Rural walks RURAL WALK 4: CIRCULAR WALK – FROM GODSHILL VILLAGE PAST FREMANTLE GATE AND GAT CLIFF Moderate walking 5kms/31/8mls. 11⁄2 -13⁄4 hours. An interesting walk with a varied landscape of woods and meadows past historic monuments. Steep in sections and expect areas of muddy ground. Not recommended for the elderly or infirm but suitable for children aged 6+. HIGH SPOTS: Wonderful panoramic views from the highest point at Gat Cliff and the promise of woodland walks through bluebells in the spring and great autumn colour. This walk starts and finishes in one of the Isle of Wight’s most popular villages, Godshill, but the trail itself is quiet and miles away in spirit from this busy tourist spot. Starting from The Griffin pub at the southern end of the village, turn right onto the main road to Shanklin and walk for 200 metres, turning right again onto Public Bridleway GL4. This starts out as a long, straight tarmac road past grazing land with a herd of inquisitive black cows. Continue past Godshill Park House on the right to the picturesque old millpond, where the track starts to lead gently uphill and can get very muddy. Beware tractors! At the top of the hill is Fremantle Gate, an impressive folly, complete with Greek-style column and once one of the four grand entrances to Appuldurcombe House. Turn right from Fremantle Gate into conservation woodland that skirts the perimeter of the extensive Appuldurcombe estate. Follow the Bridleway (GL49) which leads past the Worsley Monument and Gat Cliff, where you can divert off the path to climb the escarpment. It’s a real scramble up the cliff but well worth it for the panoramic views.
Just past the cliff, bear right onto Footpath GL58 when you come to a choice of paths and follow this route downhill to Sainham Farm. Take care here as you must turn sharp back right, following Bridlepath GL56 so that you pass the farm on your left. From Sainham Farm, the walk leads into Beech Copse, a profusion of bluebells in spring. Again take care to follow the sign, this time for Footpath GL57, which forks left and leads down to the bottom of the valley to a small stream. Cross the stream and from this point there’s an easy end to the walk through pastureland to The Griffin. In addition to boasting one of the most extensive pub gardens on the Isle of Wight, complete with maze and mini football pitch, The Griffin is large and extremely family-friendly as well as being totally unfazed by the sight of walkers complete with dogs and muddy boots!
The Griffin (01983 840039) Open Monday-Saturday from 10.30am (Sunday from 12 noon). Food served all day. Specialities: The large menu offers generous portions, plenty of choice for vegetarians and a good kid’s menu. Real ales include Speckled Hen and Flowers. Choice of three white and one red wines by the glass. Children and dogs allowed throughout.