This is a 9 mile circular walk along the Medina Estuary. It takes about 4 hours walking briskly. This walk takes in the rich maritime heritage of East and West Cowes and Newport, and also a wealth of natural habitats. You may see wading birds and waterfowl including little egrets, swans, oystercatchers, curlews, black tailed godwits, grey herons and redshank. The tree lined cycle path is a great place to catch a glimpse of red squirrels. The route is along some public footpaths, a cycle path and some roadside pavement. There are a few stretches around Newport and also the need to catch (now at a small cost to foot passengers) the floating bridge to cross from West to East Cowes. This circular walk can be done clockwise or anti-clockwise and there are many possible starting points, plus many places to stop for refreshments (which may make the walk longer!). It is quite accessible apart from the bit between Whippingham Church and Island Harbour.
The last time I did this walk, I walked clockwise starting in Newport as I met with friends who were arriving in Newport on public transport. It is worth noting that this walk is a good one for day-trippers over from the mainland, who are either arriving on the island in Cowes via the Red Jet passenger ferry from Southampton, or in East Cowes via the Red Funnel vehicle ferry.
On this occasion, my starting point was in Sea Street at the entrance to the Quay Arts: PO30 5BD; grid reference SZ 500 893. Walk round the side of the Quay Arts in to Little London and then follow this road. This road becomes the cycle path which takes you all the way to Arctic Road, East Cowes. Follow this road, past the UK Sailing Academy on your right, turn right and head towards Bridge Road. From the end of Bridge Road, you will see the floating bridge on the right, which you take to cross the River Medina. If you have arrived on the island via the Red Jet in Cowes, it is an easy walk down to the floating bridge or if you have come over on the Red Funnel vehicle ferry, the East Cowes terminal is close to the floating bridge.
From the floating bridge, walk a bit up the hill and then turn right in to Clarence Road. Follow this road which becomes Victoria Grove and turn right in to Beatrice Avenue. Once you get to Whippingham Church, it can be a bit muddy through to Island Harbour.
There is a good new footpath all the way from Island Harbour through to Seaclose Park (home of the Isle of Wight Festival). The views across the Medina all the way down this side are lovely.
Follow the footpaths through Seaclose Park which lead to Town Quay and back to your starting point at the Quay Arts.
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