October

Red Squirrel Safari
A walk through Bouldnor Forest to look at the ecology and conservation of the Island’s most iconic species - the red squirrel. Wear wellies, waterproofs and old clothes. No dogs please. Booking essential.
Day: Thursday Date 11 October Time 10am to 1pm
Meet: Follow track from main road to forest parking site (of Yarmouth Road, Newport) SZ 378 896
Cost: Donation to Wildlife Trust welcome
Leader: Gareth Shelley. Phone 01983 760018 to book.

An Autumn Walk
Join the IW Ramblers and enjoy a countryside walk to see the autumn colours of hips, haws and berries and lovely downland views. Includes an apple stop.
Day: Sunday Date 14 October Time 10.30am Distance 4 miles
Meet: Brighstone village car park SZ 427 827
Leader: Audrey New 01983 740238

Walks from Rails: Clip-clop & clatter
Follow the route of the Victorian horse tramway through the streets of Ryde on an undemanding circular walk packed with historical interest and fascination.
Day: Friday Date 19 October Time 2.30pm Distance 3 miles
Meet: Ryde Pier Head railway station
Cost: Donations to Lucie Blackman Trust welcome
Leader: Adrian Searle 01983 615636

Dormouse Explorers
Explore Briddlesford Woods in search of the secretive dormouse and other woodland creatures. Learn how to look for signs of wildlife and make or decorate a dormouse house. Suitable for over fves. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential.
Day: Saturday Date 20 October Time 2pm to 4pm
Meet: Briddlesford Woods, Wootton Bridge
Cost: £8 PTES supporter, £12 non-supporter
Leader: People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES). Phone 0207 498 4533 to book.

Walks from Rails: A Queen on the Line
Retracing the old rail route from Wootton to Newport (and back) via the royal station of Whippingham. With ‘off the track’ stretches along riverbank and through countryside.
Day: Sunday Date 21 October Time 10am Distance 9.5 miles
Meet: Wootton railway station
Cost: Donations to Lucie Blackman Trust welcome
Leader: Adrian Searle 01983 615636

Walks from Rails: Beyond the Buffers
A walk down the old railway track to Wroxall, then cross- country via Appuldurcombe, Sandford, Newchurch and Alverstone to Sandown station. Train back to Shanklin.
Day: Monday Date 22 October Time 9.45am Distance 9 miles
Meet: Shanklin railway station
Cost: Donations to Lucie Blackman Trust welcome
Leader: Adrian Searle 01983 615636

The Wootton Oblong
Join the IW Ramblers on a walk through woods and felds crossing the tracks of the steam railway. Cofee stop at an inn, then to Woodside Bay and return along the banks of Wootton Creek. Part of the IW Walking Festival Autumn Walking Weekend.
Day: Friday Date 26 October Time 10am Distance 6 miles
Meet: Brannon Way car park, Wootton SZ 544 919
Leader: Carol Hamilton 01983 566463 [email protected]

Estuary Birds
A walk to look at the winter residents of the mud and saltmarshes along the western Yar estuary, including wading birds and wildfowl. Wellies recommended. No dogs please.
Day: Friday Date 26 October Time 2pm to 4pm
Meet: IW Council car park adjacent to Yarmouth school – car park charges apply SZ 355 895
Cost: Donation to the Wildlife Trust welcome
Leader: Richard Grogan 01983 760016

Autumn Bird Walk
A stroll around Bembridge and Culver downs to admire the views and look and listen for migrant birds both on the ground and up above. Moderate with some stiles and steps. Sturdy boots recommended. Family-friendly. Dogs on leads welcome.
Day: Saturday Date 27 October Time 9am to 11am Distance 2 to 3 miles
Meet: Bembridge Fort SZ 625 860
Cost: Donation to National Trust welcome
Leader: National Trust 01983 741020

The Hidden Delights of Wydcombe
Discover the landscape history and wildlife of the secluded Wydcombe Valley, recently acquired by the National Trust. Gentle rolling landscape, walking on paths with good to average surfaces. Some steps and stiles.
Day: Monday Date 29 October Time 9.30am to 12.30pm Distance Up to 5 miles
Meet: Niton Church lych gate - park in Niton village
Cost: Donation to National Trust welcome
Leader: National Trust 01983 741020

Autumn Earth Walk
A family walk across farmland to the heathland reserve at Cranmore, with opportunities for children to fnd out about autumn wildlife through sensory games along the way. Wellies advisable. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum three children per adult. Stiles, uneven ground and muddy paths. No dogs please. Booking essential.
Day: Monday Date 29 October Time 10.30am to 1pm
Meet: Details on booking
Cost: Donation to Wildlife Trust welcome
Leader: Ric Temple. Phone 01983 760018 to book.