Freshwater Way
| Route Overview | An easy walk along the estuary of the River Yar, that splits to give two alternative endings; one continuing along the flat river valley, the other rising up Afton Down to finish above the cliffs at Compton Bay. | ||||||
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| Distance - Full | 5 miles / 8 km | ||||||
| Typical Time - Full | 2 hours | ||||||
| Start Point | west of Yarmouth Bridge | ||||||
| End Point | either Compton Down or Freshwater Bay | ||||||
| Start point grid reference | SZ347896 | End point grid reference | either SZ365 | ||||
| Type of Route: | Linear | Level of walk: | Easy | ||||
| Route Features |
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| Accessibility / Facilities |
Begins near bus route Begins near parking Begins near picnic area Begins near pub Begins near toilets Ends near parking Ends near pub Ends near toilets Pub enroute Suitable for Dogs |
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| Terrain |
Bridle Ways Muddy Tracks PROW (Public Right Of Way) Roads |
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| Route Description | This is one of 8 waymarked "Inland Trails" on the Isle of Wight. You can walk from eth north to tehh south of teh Island at this narrow point in around two hours! The trail starts just west of Yarmouth Bridge at the mouth of the Yar estuary and passes through woodland and farmland down to All Saints Church, Freshwater. You then come down to the water's edge at the Causeway and here you have a choice: Either - cross the bridge and continue till meeting the road and then begin climbing Afton Down. You will come to the Golf Course on the crest of the Down and then begin your descent to the military Road above the chalk cliffs where the trail ends. or - take the footpath to the right before crossing The Causeway and follow the trail through Afton Marsh Nature Reserve and the edges of houses till you reach the sea at Freshwater Bay. | ||||||
| Terrain Details | Fairly level along the river valley but one spur of the walk does climb at the end up Afton Down. | ||||||
| Additional Info / Warnings | Take care around The Causeway as the road is narrow and has three blind bends. Also, where the path joins the road at Freshwater Bay is a dangerous bend so take care. | ||||||
| Access Info / Public Transport | The start point is a short walk from Yarmouth where there are bus stops and the Wightlink Ferry terminal to Lymington. Both alternative end points are within walking distance of bus stops - call Southern Vectis on 01983 532373 for info. | ||||||
| Services / Amenities | The start point of Yarmouth has many small shops and pubs and cafes. Around half way along the trail, near All Saints Church, is The Red Lion pub which serves good food (a nice beer garden too but children are not allowed inside the pub itself). Freshwater Bay has a small shop run by the Freshwater Lifeboat, several cafes and pne pub. The option which takes you up Afton Down passes close to Afton Park Nursery and the Apple Tree cafe. | ||||||
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| TSE Accommodation Search | |||||||
| More info | The Coastal Path & Inland Trails on the Isle of Wight | ||||||
