Walking & Cycling in the Newport Area
The Newport area is perfect for both walkers and cyclists to enjoy. This handy guide will help you make the most of your explorations. The terrain is varied; not all routes are on bridleways or cycle tracks so they can become muddy in wet weather.
1. Dodnor Dawdle.
1.4 m / 2.3 km (Walking / Cycling) EASY PEASY
A great circular route for families. Mostly flat, taking in Medina Riverside Park, Dodnor Creek & Dickson’s Copse Local Nature Reserve and returning via the quiet roads of the industrial estate.
LOOK OUT FOR: BETTINA AND HER BOOK, BEE-FRIENDLY CYCLE-PARKING, THE HISTORIC CMENT KILNS. FOR WALKERS THERE IS A SENSORY TRAIL IN MEDINA RIVERSIDE PARK AND A WALKING TRAIL AROUND DICKSON’S COPSE.
2. Down to the Woods.
2.5 m / 4.1 km (Walking / Cycling) EASY PEASY
A mini loop in the heart of Parkhurst Forest, great for families. The forest tracks are gravelly and uneven in places, and take care with navigation, there are lots of trees!
LOOK OUT FOR: SQUIRRELS IN THE HIDE, BUTTERFLIES, WOOD ANTS.
3. Riverside Ramble.
3.8 m / 6.1 km (Walking / Cycling) EASY
From the historic Newport Quay this flat circular route goes out along the river Medina along route 22 (compacted gravel), with an option to visit Seaclose Park and Millennium Wood on route to Island Harbour. The trail comes back along a shared path and through an old railway tunnel back to the Quay, although there is the option of turning back at Island Harbour and retracing the route along the river.
LOOK OUT FOR: FLORA IN NEWPORT CEMETERY, OLD WRECKS, SALTMARSH, WADING BIRDS.
4. Country Park Potter.
3.2 m / 5.1 km (Walking / Cycling) MEDIUM
From the quay the route makes use of the shared path (painted green) alongside the busy Coppins Bridge roundabout then through Pan Mill Meadows and a steady climb up Godric Road (light Traffic) to Staplers. Dismount and explore Pan Country Park with it’s picnic potential and interesting sculptures. An option to visit Shide Chalkpit (steep steps to access).
LOOK OUT FOR: THE OLD MILL LEET, RIVER MEDINA AND PAN STREAM, FANTASTIC VIEWS ACROSS THE TOWN OF NEWPORT. IF VISITING SHIDE CHALK PIT – THE BAT CAVE AND SENSORY TRAIL.
5. Merstone Meander.
8.9 m / 14.3 km (Walking & Cycling) MEDIUM
An easy going but longish route starting at Newport Quay and making use of Route 23 (Cowes to Sandown Cycletrack) taking you out into pleasant countryside past Birchmore Pond and turning back at Merstone Station. Some gravel sections and a couple of busy road crossings.
LOOKOUT FOR : RIVERSIDE PARK, DODNOR CREEK & DICKSONS COPSE LOCAL NATURE RESERVE AND RETURNING VIA THE QUIET ROADS OF THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
6. Towns ‘n’ Trails.
14 m / 22.5 km (Walking & Cycling) TRICKY
For the more advance riders, taking in a mixture of fine countryside, forest and the heart of historic Newport (some sections of this route have traffic). A mixture of surfaces ranging from roads to bumpy bridleway. Due to one-way roads in Newport an anti-clockwise direction is best.
LOOKOUT FOR : MEDINA RIVERSIDE PARK, DODNOR CREEK & DICKSONS COPSE LOCAL NATURE RESERVE AND HISTORIC CEMENT KILNS, SQUIRRELS, CAROSBOOKE CASTLE, SEVERAL FORDS, WHITECROFT TOWER, FANTASTIC VIEWS
And for a grand day out …
For a grand day out, mainland visitors can take Route 23 from Cowes and join Dodnor Dawdle, Down to the Woods and Town n’ Trails at Stag Lane (see map) or cycle to Newport Quay and join Riverside Ramble, Countryside Potter and Merstone Meander.
Here are some handy tips for where cyclist and walkers share routes.
When cycling:
• Use the path in a way that is considerate to the comfort and safety of others.
• Travel at a speed appropriate to the conditions and ensure you can stop in time.
• Be courteous and patient with other path users who are moving more slowly than you.
• Ring a bell well in advance if approaching people from behind – however, don’t assume people can see or hear you – remember that many people are hard of hearing or visually impaired.
• Slow down as needed when space is limited or if you cannot see clearly ahead.
• Be particularly careful at junctions, bends and any other ‘blind spots’ where people could appear in front of you without warning
When walking:
• Keep your dog under control which may require a short lead and please clear up after them. Our rangers have to strim those verges!
If you hear a cyclist approach please step to the side of the path to allow them to pass.
And always:
– Take care around horse riders leaving them plenty of room.
