Reflections

The official government snapshot for autumn 2025 estimated 1,277 people were sleeping rough in London on a single night.

We had a great trip to the Isle of Wight, a beautiful setting for the latest Long Run: stunning scenery, fantastic views and we were blessed with predominantly good weather.

Thank you David for your kind words regarding my contribution, but I am in awe of what you managed to achieve. As someone who even in their youth regarded running more than 400 metres as a major challenge, I find it amazing that you can run 12 miles in a few hours and 70 miles over six days. Not bad going for an old chap like yourself!

Thanks also to those of you who have shown an interest and followed the blog. Our apologies that the posts weren't as numerous and detailed as we would have liked, but as explained previously, we had no WiFi at our accommodation, we will do better next time. Please share with anyone who you think might be interested.

We are acutely aware that there are so many good causes worthy of people's support, so we are particularly grateful to those who have made a donation to The Passage, their work really does make a difference.

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Prince William is their patron and the link below takes you to a short video of the visit he and Prince George made just before Christmas 2025.

Prince William & Prince George: Christmas at The Passage

Posted by Nobby

 Mission Accomplished

David and Nobby have returned from their trip overseas! A pleasant crossing from Fishbourne to Portsmouth aboard the MV St Faith.

David is pleased to have a break from running as he's suffering from a bit of lactic acid in the legs.

Nobby, the logistical expert and faithful companion has started his recuperation process. David is genuinely grateful to him for the organisation of the following:

1. Transport

2. Accommodation

3. Catering: truly superb lunches and evening meals to sustain a very hungry runner 

4. Laundry

5. Technology, including blog posts

6. Route research and adjustments owing to weather

7. Anything else David required! 

Thank you to all of you who have shown an interest in our trip.

We extend special gratitude to those who have made a donation to The Passage homelessness charity or are considering doing so.

Look out for further news of David Pyle Making a Difference in the Long Run........

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Posted by David

Day 6 St Lawrence to Bembridge

(12 miles)

The official government snapshot for autumn 2025 estimated 1,277 people were sleeping rough in London on a single night.

Highlights of the run were:

Esplanade attractions (!!) , a variety of coastal defence strategies*, undulating relief, and shaded clifftop tracks ... and no mud!

Low points were: the usual deviations, but the big disappointment was that despite the myriad of esplanade attractions, no venue appealed for hot chocolate and chocolate shortbread.

Overall, another enjoyable run, and a great sense of elation having completed the full circuit.

* Nobby - If anyone is really interested: rock armour, rip-rap, breakwaters and sea walls.

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Posted by David & Nobby

 Day 5 Bembridge to Fishbourne

(9.5 miles, should have been an easy last day!)

The official government snapshot for autumn 2025 estimated 1,277 people were sleeping rough in London on a single night.

An enforced change in schedule today.

Highlights of the run were:

1) A superb route composed of esplanade, trail and grassland.

2) Feeling at one with nature, especially when a red squirrel ran across the track in front of me.

3) A giant mug of hot chocolate and chocolate shortbread in a cafe in Ryde.

4) No mud!

Low points were:

1) A moment  reminiscent of Hitchcock's film, "The Birds" as swooping seagulls were in collision with the car on the journey into Bembridge.  A slow speed brush with a herring gull fortunately resulted in no damage to car or gull!

2) Discovering Pyle Street in Newport, I must have famous ancestors in these parts.

Definitely the most enjoyable run yet.

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Posted by David & Nobby

 Day 4 Brooke Bay to St Lawrence

(12.4 miles)

The official government snapshot for autumn 2025 estimated 1,277 people were sleeping rough in London on a single night.

No video at the conclusion of the run again today, as Nobby couldn't find David and had no phone signal. When we were finally reunited I discovered David had been led astray by an American lady, but that's another story...

Highlights of the run were:

1) The small villages nestling into the profile of the cliff, exuding a true sense of community, especially the village of Pyle!

2) The last two miles downhill on level track; excellent running terrain.

