Routes :
START AT THE MAIN CAR PARK OPPOSITE THE FERRY PORT. HEAD LEFT AS YOU
ENTER THE CAR PARK AND FOLLOW THE PATH THAT RUNS BESIDE THE SCHOOL.
THERE IS A GATE JUST AFTER THE OLD MILL. GO THROUGH IT AND YOU ARE
ONTO THE CYCLE PATH AND ALL THREE OF THE ROUTES START HERE.
Freshwater
Loop (approx. 3 miles)
It is an easy path on the East side of the river and a more challenging
one on the West where it is not suitable for wheeled vehicles. The
East side offers excellent views of the river with plenty of sightings
to be made. The West is more inland with farmland and wooded areas
to pass through. The route passes the Red Lion pub next to All Saints
Church, which offers a good range of Ales and highly commended food,
it is well worth starting out late morning, taking lunch at the pub
and then walking it all off with a stroll back to Yarmouth.
Thorley
Loop (approx. 1 mile)
This small trail takes you around the edge of a large pond on the eastern
side of the main bridleway and then on through the marsh along a
footpath that clings to the edge of Thorley Copse. In winter this
can get quite boggy. Once you meet the road hop over the old stone
bridge and pick up the main bridleway back towards Yarmouth. This
will take you alongside Rofford Marsh (north of the bridleway) and
the meandering Yar tributary on the southern side. Head back to the
entrance to Mill Copse to complete the loop.
Mill
Copse
A well-maintained hide is available for use in this little copse, offering
a view of the water as well as the chance of spotting a red squirrel
up in the trees as you walk through. There is an interesting information
board as you enter the wood explaining about its management by the
Wight Nature Fund. The paths lead you around the wood; at the far
side is the hide.
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