth blog.  Served up with butter and home-made damson jam, they were every bit as delicious as I remembered.  There's batter left over and we'll finish it tomorrow for breakfast.