We eventually left at about 9.30am heading for the chain link ferry across to West Cowes, we navigated out of the town with very few difficulties - the signage for cycle route 23 has been much better today - and headed onto the 'red squirrel trail'. This cycle route is part of route 23 and mostly off road from north to south down the middle of the island.
The first section from Cowes to Newport was beautifully tarmaced and smooth to ride following the Medina estuary. We made swift progress covering the distance quickly. Once on the edge of Newport, we stopped at picnic benches whilst Adrian popped to Screwfix, but our reproofing spray hadn't arrived yet.
As it was still only 10.50am, we decided we would risk the slight diversion and visit Carisbrooke Castle as we knew from our Osbourne house visit yesterday that there was a special event on there today. Now.... Castles are on hills!!!... I have aversions to hills!! I made it up fine though. Hannah and Emily walked some of the way and Tom trailed in Adrian's slip-stream all the way up with no problems! We locked our bikes and gear up thoroughly to a fence (no bike racks whatsoever here - poor show English Heritage) - this would be the first time ever leaving loaded bikes unattended as well as the trailer. Luckily, with the event on, there were extra parking supervisors on duty, so we asked a young lad to keep an eye on our gear for us and he kindly agreed. We headed up to the castle with what seemed like thousands of others. After a quick explore of the ramparts and the traditional market set up in the Bailey, we headed for the bowling green for the main events. We watched a falconry display followed by a real joust on horses - good verses evil - which was very exciting - evil won :-( . Emily and Hannah enjoyed the court jester and visiting the donkeys who are trained to turn the wheel for the well while Tom had a go at shooting a crossbow. The twins bought swords from the shop and Hannah bought a diabolo with their holiday money - they have promised to carry them themselves! After a 3 hour stop we decided to continue our cycle as we didn't know the condition of the track or the exact distance to our campsite. We headed back into Newport and Adrian cycled back to Screwfix to pick up our 3 bottles of 'fabsil' whilst the kids looked after our bikes outside co-op and I bought a late lunch (snacks and an ice lolly had kept up going until almost 3pm!) We ate our sandwiches tucked on a bench in the shade behind the church and then headed off to join the bike path. City/town cycling is never pleasant, but even more so with a convoy of 5 bikes and a trailer (with 3 of those being children under 10) Newport is very busy with a ridiculous number of traffic lights, but the kids coped really well, concentrating perfectly, staying in a tight pack and not getting themselves knocked off their bikes by either cars or pedestrians! We eventually found our way back through and onto the path, this time unfortunately it was a gravel track - which Hannah hates "not off road mum!!!" - and the adult touring bikes cope less well with. On the plus side, the scenery and views cycling through tranquil countryside were spectacular, although we are yet to spot our first red squirrel after which the route is named.
Again we made excellent time on the path and with a final 2.5 miles on a busy A-road with hills (far more difficult to stay tight together when heading up hill) which was mental, we arrived at Ninham country holidays. It had taken only 1.5hrs from Newport, but we have learnt our lesson with main trunk roads and will endeavour to avoid them where we can in future.
The campsite is beautiful set in huge grounds with a lovely modern toilet block and tents well spaced apart. Very basic (perfect for us) due to the Morrisons situated half a mile down the A-road, but it does have a lovely outdoor pool and a plug socket in the laundry room should we need to charge our battery packs. It was 5pm so Adrian and I set up camp while the kids explored. I cooked pasta for tea and then took the kids for a late dip (the pool is open til 8 - perfect in this glorious weather) and showers while Adrian walked to Morrisions for milk and breakfast provisions.
Once the kids were in bed Adrian and I sat down on our new touring chairs (well worth the extra weight not to be sitting on the floor) with a cup of tea late into the night. It was beautifully peaceful, clear skies and an almost full moon shining down on us. I even got out my new down jacket for the first time and was snugly warm! What a way to end a busy, successful day.
28km cycled today, many hills and a 3hr castle stop in the middle.
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