Twenty-two members took part in the holiday, travelling by coach to Southampton, taking the ferry across to Cowes and then onward by coach to HF’s hotel at Freshwater Bay. The coach journey on the island took considerably longer than it usually would, as we had to go right past the site of the IoW music festival, which was in full swing, with large crowds walking along the road, many of them in entertaining regalia. The hotel had a great situation overlooking Freshwater Bay, and as with our past experiences with HF, the food was excellent, the staff friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere convivial. An added bonus in the very hot weather was the swimming pool, which many of us used to cool off after the days’ walks. Each day, there were three walks nominally of about 3-4, 5 or 7 miles respectively. It was warm or hot for the whole week.
The first day’s walks were based around Tennyson Down, the Old and New Batteries and the Needles, which looked stunning with the blue sea and sky. Those of us that returned via the Tennyson monument were treated to fabulous views and carpets of wild flowers including at least two species of orchid. On Monday (the day that Keir Starmer resigned!), we were driven to Compton Bay, where we walked along the beach, admiring the fossilised dinosaur feet that were scattered on the beach. We ended the walk inland in the picturesque village of Brighstone with its many thatched houses.
Tuesday was our free day and many of us went either to Osborne House, a favourite of Queen Victoria or to Mottisfont with its delightful gardens. On the following day, it was very hot, so the walk leaders decided to rearrange the programme and to curtail the lengths of the walks. Some of us walked slowly along the River Yar to Yarmouth, where we rewarded ourselves with ice creams before continuing to the town centre. We found some trees with a convenient bench, where we consumed our lunch before mooching around the pleasant little harbour-town and meeting up with the other groups.
On Thursday it was still very hot. We were taken to Bonchurch village with an interesting pond containing carp, mallard and terrapins, and an 11th century church. From there we descended to Ventnor beach, where after a rest for drinks, we proceeded along the Undercliff, before climbing up again, eventually reaching Ventnor Botanical Gardens. Some of the group remained in the café, others explored the extensive gardens. Hydrangeas were a particular feature with many different species, and a bamboo “tunnel” provided welcome shade.
On our final day the island was coated in mist and it was much cooler. The groups went by different routes to Carisbrooke Castle, The mist cleared at about mid-day enabling those in my group to have lunch in a field with wonderful views and surrounded by butterflies. There was much to see in Carisbrooke Castle, including the room where Charles I was imprisoned after his defeat in the Civil War. We also queued to see the resident donkeys using a treadmill to raise water from the castle well. However it was considered too hot for the donkeys to exert themselves, so we had to watch a young woman working the treadmill instead!
On our return, the ferry crossing was particularly enjoyable, as we sat out on deck watching the island go by and Southampton Docks come into view.
The holiday, co-ordinated by Alan, was very much enjoyed by all participants.