Newtown Woodland and Saltmarsh Circuit

Within the Isle of Wight AONB and the Hamstead Heritage Coast, this is a gentle circular route around Newtown Creek National Nature Reserve, with beautiful views at all times.

From the National Trust Carpark, cross a minor road to find the route of the medieval street leading eastwards. It opens out into a beautiful pasture with several ancient oaks, and may be grazed by heritage cattle at certain times of year.

Exit the field, and follow the road for approx. 200m to Walter's Copse, a pocket-sized woodland that combines ancient woodland and rotational coppice management, and edges onto the saltmarsh. Follow the trail through the wood back to the road, then retrace your steps to the Visitor Centre.

Continue past the church, then take the track to the bird hide. Cross the field to reach the boardwalk to the old boathouse, for views of the Creek and out to the Solent. Return to the carpark by following the route around the historic salt ponds.

The saltmarshes and mudflats of Newtown Creek are an important site for wildlife, especially overwintering wading birds and wildfowl.  Look out for red squirrels in the woodlands, and grey seals loounging on the shingle spit too.

Read more here https://thesevagabondshoes.org/2020/01/18/three-winter-walks-on-the-isle-of-wight/