Medina Loop

A damp, cold day in May, not ideal for walking but at least it wasn't raining hard. We met at the entrance to the Cowes-Newport cycle track and proceeded along it. There was an abundance of spring wildlife and we spotted wrens (at least that was what we think they were!), blue tits, robins and pigeons, a large thrush, and a small flock of swallows wheeling above the water below a bridge.  I'd never seen swallows so close up before and they were rather gorgeous. There was an abundance of plant-life too and we saw a rather lovely swathe of primroses and early purple orchids.

Once we'd left the cycle track we headed along the river to Newport Quay then back along the opposite bank to Seaclose Park, full of footballers at this time of year instead of Festival goers.  The path here was somewhat muddier and full of stones and roots than the Cowes side, and as we approached Island Harbour became very boggy indeed! We got wet feet. Boo. At Island Harbour is a rusting hulk that was a paddle steamer, lots of yachts and some very nice houses.  The footpath through isn't terribly obvious; you have to go across lock gates that cross the harbour entrance, and may need to ask the Harbour Master to close them for you. On the other side  there is more marsh (wetter feet) but after a mile you come to the Folly Inn. We stopped here for a bite to eat and a cup of tea before continuing. The food was scrumptious.

After the Folly, we headed up the road before turning off onto a footpath that led across fields to St. Mildred's Church, Whippingham and from there along the road to East Cowes. We caught the floating bridge back across the Medina and into Cowes; this was only open to foot passengers and cyclists today for some reason, and had rather a party atmosphere as there was a large party of pirates on board.

Distance: 9.9 miles
Route: http://www.mapometer.com/walking/route_1967013.html