Earlier this month, Isle of Wight Ramblers held the first of a series a protest rallies at the gates of Osborne House.
As reported by OnTheWight, English Heritage who manage Osborne House are refusing to allow the King Charles III English Coast Path to enter the estate. A 300m link is needed between Norris Wood and Barton Wood near the coast and 1.2 kms from the house.
Voluntary agreement withdrawn
Whilst the estate is exempt from the coastal access scheme, there is an expectation that a voluntary agreement would allow access.
Indeed in 2022, a provisional agreement was made between English Heritage and Natural England, but this agreement was subsequently withdrawn.
Gifted to the nation
The Osborne estate was gifted to the nation in 1902 by Edward VII on his coronation.
It has been used as a naval college, a convalescent home and in 1986 English Heritage assumed its management as a tourist attraction.
A coast path not on the coast
The Ramblers feel that it is wrong that a new National Trail called the King Charles III Trail should not pass through the grounds that were once the home of the King’s great great great grandmother Queen Victoria.
The coastline south of Osborne Beach features an area of coastal woods and grassland.
Route complies with provisions
Opinions have been expressed that a coast path cannot follow existing paths through this landscape. Ramblers volunteers are confident that such a route complies with the provisions of the 2013 England Coast Path Scheme.
Legislation was passed in 2009 to create a new national trail along the whole of the coastline of England, some 2,700 miles. Most people enjoy walking and benefit from the healthy recreation. The tourist economy benefits from the attraction of a coastal national trail.
Howarth: The new trail is a wonderful gift to the Island
David Howarth, former Chairman said,
“The new trail is a wonderful gift to the Island and we want to showcase the whole of our coast.
“We certainly do not want to see tourists arriving at East Cowes faced with a two-mile diversion along the road with no sea views.”
The Ramblers feel that the best option is to allow the trail to follow the coast as provided in the legislation and to avoid sensitive wildlife areas such as Kings Quay.
See more
See the latest Report about The Ramblers’ concerns about the England Coast Path. See their website also for details of upcoming events.
Have your say
You can have your say on the proposed diversion of the England Coast Path by visiting the Government website.
You’ll also find documents for the other approved sections of Coast Path around the Island.
News shared by David on behalf of Isle of Wight Ramblers. Ed
