Brading Down

Downs, Moorland in Hampshire

England

Brading Down

Ploughing in February near Brading, Isle of Wight This chalk hillside occupies a significant part of the west of this grid square. The hill is a continuation of the west to east chalk ridge that meets the sea at Culver Cliff . The dip in the foreground is a dry valley. The distant wood at the top right is above Brading, about 2km west north west. The photograph is taken from the minor single track road to Bembridge fort and Culver Down just above where it joins the B3395. — Ploughing in February near Brading, Isle of Wight Credit: Crispin Purdye

Brading Down, located in Hampshire, England, is a picturesque area known for its stunning Downs and Moorland landscapes. Spanning approximately 200 acres, it offers a diverse range of natural features that attract visitors from near and far.

The Downs at Brading Down are characterized by rolling hills and expansive grassland, providing a tranquil and scenic environment. Visitors can enjoy long walks or hikes along the well-maintained trails, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The area is abundant with wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. It is not uncommon to spot various species of birds, including kestrels, skylarks, and pheasants.

In addition to the Downs, Brading Down also boasts Moorland areas, adding a unique charm to the landscape. Moorland is characterized by its heather-covered hills and rocky outcrops, offering a contrasting scenery to the lush grassland of the Downs. This variety in terrain makes Brading Down an ideal destination for those seeking diverse outdoor experiences.

Brading Down is also steeped in history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. The area is home to ancient burial mounds, known as barrows, which provide insight into the lives and rituals of early inhabitants. Visitors can explore these archaeological sites, gaining a deeper understanding of the rich heritage of the region.

Overall, Brading Down in Hampshire offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance. Whether one seeks a peaceful retreat in nature, an opportunity to observe wildlife, or a chance to delve into the past, this area has something to offer for everyone.

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Brading Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.678427/-1.1575313 or Grid Reference SZ5986. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ploughing in February near Brading, Isle of Wight

This chalk hillside occupies a significant part of the west of this grid square. The hill is a continuation of the west to east chalk ridge that meets the sea at Culver Cliff . The dip in the foreground is a dry valley. The distant wood at the top right is above Brading, about 2km west north west. The photograph is taken from the minor single track road to Bembridge fort and Culver Down just above where it joins the B3395.

Crispin Purdye

View from Bembridge Down towards Brading

This view looks west along the ridge of chalk hills that run east - west across the middle of the Isle of Wight. The ridge is dissected in several places by valleys. In this picture there is a dry valley in the middle foreground. The land drops again, cut by the River Yar, behind the ploughed field. It rises again to Yarbridge, centre distance, regaining 100m plus on Brading Down, (skyline, centre left).

Crispin Purdye

Brading Round Reservoir

Brading reservoir is now redundant and is sealed up. The metal pole was the support for the signalling arms, used to signal the level of water down to the depot at Sandown.

Barrie

River Yar

Viewed looking north eastwards and downstream from the footbridge on the Yar River Trail.

Nigel Cox

River Yar

The river viewed looking eastwards and downstream from the A3055 Morton Common road bridge as it goes under the Ryde to Shanklin railway bridge.

Nigel Cox

Brading Wax Museum

Pierre Terre

Ryde to Shanklin railway line near Brading

Viewed looking northwards from the Wall Lane overbridge, the railway is operated by Island Line, using former London Underground rolling stock. Their website with timetables and fares is here Link

Nigel Cox

River Yar

Viewed looking northwards and downstream from the B3395 Sandown Road bridge, the roofs of some houses in Brading are just visible over the trees to the left, while the flat flood plain of the river extends out to the right.

Nigel Cox

Ryde to Shanklin railway line near Brading

Viewed looking northwards from the B3395 Sandown Road overbridge towards Brading station, the railway is operated by Island Line, using former London Underground rolling stock. Their website with timetables and fares is here Link

Nigel Cox

St Mary's Church, Brading

Church of St Mary the Virgin, Brading, IOW.

Kevin Young

Gateway and steps at Morton Manor

Christina Burford

Shanklin to Ryde railway

The A3055 crosses over the Shanklin to Ryde railway on a skew bridge at Ricket's Hill. This is the only remaining line on the island, apart from the preserved Isle of Wight steam railway. It is now mostly single track as can be seen here heading north-west across the square.

Graham Horn

Rowborough Corner Cottage

The road to the left is the B3330 towards St. Helen's and Bembridge. To the right is the A3055. Traffic lights here with queues in all directions cannot make this cottage a peaceful place to live. The union flag and a red ensign (merchant ship) are being flown.

Graham Horn

Byway towards A3055

Looking east, this byway skirts Ricket's Hill (green field to the right) then descends from near Hardingshute towards the A3055 Ryde to Brading road. The railway is in the dip beyond the brown field.

Graham Horn

Old railway line near Brading

This is the line from Brading to St. Helen's where it crosses Brading Marsh. The 1:25K map shows this as a permissive cyclepath.

Graham Horn

Dyke on Brading Marsh

Looking north-west the character of the marsh to the east of Brading (in the left middle distance) can be best seen here.

Graham Horn

River Yar

Looking north-east, this is the river as it flows through Brading Marsh. Little has changed in the 16 months since Nigel Cox's picture, except the swan (possibly the same one) has moved.

Graham Horn