Ryde to Cowes Coastal Walk

This walk follows a section of the Isle of Wight Coast Path from Ryde to Cowes. The route runs for just over 8 miles, following the waymarked path west to the ancient Quarr Abbey before crossing Wootton Creek and arriving at Wootton village.
You continue along tracks and roads to East Cowes where you cross the Medina River on the ferry before finishing at Cowes Harbour.
The trail features a mix of paved coastal promenades, gravel woodland tracks, and sections of public roads. Starting at Ryde, the path heads west away from the urban seafront into quieter, wooded terrain. Key historical highlights include the grounds of Quarr Abbey, a working Benedictine monastery built next to the ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey. After navigating the tidal waters of Wootton Creek, the route cuts inland through farmland and estate paths towards East Cowes. The final leg uses the Cowes Floating Bridge—a chain ferry crossing the River Medina—to connect East Cowes with Cowes Harbour, a major international yachting centre.
The diverse corridor of ancient woodland, tidal creeks, and river estuaries supports a broad range of coastal and woodland species. The mature oak forests around Quarr Abbey are home to a thriving population of native red squirrels, which can be seen foraging in the canopy. Wootton Creek and the River Medina estuary act as vital feeding grounds for wading birds and waterfowl; walkers can regularly spot little egrets, grey herons, and curlews hunting in the mudflats at low tide. During the summer, the brackish waters also support hunting kingfishers, whilst brent geese use the sheltered estuaries as a refuge during the winter months.

Ryde to Cowes Coastal Walk Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Ryde to Cowes Coastal Walk Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

*New* - Walks and Cycle Routes Near Me Map - Waymarked Routes and Mountain Bike Trails>>

Ryde to Cowes Coastal Walk OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Ryde to Cowes Coastal Walk Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Isle of Wight Coast Path, Ryde to Quarr Abbey Walk, Ryde to Bembridge Coastal Walk, Quarr Abbey, Ryde to Seaview Walk

GPX File

Ryde to Cowes Coastal Walk.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)