Ryde was our final stop on a recent trip to the Isle of Wight. It’s the largest town on the island and home one of the longest piers in the UK. At low tide the sand banks reach almost to the end of the listed structure.
Ryde’s award-winning beach is located just a short drive from the ferry port so it seemed the ideal location for a pit stop. The esplanade stretches from the hovercraft terminal eastwards past the harbour which is where the beaches begin. They stretch down to Appley and the gothic structure of Appley Tower then onto Puckpool.
The views at Ryde when the tide is out are breathtaking. You can see right across the Solent to Portsmouth with the landmark Spinnaker Tower forming the backdrop. There are an array of boats to be seen as well as two of the 19th Century Solent defence forts – Spitbank and Horse Sand.
Having already visited the Isle of Wight Zoo, Yaverland Beach and Shanklin, we relaxed with ice-creams and took in what Ryde had to offer. Curiosity got the better of us though and it wasn’t long before we were wandering along the esplanade.
POD opting to walk along the wall so she could get a better view. Not that she needed to, the stretch of sand was quite incredible. People near the sea mere dots in the distance.
The plan was a short walk then back to the car in time for our ferry.
But POD had other ideas despite being worn out. With the ice-creams devoured, she embarked on a spot of esplanade jumping. Daddy showing her how best to launch herself into the air.
After Daddy finished jumping POD continued to launch herself off the esplanade. Again and again and again and again. Each time adopting a different position before landing in the sand in a fit of giggles. It was the best game ever.
We lost count how many times she jumped and the more we laughed, the more she jumped. She showed no sign of stopping either. Unsurprisingly we had to physically drag her away when it was time to leave. Not before she’d squeezed in another couple of jumps though!
We had so much fun at Ryde Beach. These photographs make me laugh every time I see them. What a perfect end to a truly wonderful trip.