3) No mud!

4) Two women who were interested in the Long Run fundraising project...

Low points were:

1) ... neither of them offered to donate!

2) Cliff recession forcing detours in the Coastal Path.

3) One diversion ending at an impenetrable builder's fencing around a holiday chalet construction site on the cliff edge. Madness!

Overall, another enjoyable run.

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Posted by David & Nobby

Day 3 Colwell Bay to Brooke Bay

(9.5 miles, very hilly!)

The official government snapshot for autumn 2025 estimated 1,277 people were sleeping rough in London on a single night.

No video at the conclusion of the run today, as the wind noise made David inaudible!

Highlights of the run were:

1) A great view of the iconic Needles from Headon Warren.

2) Excellent running conditions on the chalk escarpment of West Down and Tennysion Down.

3) Hot chocolate and chocolate shortbread at the cafe in Freshwater Bay.

4) No mud!

Low points were:

1) Lack of and confusing signage as a result of the Coastal Path gradually falling intio the sea.

2) Thereby being forced to run on the road for a long stretch.

All in all an enjoyable run

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Posted by David & Nobby

 Day 2 Newtown to Colwell Bay

(11.7 miles)

The official government snapshot for autumn 2025 estimated 1,277 people were sleeping rough in London on a single night.

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Posted by David & Nobby

 Day 1: Fishbourne to Newtown

(12 miles)

The official government snapshot for autumn 2025 estimated 1,277 people were sleeping rough in London on a single night.

Nobby: I can't train David to only start talking when he is standing in front of me!

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Posted by David & Nobby

David and Nobby on The Isle of Wight

The trip has been predicated on the following: raising the awareness of homelessness through ‘The Long Run’ format. Two mates making a difference by taking on a challenging feat; on this occasion, Nobby exercising fine organisation to enable David to run the coastal perimeter of the IOW whilst enjoying time together and apart! Gratefully receiving donations where forthcoming and in support of the important work delivered by mainly small charities like Restart Lives and The Passage. So, in a nutshell, our venture/jolly jaunt is about awareness of a great cause, fundraising where possible and enjoyment along the way!


Posted by David & Nobby

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 An Apology!

This was us on board the ferry, bound for the Isle of Wight last Friday, filled with anticipation for the adventure ahead.. Little did we know that fate would conspire against us and prevent us from publishing regular blog posts! 

The run is going well, but the technology isn't. The WiFi is not working, at our accommodation and the owner has been unable to fix it. The local pub has no WiFi, can you believe it? And our first two attempts to use the Dimbola tearoom WiFi ended in failure; fully booked at lunchtime on Sunday, closed all day on Monday!

However, we have finally got onto the internet and can attempt some quick updates. We'll see what we can achieve before the tearoom closes!

Posted by David & Nobby

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A message from David.

(In a very smart running vest!)

Posted by Nobby

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Isle of Wight Running Schedule

We have planned the schedule for the Isle of Wight Coast Path. This is how our week is looking at the moment:

Friday 20/3/26

• Drive to Portsmouth and catch the ferry to Fishbourne. 

• An invigorating walk up to the Tennyson Monument.

• Settle in to "Base Camp" at Shorewell.

• Walk to the local pub: Nobby to sample local ales, Guinness 0.0 for David.

Saturday 21/3/26:

The serious business begins!

Fishbourne to Newtown (via Cowes floating bridge - 12 miles)

Sunday 22/3/26:

Newtown to Colwell Bay (12 miles)

Monday 23/3/26:

Colwell Bay to Brook Bay (9.5 miles)

Tuesday 24/3/26:

Brook Bay to St Lawrence (12.5 miles)

Wednesday 25/3/26:

St Lawrence to Bembridge ( 13 miles)

Thursday 26/3/26:

Bembridge to Fishbourne (10.5 miles)

(Distances are approximate and the route may be subject to revision, particularly if there are footpath closures and diversions. It does tend to fall into the sea in places.)

Posted by Nobby.

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