Page dated May 22, 2005

Freshwater to Newport:

On Road
Short rides from Freshwater

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This page is still being constructed. Links, road numbers and grid references have now been entered. Photographs will be improved (one day).

Underlined words within the text are links to further information, other web sites or to photographs. Grid references are marked in blue. This route to Newport avoids the more major roads as far as possible.

  • STARTING POINT: West Wight Sports Centre, Freshwater. 337,870 [Sports facilities, cafe and 'Pay & Display' car park.] Public toilets in car park. Village shops nearby.
  • Out of the car park, turn right, then immediately right on road east through village A3055. Follow road to mini roundabout by Co-op and petrol station. 343,871
  • Bear left at roundabout, up the hill. [Hooke Hill]

 

  • At the top of the hill, the road bears sharp left by the sub Post Office. You should continue straight on towards the Church and Red Lion Pub. Take care at this junction, cars sometimes cut the corner.
  • The road becomes narrow to the right of the Church 347,873 and drops down hill towards the river. Cross the causeway to where the bridleway crosses. This was the old railway crossing. The cottage was the Level Crossing Keeper's. 348,872.
  • You have a choice at this point:

ROUTE A: The bridleway. (Well surfaced)

Choose this route if you and your bike don't mind a few bumps and doggies. It's well worth it! In spring, the trail is lined with primroses. The woods are great and there are views across the estuary. You may even see a red squirrel or an egret.

  • Turn left at the cottage and along the bridleway. This was the old railway line.
  • Stay on the track until Yarmouth's old station.357,894 Here, you can branch off into Yarmouth's old town or continue.
  • At the end of the track, there is a short, sharp climb. Turn right on the road. 364,896.

 

  • The roads snakes across a little valley, past a farm and starts to climb the other side.
  • Part way up the climb, turn left towards Thorley, Wellow and Ningwood. 367,888

ROUTE B: The road.

Choose this route if you prefer a bit more speed or your tyres are made for tarmac alone.

  • Continue straight on at the cottage. The road is fairly level until a sharp right, followed by a short climb.
  • Turn left at the 'T' junction. B3399. 351,865 Watch this section of road! You are only on it for a very short distance.
  • Turn next left into Wilmingham Lane. 357,867

 

  • The road drops gently downhill for quite away until it crosses a stream in a dip. Climb the other side and take first right over the brow of the hill towards Thorley, Wellow and Ningwood. 367,888

THE ROUTES HAVE NOW JOINED

  • Follow this road through Thorley Village. Church on left. 375,887 Then on to Wellow. Wellow bus stationWellow bus station
  • Turn right in Wellow, almost opposite thebus shelter. 386,882 [Wellow Top Road].Short climb past thatched house, then sharp left. Follow the road through dip, past farm and down long lane through open fields.
  • Past the dip and the riding stables, meet B3401 403,877 on a bend. Turn right (but sort-of straight on). Road climbs to Newbridge. Village stores and seats on green. 411,876

 

  • Drop down through the village. Turn suddenly left immediately after crossing small bridge. 413,875
  • This little lane then bears right up a steepish climb and on to a cross roads. 425,877
  • Cross straight over. Take care because visibility is limited. Gentle climb to 'Five Houses'. 428,878 Bear left, and follow downhill to the A3054.

 

  • This is almost a cross roads. Turn right on the A3054, then immediately left on little lane.
  • Follow the lane to T junction with patch of grass in the middle. 435,902 Limited visibility here too! Turn right.
  • The road drops down, over a bridge and up the other side. Turn first right into Coleman's Lane. 443,904 Easy, flat ride. Don't turn off until you reach the T junction at the end. 461,902

 

  • Turn right into Whitehouse Road. Limited visibility! Gentle uphill to crossroads at the top. 463,894
  • Turn left at crossroad on A3054. This is a fast road, central islands and awkward drains make it difficult for vehicles to pass a bike easily. Follow this road to large roundabout at the end. 495,901
  • It is possible to avoid the roundabout. The right turning immediately before the roundabout is the one you want, but it is a 'NO RIGHT TURN'. However, you can push your bike over.
  • Down the hill and you're in central Newport.