Project to Improve Access - Yar Estuary

The Yar estuary is an important area for viewing wildlife and is a tranquil place. The eastern side of the estuary is easily accessed along the old railway route which is now a cycleway. A circular route is now possible by returning from The Causeway via The Freshwater Way.

This four mile circular provides access for less able walkers, pushchair users and pedestrians using mobility scooters and to increase the number of tourists using the Lymington to Yarmouth route.   

The Isle of Wight Ramblers received a grant from the West Wight Landscape Partnership to part fund a number of improvements which were:

• Replace 9 stiles between All Saints Church, Freshwater to Gasworks Lane, Yarmouth with pedestrian gates or kissing gates. A RADAR system of access  will allow suitable mobility scooters to access this path.
• Improve ground surface by laying limestone and stabilised gravel in vulnerable areas.
• Widening of footpath in Saltern Wood.
• Print and distribute a new leaflet on the Island and mainland.

This scheme had the full support of the Isle of Wight Council, Rights of Way Department and the local landowners. The route was officially opened in October 2010.