Isle of Wight Walks (Part Three) - Yarmouth and Freshwater

For a relaxing walk inland and away from the pollution and activity of the busier population centres, this 4 mile (6.3 kilometer) route is one of the more interesting, embracing an outward stroll beside the River Yar and a return journey taking in a historic church, a farm and some woodland, with an abundance and wide variety of wildlife almost throughout the walk.

1. Starting at the large car park by the roundabout on the Yarmouth seafront by the Wightlink terminal, head inline beside the Yar and join Footpath Y1 passing the Old Tidal Mill. After a short walk along the path with the river to your right, pass through a gate to join Footpath Y19. Bear right and follow this path all the way until reaching Freshwater Causeway Bridge – the first and only inland bridge that you will encounter. Please note that wheelchair users will need to turn at this point and complete the route by heading back alongs Footpath Y19 and Y1, as the remainder of the walk is unsuitable.

2. Once across the bridge, climb the hill and pass the church, stopping before reaching the Red Lion pub (unless the call of the aforementioned hostelry is too great, in which case by all means stop to refuel). Take Footpath F1 which runs immediately beside the wall of the church and then continues as a fenced path between two fields (if you're lucky you may see some pheasants!). Pass through a gate and continue along the line, with a row of houses to your left. Immediately before the farm turn left through a gate, and then bear right into and across the field towards a belt of woodland, where Footpath F1 is again indicated.

3. The path soon leaves the woodland into more open terrain and a dedicated track, passing over a small hill before reaching a tiny footbridge into the woods, out onto a field, through another gate and then another field, with an improvised track and a small continuous fence immediately to your right. This leads you into Saltern Wood, which is entered keeping the wood to your left.

4. Soon a narrow access road is reached at which one should turn left, continuing along to the main road. From here you will see the car park to your right, which can be reached by crossing Yarmouth Bridge. Then either continue into Yarmouth town to conclude your walk with a well-earned drink or cuppa, or simply return to the car park by the roundabout.

Isle of Wight Walks (Part Two) - Gurnard and Cowes

This walk begins at the Woodvale Hotel in Gurnard, on the Island’s north coast, and is disabled-friendly as it uses a flat paved surface throughout. At 1.7 miles (2.8 kilometers) it should take most walkers less than an hour, although being linear rather than circular there is the small matter of getting back to the starting point if you have travelled there by car!

1. From the Woodvale simply walk down to Princes Esplanade and follow along to Egypt Point and continue along the Esplanade. This path continues along the seafront into Cowes, around the Royal Yacht Squadron and then along The Parade, where the coastal walk concludes and forces a right turn into Watch House Lane. From there turn left and follow the High Street through the pedestrianised area.

2. Opposite the entrance to the Red Funnel foot passenger terminal is The Pier View public house, passing which the walk continues along the High Street to The Anchor on your right.

That’s it, basically, but energetic walkers seeking a little more can simply double up with a pleasant walk back along the coast to Gurnard and the Woodvale, where one can enjoy a rewarding pint or walk down to the coast opposite to the seaside café which offers delicious local ice creams as well as teas, coffees and light snacks.

Isle of Wight Walks (Part One) - Niton

A new series of occasional articles by Isle of Wight Review on some walks to be enjoyed around the Island.

The Niton walk outlined below features some magnificent scenery including views across the Channel, however it is only for accomplished walkers. Much of it is beside the cliff-edge and it also includes a steep descent using a path which is damaged in places. On the plus side it passes some splendid pubs. In all it is 4.1 miles (6.6 kilometres) in length.

1. Park up at the car park serving Niton Youth Club, beside the White Lion public house. Turn right out of the car park, then left at the T-junction and continue to the Church. At the lychgate turn right into Pan Lane. Continue along the lane, which becomes Bridleway NT53. At some point along this path you will think you have taken a wrong turning or misread the instructions - everybody does. Have faith, you are going the right way. Eventually you will reach Bridleway NT58 at which you should turn left and proceed until you reach a gate with a cattlegrid.

2. Go through the gate and look for a stile roughly ahead of you on the skyline. Climb the hill and over the stile before continuing towards a second stile beside a triangulation point. If you are in the right place you will probably have passed a lot of cows. After crossing the stile bear left and head towards St. Catherine's Oratory before continuing down the slope towards the sea. Follow the path down the hill, over a stile and around the edge of a field (more cows) to another stile which is at the top of some steps. Walk down the steps until you reach the road and cross into Blackgang View Car Park.

3. Walk across the car park and climb the steps to the Coastal Path, which runs along the clifftop. Turn left when you reach the cliff edge (please!) and follow the path until you see a triangulation point on your left (please note that many walkers are tempted to switch to a lower path running parallel, which is accessed by walking through some vegetation. This is okay, except that when the path finishes walkers then need to rejoin the clifftop path by walking back through some more vegetation, which at this point is considerably more dense and contains some nettles). About 10 yards before a second triangulation point on your right take the path NT36 with steps on your right. These steps are very steep and broken in parts, and need to be negotiated with caution. At the foot of the steps turn left onto the tarmac road. At the first junction turn right and continue down the hill, then left into St. Catherine's Road towards The Buddle Inn.

4. Immediately beyond the beer garden at The Buddle Inn turn left onto Footpath NT30 and upon reaching the tarmac road turn right. When the road joins Barrack Shute continue up the hill for about 150 yards before turning right onto the Coastal Path and at the next footpath junction turn right again and continue along Coastal Path NT29. Almost immediately the footpath forks and walkers should take the left fork up a hill until reaching a junction with Footpath NT27. Turn left onto this footpath (which by now is on an open field and thus partially obscured, but if you miss it there is another running broadly parallel) and head back into Niton, which is straight ahead of you.

This walk will take experienced walkers perhaps some 2 hours, whilst others should plan for 3 hours just to be safe.

Please note the author personally "tests" these walks before sharing them on this site, so please be patient for the next one.