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Yar River Trail

19.26 miles (31 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Follow the Yar River Trail from its source near Niton to Bembridge Harbour.
The walk takes you through the beautiful Isle of Wight countryside and heads through the pretty villages of Godshill, Newchurch and Brading. The trail passes ancient manor houses at Morton and Great Budbridge, and also includes six trail side sculptures by local artist Paul Mason. This is a nice, flat easy waterside walk with plenty to see on the trail.

Yar River Trail OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Yar River Trail Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

In Godshill you can enjoy a pit stop at The Taverners. The ancient inn dates to the 17th century and includes a charming old interior with oak beams, flagstone flooring and open fireplaces. They sell good quality food and also have a garden to sit out in. You can find them at postcode PO38 3HZ for your sat navs. The pub is dog friendly in the bar area. The village is also worth exploring with its thatched cottages and ancient church.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Red Squirrel Trail is a long distance cycle route which uses part of the trail on its way around the island. The Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay Walk, Ryde to Bembridge Coastal Walk and the Bembridge Trail can all be linked to from the route.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Isle of Wight Walks page.

Photos

River Yar - geograph.org.uk - 120708

River Yar. The broad expanse of the River Yar viewed looking south westwards and upstream from the tidal sluice gates at Bembridge Harbour.

River Yar valley - geograph.org.uk - 121292

River Yar valley. Viewed looking westwards along Southford Lane with Southford Mill on the right, the River Yar would have flowed in the bottom of this valley at one time, but it has been diverted at some time in the past to flow in a leat behind the mill buildings.

Looking across the River Yar - geograph.org.uk - 1049201

From the dismantled railway by The Causeway looking across the River Yar to All Saints Church Freshwater

Kayaks on the River Yar, Isle of Wight - geograph.org.uk - 1805648

Kayaks on the River Yar, Isle of Wight Ideal conditions for a gentle paddle on the River Yar, just downstream of the bridge at Freshwater, some two miles from the sea.

River Yar - geograph.org.uk - 484532

Looking north-east, this is the river as it flows through Brading Marsh.

Mudflats of River Yar - geograph.org.uk - 1049281

By the dismantled railway mudflats of River Yar

Tidal mill and River Yar - geograph.org.uk - 1011240

Tidal mill. The cycle path which runs along the disused railway line follows the wall running to the right out of the centre of the picture.

View Towards the River Yar, Isle of Wight - geograph.org.uk - 1804323

Photographed from the bridge which carries a bridleway, which runs on the former railway trackbed. The small stream flows into the River Yar, by the right-hand of the four yachts.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Yar River Trail.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Yar River Trail.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)