Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge

The Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge is an ultra-walking/running race organised by Ultra Challenge for charities.  The route circumnavigates the entire island, beginning and ending in Chale, and is approximately 107 km.

The route is spectacular and the majority of it runs along the coast with white cliffs, beaches, woodland and everything in between.  The climb up to and along the "Needles", on the west side of the island is especially awesome!  Phil plotting her route.

Caroline, our daughter, was walking this Challenge over the Bank Holiday weekend,  with two friends, Liz and Kate, and fundraising for her chosen charity,  Alzheimers.  Caroline decided to take on this challenge because Alzheimer's is a cause very close to her heart as three of her grandparents suffered from it.  We need better treatments and, eventually, a cure.  On the first day she set off at 8 a.m.

The route is along the spectacular southern cliffs, past the Needles, and up to historic Cowes, then on to Ventnor and back to the welcome basecamp in Chale after an epic journey over two days. 

Family and friends were their support group.  We caught the ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth to join them and we were the first car to be loaded.

There is a halfway aid station, at around 55km where the walkers can get a cooked meal.  Lots of tables and chairs, massive gazebos and lots of loos.

The first day results:-

And she set off again at 6 am the next morning!!!

At the last major aid station to the finish, Caroline's legs were feeling heavy and her feet sore.  Climbing 1,756 m with climbing and descending occurring frequently along the majority of the course, which made it tough going.  Resting those tired feet.

In Caroline's words " It really was tough - physically and mentally - and emotions and blisters definitely bubbled up but it was so worth it knowing we were supporting three brilliant charities".

Final Result

You did it.  Fantastic achievement.   Can't imagine what your feet are like.  Mine would be shredded.  Congratulations Liz, Kate and Caroline.

What a beautiful place to do an Epic Challenge. So proud of your achievement Caroline.  You can return home feeling a terrific sense of achievement, both for having completed this challenge, and for having managed to raise the astonishing sum of over £2,000!!  And all thanks entirely to your amazingly wonderful and generous donors and supporters - Caroline  says thank you SO SO MUCH!

To support Caroline we spent the holiday weekend at the Woodvale Hotel in Gurnard.  First of all the setting is great - it has wonderful views over the Solent and the staff were very friendly.  Breakfast was outstanding and a special mention to the very professional Chef who came in very early on Bank Holiday Monday to cook breakfast for us at 7 a.m. because one of the Ferries had broken down and our booking was changed to 9 a.m.  Thank you, much appreciated.

We also enjoyed walking before dinner from just outside the hotel to Cowes, it is about a mile.  So very lucky to watch the Iona sail for Norway with my brother Stuart, and Tina on board.

And whilst Caroline and friends were walking on Sunday we treated ourselves to a great lazy afternoon at the Isle of Wight Braii, Brading. PO36 0JG.  Braai is a seasonal restaurant in a working farm which showcases 'farm to fork' cuisine with an enormous BBQs for the cooking.  Run by two ladies in conjunction with the local landowner at Nunwell House and supported by locally sourced produce, including beer, and an array of vegetables.  Can definitely recommend the crackin' chicken and the lucious lamb.

A refreshingly different dining experience with very tender and beautifully cooked flavoursome meat and chicken set  in beautiful countryside. 

What a wonderful weekend on the Isle of Wight supporting our daughter whist enjoying a perfect mix of stunning coastal scenery and culinary delights, just a short hop from the mainland.  Last view of Isle of Wight.