A five miles walk from Godshill, Isle of Wight to Bonchurch

We took a bus to Godshill and walked back to Bonchurch. 

We had an early desert of wild cherries that were quite delicious.

The weather was perfect for hay making.

Our route was via the donkey sanctuary.

Ascending St Martin's Down, we had a bite of home made cake from Godshill craft market and very excellent it was too.

A short stretch of ancient woods gave a welcome break from the sun.

Fine views of Sandown Bay from St Martin's Down...

...with lots of Common Spotted-orchids to delight the eye.

From Shanklin Down there are fine views towards Portsmouth...

and the Millennium tower.

Continuing along the ridge of the Downs is...

...which to a Sussex rambler is quite extraordinary.  It must have an acidic topsoil as heather grows there.  Click on any picture to expand it.

The view back to St Martin's Down at the end of the ridge.

 The view from St Boniface Down to Ventnor was appreciated by Charles Dickens.  He walked the same route from and to Bonchurch down this precipitous hill.

It is easy to see why so many poets and writers came to this jewel of a village.  Click to enlarge the picture.

The pond is constantly fed by a spring and is teaming with fish.

We got back to the hotel, Winterbourne House, where Dickens once stayed and wrote, just as a Brittany Ferry was passing.  This location is idyllic.