2017 day 44 (15th October- Cowes)

Last day of cycling today as the bike shop has none left available tomorrow. We decide to head east again via Newport at the head of the inlet and see how close to Ryde we might get.

It was a bit rougher and hillier than yesterday's ride but fairly well signposted and the weather stayed good all day although it looked a bit threatening a couple of times. In Newport we discovered they were holding a vintage bus festival - named " Beer and buses" and had about 150 old buses and coaches from all over Britain giving people rides all over the island.

We went through Wooton where we also came across the heritage steam railway which was also taking people for rides. Had a coffee at the local pub and then continued on to

reach the Quarr Abbey which is an operating Benedictine monastery and had a very nice sandwich for lunch. Bikes had to be back at 4.30 so started for home about 2 and managed to take a slightly wrong track which took is into East Cowes by St Mildred's church which was the one Queen Victoria used to attend when she was staying at Osborne House.

Ferry back across the river and stopped for a coffee and scones at a great little cafe in town - Sails - owned by an ex-maths teacher and his wife and we had a lovely chat with them.

Plans are for a seafood diner tonight so we'll see what happens.