Hamstead Trail
| Route Overview | A walk from the north coast to the south west coast of the Isle of Wight, passing salt marshes and crossing downland. | ||||||
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| Distance - Full | 7 miles / 11.2 km | ||||||
| Typical Time - Full | 3 hours | ||||||
| Start Point | Hamstead Cliffs | ||||||
| End Point | Brook Bay | ||||||
| Start point grid reference | SZ405920 | End point grid reference | SZ385836 | ||||
| Type of Route: | Linear | Level of walk: | Leisurely | ||||
| Route Features |
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| Accessibility / Facilities |
Ends near bus route Ends near parking Suitable for Dogs |
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| Terrain |
Bridle Ways Fields Muddy Tracks PROW (Public Right Of Way) Public Byways Roads |
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| Route Description | This is one of 8 waymarked "inland trails" on the Isle of Wight. The walk starts at Hamstead Cliff on the north coast of the Island and the route takes you inland alongside the salt marshes of Newtown National Nature Reserve - a fantastic place for birdwatching. After passing through woodland and farmland, you eventually climb up to Brook Down, passing ancient burial sites marked by barrows or tumuli. Finally you head down into Brook Bay on the south west coast or "Back of the Wight", where the remains of a fossil forest are visible at low tide | ||||||
| Terrain Details | Easy walking with a short, steep section up and down either side of Brook Down. | ||||||
| Additional Info / Warnings | Take care not to leave the path along the Hamstead cliffs as the ground between the path and the sea is exceptionally soft. Even in summer, one can sink to a considerable depth. | ||||||
| Access Info / Public Transport | The nearest bus stop to the start point is at Hamstead Road, Cranmore and from there you can walk to Hamstead to pick up the Coastal Path heading east. The finish point is on a bus route. Contact Southern Vectis Buses on 01983 532373 for info. | ||||||
| Services / Amenities | This route stays fairly well clear of settlements so you will need to take along your own refreshments. The top of the Downs is a great place for a picnic on a clear day. | ||||||
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| TSE Accommodation Search | |||||||
| More info | The Coastal Path & Inland Trails on the Isle of Wight | ||||||
