HOME PAGE

This page is still being constructed. Photographs, links, road numbers and grid references have yet to be entered. The route can, of course, be ridden in either direction, so many of the photographs show views taken whilst heading for Freshwater.

Underlined words within the text are links to further information, other web sites or to photographs. Grid references are marked in blue.

• STARTING POINT: West Wight Sports Centre, Freshwater. [Sports facilities, cafe and 'Pay & Display' car park.] Public toilets in car park. Village shops nearby.
• Out of the car park, turn right, then immediately right on road east through village. Follow road to mini roundabout by Co-op and petrol station.
• Straight over roundabout between the Co-op and the garage. Pass garden centre and 'End Of The Line' cafe. Immediately beyond garden centre car park, turn left onto small bridleway track next to stream.

• The track is narrow at first, but becomes wider at 90 degree right turn. You are now on the bed of the old railway. Follow this until you reach the road at The Causeway. Leave the bridleway and turn right onto road.
• Follow the minor road until it meets the Bxxxx at Afton Barns. This can be an awkward junction. Turn left, then immediately right onto unmade road/track.
• Just a few metres along the track, turn left onto bridleway across fields. This bridleway climbs gently between two fields, through a narrow gateway and onto the bottom corner of the golf course.

• Keep to the right. A rough track climbs to the right, then sharply back to the left. Follow this track upwards across the golf course. Keep to the track. You are now on the Tennyson Trail that runs along the ridge of the Downs. This track is occasionally used by 4-wheel drive vehicles who do have a legal right to use the trail. Good open views on both sides.
• At the end of the golf course there is a gate. The trail now leads out onto the open Downland. Keep on the trail. From here the views are stunning in good weather. The trail continues over undulating Downland, then descend very steeply to cross the road.
• Cross over and go through the gate. The trail climbs for some distance.

• Pass through the gate at the top and go straight on up. At the very top, there is another gate and the view is WOW! So is the downhill that follows. Warning! This part of the down is littered with sites of historic and scientific interest. Please keep to the trail. You may also want to watch out for rabbit holes!
• Try to stop in time for the gate at the bottom of the hill. Go through the car park, cross the road and enter the track on the opposite side. This is an easier climb than the last one.
• Near the top, turn left thorough the gate into the forest. The route is marked Tennyson Trail. The forest has many curving trails and it is easy to lose your direction.

• Once in the forest, there is a crossing of tracks. The Tennyson way climbs ahead of you or an alternative track swings right. Either route is fine but the alternative isn't as clear to follow.
• As you come out of the forest on the east side, the aerial of Rowridge TV transmitter is ahead and left. More forest is to your right. Stay on the trail, it's easy from here!
• Various other paths and tracks drop off the Down to either side. Keep straight on. Eventually, you will see Carisbrooke Castle ahead right and the track will enter a sunken lane. This lane descends to the road in Carisbrooke.
• Turn left, down a short hill, then join the B3401. Right goes to Newport, left returns to Freshwater.

• ALTERNATIVE ENDING. As you leave the sunken lane, turn right. Follow the lane until it reaches a bigger road. Cross into Clatterford Shute and down the steep hill. Go through the ford and follow the lane to the left. This follows the stream and brings you to a point below the castle.