7/5/06 - After braving the parking lottery of Ryde, 9 people met at the train station on a warm sunny morning. Leaving Spencer behind to pick up any stragglers, we set off through the quiet end of town towards the golf course where Spencer and the 3 late arrivals joined us. Passing Binstead church, we continued along the coastal path, passing the ruined and non-ruined Quarr Abbeys. Through Fisbourne, we then made our way along the road before diving into Firestone Copse, where the bluebells were beginning to emerge. Following the edge of the woods to the creek for a lunch stop, we were treated to a Spitfire flyover and suspicious tales of crocodiles from the ever believable Martin. Continuing along the creek and around the forest back to the road before heading through Puckers Copse back to Quarr Abbey for an afternoon tea and cake. Finally back along the track to Ryde where we were briefly tempted by a second tea stop at Binstead Church but heroically resisted. Back into town we dispersed to begin the long search for our cars (and the way out of Ryde).

Leader - Alison

Total Distance - 9.5 Miles