About Chris
3,072 km
319:29 h
Recent Activity
Chris went cycling.
November 13, 2025
00:52
19.3km
22.4km/h
270m
290m
Chris went gravel riding.
November 5, 2025
For the first 10km great but then far too much urban riding on busy roads and chaotic signage. Rather sad if there isn't anything better than national cycle route 23. Certainly wouldn't recommend this.
02:02
24.5km
12.0km/h
180m
210m
Chris went for a hike.
November 3, 2025
Varied & rewarding route linking Newport with Cowes with sections of the Coastal Path and Parkhurst Forest. Good mix of countryside, woodland, sea views glorious beaches. Much of the route follows well-defined paths, but it’s not without challenges. Parts of the official coastal path currently affected by landslips, detours necessary — these can be passable for the adventurous but require care, as the terrain very uneven and narrow with ovegrown vegetation some sections can be very muddy, particularly after rain. Council has actually closed part of this coastal path but you only find this out later so be prepared to make your own judgements and proceed cautiously. The walk through Parkhurst Forest is scenic but can also be boggy when entering from the south east. Trekking poles could have been helpful. Overall a moderate-to-challenging walk that rewards persistence with varied landscapes and peaceful natural surroundings. Ideal for experienced walkers who don’t mind a bit of adventure and don’t expect a perfectly maintained trail. Consider more carefully the route you'd take from Newport Quayside to the begining of the Forest. Was not particularly appealing the route we took via car parks, Industrial estates, housing estates and the Islands main prison.
05:41
17.0km
3.0km/h
190m
180m
Chris went for a hike.
November 2, 2025
Fantastic and adventurous hiking following coastline from Ryde to Shanklin, offering magnificent views. Be aware that this route often deviates from the official Isle of Wight Coastal Path, which frequently routes you significantly inland. The walk is a dramatic mix of long, flat beach sections and steep climbs up the cliffs. Key Challenges & Warnings * Tide Dependent: Several sections of this route involve magnificent beach walks. These are highly tide-dependent * Path Conditions: Be prepared for difficult terrain especially through the section of woodland off the beach of Priory Bay which takes . There have been some landslips here and the path through the woods although very pretty can be very muddy and slippery. The path is often very overgrown, extremely muddy, and very slippery. * Council Warnings: The council has placed warnings about the state of this path. Conditions are challenging and unlikely to improve, even in summer. Trekking poles would have been extremely useful and are highly recommended for stability on the slippery and steep sections. As you get close to the Warner Hotel in Bembridge, you must stick to the official coastal path route that goes around the hotel. Do not attempt to continue through the hotel grounds along the coast; there is no exit and no access anymore to the beach below Overall, this is a rewarding and rugged coastal walk for those prepared for a challenge, offering views you won't get on the main inland path.
07:37
24.6km
3.2km/h
200m
170m
Chris went for a hike.
November 1, 2025
Started from East Cowes and followed the route south along the River Medina, as the official coastal path here runs inland rather than by the water. This alternative offers a quieter and more scenic experience through some of the Isle of Wight’s lesser-known landscapes. The walk combines stretches of riverside track, shaded woodland trails, and rural lanes, largely avoiding urban areas. The section between Whippingham and Binfield Marina can be very muddy and waterlogged after rain, but it’s peaceful and atmospheric. Further inland, the route winds through woodland and farmland with gentle gradients and occasional open viewpoints across the island. Key highlights include St Mildred’s Church at Whippingham — a fine example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture with royal connections — and Quarr Abbey, whose distinctive red-brick buildings and nearby medieval ruins make an ideal rest stop. The route finishes by descending towards the coast, ending in Ryde with its long beaches and classic seaside character. Overall, this is an easy to moderate walk: scenic, varied, and well-suited to anyone wanting to explore the island’s heritage and countryside between two historic harbour towns.
03:19
15.1km
4.6km/h
140m
160m
Chris went gravel riding.
October 15, 2025
At times very nice, but lesson is don't trust Strava to create an route for you. Back toward Lucca sent me down some very busy roads when there was no need. In addition, cycle signage more or less non existent. This route could be much improved
02:09
30.3km
14.1km/h
80m
100m
Chris went gravel riding.
October 15, 2025
Extremely varied surfaces. Following Strava suggested trail, which seemed very random at times and virtually no cycle track signage which was a shame. At times very interesting but i would strongly advise you do some better research to tweak this trail and don't rely on Strava AI generated routes. Did this on a gravel bike. 38-43mm would have been sufficient
02:19
25.3km
10.9km/h
130m
120m
Chris went gravel riding.
October 14, 2025
A ride that at times was wonderful but also some serious issues in regards to following a pleasant cycle route especially coming into Viareggio and then getting back to Castello di Nozzano. Extremely poor signage, very chaotic and dangerous coming into Viareggio, I would suggest you do some research to find a better way to Viareggio than I did. Not pleasant having to share the road with so many dangerous drivers. I'm quite surprised that such a wealthy region as Tuscany doesn't have better cycling insfrastructure in this specific region. (No potholes though!)
08:35
73.2km
8.5km/h
170m
190m
Chris went for a hike.
October 12, 2025
Beginning (actually began from the Hotel Il Piccolo Castello) across open fields below Monteriggioni, steep climb towards the walled hill town. After passing through the gate and crossing the main square followed Via Francigena towards Abbadia a Isola, with views over farmland, olive groves and vineyards. The trail then continued north on unpaved tracks through open countryside and small patches of woodland, before turning back on quiet rural roads towards Monteriggioni. Decided to make it quicker back to the hotel il Piccolo Castello by walking back along the road. It was quiet so not so many cars but pay attention, it's not a great road to walk along as there is no pavement or verge. Likewise, coming back from Monteriggioni to this hotel, it's possibly 15 minute walk along the road or 30 minutes along the Via Francigena. In the dark it would be potentially dangerous
07:35
17.6km
2.3km/h
250m
240m
Agreed, it's quite shit, embarrasing that this is part of the NCN. You can pick up the national byway from Winch which is a lovely route!