Shorwell village to Fore Down

Challenging walking
4kms/21/2mls. 11/4-13/4 hours. Essential to follow a detailed map. Interesting, energetic walking with some climbing on downs. Not recommended for the infirm. Suitable for children aged 6+.

High spots: There are great views down to the thatched roofs of Shorwell village from the slopes of Mount Ararat and from Fore Down back to the Military Road and the sea. And don’t miss walking across the 18th century wooden bridge above Shorwell Shute.
 
This walk begins and ends in the pretty thatched village of Shorwell. Starting from
the Crown Inn, follow Walkers Lane a few hundred yards up past the 12th century
church on the right and first take the footpath marked Chillerton. Almost immediately, turn off left onto the bridleway SW14. Climb up the slopes of Mount Ararat, parallel to Shorwell Shute, and wind through the woodland (covered in bluebells and Lily of the Valley in spring) onto the 18th century wooden bridge, rebuilt in 1976. Cross the bridge and follow the route north until you reach the sign The Dell Footpath Centre, a green amphitheatre lined with ivy and wild garlic.

From here follow the footpath north and upward past fields on the left and woods on the right, eventually leading onto a grassy field. Walk along the eastern perimeter until you reach Public Bridleway SW51 and follow this to Fore Down, with the double aspect of a quarry on one side and Renham Down on the other. Now follow the Worsley Trail, which runs along the top of the contour, turning sharp back south-east when you reach the marked gate at Fore Down. Stop awhile for great views to the Military Road that runs the length of the south coast of the Island.

At this point it is important to use an Ordnance Survey map to cut back diagonally across the field, corner to corner. Then skirt around the copse until you find grid reference SZ455834. Here take the path leading past houses onto the Brighstone-Shorwell road. Turn left and walk a few hundred metres back to the Crown Inn. An attractive pub in one of the Island’s prettiest villages, the Crown Inn has a quaint but roomy interior and a charming garden with a stream running through it.

Crown Inn (Tel: 01983 740293) Open Monday–Saturday from 10.30am, Sundays from 12 noon. Lunch: 12 noon-2.30pm.

Specialities: Locally caught Sea Bass. Daily veggie specials. Four real ales include Tanglefoot and Flowers. Choice of three wines by the glass. Children allowed throughout. Dogs welcomed. Excellent pub garden.