We are the Isle of Wight Ramblers. We arrange walks, monitor paths and help our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Serena H.
UPDATE:
I have now pre-walked the route through to Yarmouth, which I hadn't done for a while - and just to advise you there is a footpath closure / diversion which makes this section significantly shorter than originally listed on the website ! The diversion is at Hamstead which means the route no longer goes down to Hamstead Quay (a pity as it is nice down there and a would-be good drinks spot on the jetty) , but instead cuts out that whole section by the water past the memorial etc, instead just cutting across the corner inland. I reckon the diversion knocks a good couple of miles off the section overall. So walk length now reduced to approx 8.5 ish miles to Colwell (approx 5.5 ish miles if you want a shorter route and stop at Yarmouth) (Though we may end up doing some extra miles if we get lost in Bouldnor forest as I did lol - why is there no signposting there where you need it most ?!....)
Although this is the coastal path, much of the first half of the walk is inland, however it is a pleasant woodland/rural walk rather than road-walking - though there are a couple of short stretches along the main road. Quite a lot of wide forest track type paths which are good for sociability. A handful of stiles are a bit of an unwanted fiddle. Not muddy (as of Thursday, though there has been rain since...) though take care of uneven / rooty paths esp through Bouldnor
Nice walk though. Lunch stop planned for Yarmouth where there are loos etc . Bring a packed lunch - or there are shops in Yarmouth where you can pick up something to eat. And/or a choice of pubs / cafes if you wish a drink
The walk ends at Colwell Common, but if you're up for a slight addition to your walk, option to wander down to the beach at Colwell Bay or along to Totland for a drink or even swim afterwards
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We will be walking the Coastal Path round the island in sections - anticlockwise this time.
This is the third of our coastal path stages. It is a linear walk. Meeting at the New Inn, Shalfleet at 10.15am, we will walk via Cranmore Forest, Bouldnor, Yarmouth, and Fort Victoria to Colwell Bay – where there is the option of a swim for anyone for fancies, weather and sea temp permitting .....
For anyone after a shorter walk, there are “escape” points to the main road at Bouldnor or, better, Yarmouth, from either of which you can get a bus back to Newport.
Free toilets at Yarmouth. Fort Victoria, and Colwell. Cafes etc too in those sections.
Allowing for the fact of a relaxed pace and stops, please treat this as a full day’s walking, with a lunch stop.
TRAVEL
This section of the walk is actually simpler than some ! Some options:
By car
If you are car sharing or shuffling, park one car at Colwell Common (free onstreet parking - or the Colwell Bay (pay) carpark if you prefer), and take the second back to the start point at Shalfleet (there is on street parking near the New Inn, or across the main road in the Warlands Lane area), ready for a 10.15am start from Shalfleet
By bus (from Newport)
The walk time has been brought forward slightly earlier to fit in with bus times from Newport. It is the 09.45 No 7 bus from Newport bus station, arrives at Shalfleet at 10.04 , for a 10.15am start.
There are No 7 buses back from Colwell to Newport half-hourly at 02 and 32 mins past the hour (both route options a bit convoluted and slow but hey ho, it’s a sit down after the walk)
(Alternatively you could park at the start at Shalfleet and then bus back to there - works fine, but be aware if you do that, the disadvantage No 7s back to Shalfleet are more restricted - only hourly as opposed to half-hourly back to Newport, it's the ones at 02 mins past the hour)
NB:
Whilst the 09.45 No 7 bus from Newport bus station which SHOULD get us to Shalfleet in plenty of time to start the walk at 10.15am , I am slightly concerned that the whole Horsebridge Hill roadworks diversion onto Forest Road may impact our bus times (and indeed anyone driving). But I am really hoping that this early on a Sunday morning we will be OK 🤞 In any event I don't think there is much we can do about it so IF there is any significant delay on the bus we will just have to liaise on this group and start the walk a bit later once we get to Shalfleet. Sincerely hoping this won't be an issue - and I think the return direction should be OK
Car share
In the interests of the air, parking, and non-drivers, if anyone is able to offer, or needs, a car share then please post on WhatsApp group (to join group please message Serena 07564-811690)
DATES FOR THE FUTURE SECTIONS OF THE REVERSE ISLAND WALK :
~ Sun 29 June
~ Sun 27 July
~ Sun 17 Aug
~ Sun 7 Sept
*** ~ Sun 28 Sept
***Unsure atm whether or not we will need this date or not to complete the circumnavigation. If not, then I will aim to use this date for another walk or extravaganza
NB : If today's walk has to be postponed for any reason, weather or otherwise, it will simply take place on the date listed for the next section, and so forth. So basically all the sections will just fall back a date, no "fresh" dates creeping in for any postponements, any change will just default to the next date. Hopefully this may make it easier for the diaries of walkers - and leader !
Bring a drink - and packed lunch or snack if wished.
Swim stuff if you are contemplating a possible swim at the end of the walk
Depending on the weather, consider suitable clothing, footwear, walking pole(s), sun cream, drinks, and food. Watch out for ticks and remove ASAP. If you are unsure about your ability to undertake this walk, please contact the walks leader. If you need to leave the walking group, please ensure you inform the leader or back marker
Please note there may be short sections of road walking – please walk in single file and take good care.
Wise to look at the website on the day just in case of any changes or additional info. And in the event of extreme weather please check back for cancellation /postponement notices. You can also check with Serena on 07564-811690
New walkers welcome
If you are new to the Ramblers you can just turn up for any of our walks, unless we specify otherwise. We invite you to come along for three walks as a non-member.
Emergencies
It's very rare that an emergency occurs, but we may need info about
We'd ask you to make sure that we have ready access to this, if needed.
General
If you would like to join the informal WhatsApp group (even just temporarily), please message Serena on 07564-811690 to be added .
Meet outside New Inn, Shalfleet
Colwell Common, Colwell (No 7 buses back to Newport from there)
