Cowes

Where am I?

This point marks the start/end of the former railway route to Newport on the Red Squirrel Trail. The map at the bottom of the page shows your current location and the route of the trail. You can get downloadable maps and GPS routes of the Red Squirrel Trail from our downloads page to help you find your way.

What’s nearby?

You’ll find some information about places to eat and drink along the trail on the map, as well as bike hire and repair, visitor attractions, picnic spots and nature reserves.

In the centre of Cowes you’ll find two small supermarkets, a host of interesting local shops and plenty of places to eat and drink. The town centre is pedestrianised but you’ll find cycle parking around the entrances to the pedestrian area. You can catch the chain ferry (often known as the floating bridge) to get to East Cowes on the other side of the Medina. Cowes is famous for its world-class sailing facilities and you can find out more about sailing and the town in general on the Cowes Harbour website.

Cycle Hire is available from Top Gear in terminus Road

Along the trail you’ll find two nature reserves. After crossing a road outside the wind turbine factory you’ll find Dodnor Creek and Dicksons Copse Local Nature Reserve which can be accessed through a gate off the track just before you get to the bridge over the creek. Then at the end of the railway section you’ll arrive at Riverside Park where you can walk right up to the edge of the Medina Estuary. You’ll also find picnic tables dotted around.