GUIDED WALKS & ACTIVITIES 2012

All guided walks are led by experts. Unless otherwise stated, they last approximately 2 hours, are easy and suited for the casual walker, dogs are not allowed and booking is not required.

No charge but donations to the National Trust are invited.

Leader for all = National Trust (01983) 741020

Please keep checking this page as more activities are added.

Winter Bird Walk

Sun 19 February 2012 at 1000

Both walks start at the Visitor Point / Old Town Hall Car Park. Please bring binoculars if you have them. It may well be wet under foot so wellies recommended. Level walking.

IW WALKING FESTIVAL

Sat 5 May 9am

Wildlife of the Wydcombe Estate

Hoping to see and hear some Spring migrant birds, we will stroll around Wydcombe and St Catherine’s Down to look for the wildlife of the National Trust hidden gem. (Booking essential)

Meeting point to be advised when booking.

2-3 hours

3-4 miles

Moderate with some stiles and steps

Family friendly

Sturdy boots recommended

Sat 5 May 12.30pm -4pm

Compton Bay & Downs: A walk back in time

Join us on this linear walk to discover what the rocks can reveal about life millions of years ago and how the landscape has changed. Approx 3 miles.  Booking essential on (01983) 741020

Meet at Brook Chine car park (SZ 387 836). We will then car share to Freshwater Bay car park for the start of the walk (Arrangements to be confirmed when booking). Then at the end of the walk, cars left at Brook Chine will be used to take people back to Freshwater Bay.

Tues 8 May 1400 - 1630

Spring Flowers & Butterflies on Tennyson Down

Join our local Ranger for a walk looking at the flowers and butterflies on this dramatic stretch of downland.

Meet at Highdown chalk pit NT car park SZ 325 855

This is a moderately strenuous walk of approximately 3 miles with a short but steep descent. There are four kissing gates and it can be muddy if wet.  Sorry no dogs

Part of IW Walking Festival

Weds 9 May 0500 - 0700

Newtown Dawn Chorus

This is a gentle stroll through the meadows and woods, followed by breakfast of coffee & croissants. Experience the dawn chorus and to see the sun rise over Newtown Harbour. No knowledge of bird song required just the ability to get up early.

Bring binoculars if you have them. Booking essential on (01983) 741020. Charge £6 to include breakfast.

Meet at Newtown Old Town Hall National Trust Car Park SZ 423 906.

About 1 mile, gentle level walking through meadows, muddy if wet.

Part of IW Walking Festival

Weds 16 & Sun 20 May, 2pm

Discover Culver Downs

An interesting circular walk exploring some of the local history and Island heritage, with some stunning views along the way

Meet outside of Bembridge Windmill (SZ 639 874)

2.5 hours

3.25 miles

Dogs on leads welcome

Moderate, with some stiles and steps

Sturdy boots recommended.

Fri 8 June 10am

Lichen Workshop

Most people don't even notice lichens, but after this workshop, you'll never look at tree bark or stone walls in the same way again. Join a local lichen expert and discover the fascinating world of lichens and learn to identify them using keys.

Meet at Newtown Old Town Hall National Trust Car Park SZ 423 906.

Bring a hand lens if you have one.

£3 per person. Booking essential on (01983) 741020

Sun 8 July 11am – 4pm

Isle of Wight Community Day, Bembridge Fort

Thurs 12 July 8.30pm – 11pm

Mottistone Common Nightjar Walk

An easy twilight stroll listening to and looking for the nightjars that live on the common.

Meet in the National Trust car park at the bottom of

Please bring binoculars if you have them and a torch.

The walk is along an easy gravel track with a gentle ascent and is suitable for all-terrain wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Weds 8 Aug 11am

SANDCASTLE COMPETITION: Compton Bay

Will yours be the last castle standing or the best sand sculpture?

Park at Hanover Point National Trust car park (SZ 378 841) and meet on the beach near the steps to register between 1030 and 11am.
The last castles standing will be the ones that survive the 1pm high tide and if any are left, will be judged at 1.30pm

_________________________________________

National Trust Walking Festival

Saturday 27 October 9am

Autumn Bird Walk

A stroll around Bembridge & Culver Downs to admire the views and look and listen for migrant birds both on the ground and up above.

Meet outside of Bembridge Fort (SZ 625 860)

2 hours

2-3miles

Moderate. Some stiles & steps. Sturdy boots recommended.

Family friendly.

Dogs on leads welcome.