> Holidays photos <		southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Isle of Wight Autumn 2007 Day 3
		Day 1, Day 2, Day 4, Day 5
		Today the coach drops us off a few miles West of Carisbrooke, and Mary our leader for the day from Step-by-Step Holidays starts the walk on another bright day. Up we head towards the chalk backbone of the island. .
		A choice of routes. The island is very unusual in having signposts out in the countryside as well as by roadsides. .
		Down we carefully go on a loose surface .
		And up again .
		Pausing for a breather - Janet and Margaret have a chat with Wayne and Dave, also on holiday at the Hambledon. They walk with us for the three day walks, .
		Patrick keeps Mary talking while we have another breather .
		We make the top of the ridge .
		Olivia studies the topograph .
		On Limerstone Down .
		After 6 miles we reach the pub at Brighstone for our pre-ordered light lunch .
		Setting off through the village we are amazed to see this summery display in late October ..
		Another animal afternoon? .
		A view of the ridge .
		Up through a conifer wood we hope to see a red squirrel, and do find a nibbled cone, but they are hiding. There are over 3,000 on the island and no greys, and no deer either. .
		* Zooming in to Tennyson Down near the Needles .
		* We reach the Long Stone near Mottistone .
		What is Jim saying? Answers on a postcard to .... .
		* Nearer to our destination, you might just spot the top of Brook House on the right .
		As in our area, the National Trust use cattle to keep the hillsides grazed .
		Lots of hedgerows are being planted on the island to join up Ancient Woodlands. This is mainly hazel and farmers are receiving a grant for 15 years, after which they will earn income by coppicing it. It is to enable red squirrels to spread and breed more successfully. They rarely travel at ground level and prefer moving through the trees, Read more about the JIGSAW scheme here (and find out what JIGSAW stands for!). .
		* We arrive at the sea near Brook just after 4pm, having covered 11.5 miles and 1600 feet of ascent in pretty quick time .
		* We view the landslip carefully .
		Then wait for the bus - Jim is keeping warm! .
		Photos by Mike and *Patrick
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		Day 4