There are currently no public footpaths in East Cowes which lead to the countryside. A coast path at Osborne and Barton would give residents the opportunity to enjoy these amazing seascapes. It would also ensure that we have one of the finest coastal stretches in England attracting many tourists.
Coastal path on main road?
However, Isle of Wight Ramblers has met many organisations and politicians and have concluded that Natural England is unlikely to pursue a coastal route and must therefore follow the main A3021 road towards Whippingham.
A 2700 mile England Coast Path, a new National Trail, is being implemented and nationally, much of the trail is open for enjoyment. However, on the Island no part is yet open.
Route through East Cowes still not decided
The route from East Cowes to Wootton has not yet been determined and this is one of just two locations nationwide where Natural England has not yet proposed a route.
Indeed we are the only location where there is no route proposed where there are no existing public footpaths.
Protest to the gates of Osborne House
The Isle of Wight Ramblers is inviting supporters to a campaign rally to be held on Bank Holiday Monday 6th May.
In the morning at 10.30 there is an exhibition and a talk at East Cowes Town Hall. This will be chaired by Kate Ashbrook, Vice President, The Ramblers.
There will be a picnic at Jubilee Recreation Ground in East Cowes at 1pm followed by a protest to the gates of Osborne House. Supporters are welcome to join in a day of free activities.
Exempt from the Coastal Access scheme
The Osborne Estate is a designated Park and Garden (grade2*) and is exempt from the Coastal Access scheme and it seems that a large diversion will be needed along the main A3021, bypassing Osborne and Barton estates and on towards Whippingham.
The Natural England Coastal Access Scheme states,
“In this situation we talk to the owners of the land in question as appropriate to explore the scope for them to dedicate voluntarily a suitable permanent route through the large, excepted area in question in order to avoid this kind of substantial diversion.”
There has been no such agreement.
Not fit to be called a King’s Coast Path
The Isle of Wight Ramblers feel that this is unacceptable. The National trail was named King Charles III England Coast Path after the Coronation last year.
Surely a National Trail following a main road with no coast views is not fit to be called a King’s Coast Path.
Kate Ashbrook said,
“Osborne estate was given to the nation by Edward VII in 1902. A National Trail should be allowed through a national asset. So many other large estates such as Blenheim, Stourhead, RHS Wisley, Windsor Great Park all have public rights of way where people can enjoy our heritage.”
Timeline showing how Isle of Wight Ramblers has campaigned for a coast path at East Cowes
2009 Parliament – With cross party support the Marine and Coastal Act was passed. This provides for a 2,700-mile national coastal trail around England. A world leading tourist attraction that also provides community coastal access for healthy outdoor recreation.
2013 Natural England – Update their Coastal Access Scheme which provides the framework for implementing the 2009 Act.
2014 DEFRA – Following three years of Island campaigning and extensive local consultation, the Secretary of State signs an order to include the Isle of Wight in the England Coast Path scheme.
2017 Natural England – Start to survey the Island Coast to develop a proposed route for the first Isle of Wight National Trail.
2020 IOW Route Consultation – A formal consultation on route proposals for stretches 2 to 10 is completed. A route proposal for stretch 1 East Cowes to Wootton where the current coast path runs along 4 miles of busy inland roads, remains outstanding.
2021-2023 IOW Council – The Council Cabinet understand that a truly Coastal National Trail is worth circa £60m pa to the Islands economy and that East Cowes needs their first public path to the local countryside. They support Natural England to develop a route for stretch 1.
2023 The Conservative Government – Marks the King’s coronation by renaming the England Coast Path the King Charles III England Coast Path, recognising the value and significance of the National Trail to the nation.
2023 English Heritage – Say they are unable to agree to 300m of KC3 Coast Path routed along their shoreline boundary due to concerns about protecting its historic setting and its irreplaceable collections. It is worth noting that many heritage sites such as Blenheim Palace, National Trust Stourhead & Lyme, and RHS Wisley all operate successfully with Public Paths across their estates.
2023 Barton Manor Estate – The Ramblers understand that the owners of Barton have not yet accepted the KC3 Coast Path being routed through Barton Wood, a stretch of mixed coastal woodland. By comparison the Royal Estates of Balmoral, Sandringham and Windsor all provide public access routes.
2023 Natural England – Hold difficult consultative meetings with farmers that would be affected by an inland diversion around the Osborne and Barton Estates.
2023 IOW Local Access Forum – Pass the following Motion (9 for, 1 abstention, 1 against).
The IOW Local Access Forum ask that Natural England, the IOW Council, English Heritage and Landowners work together to achieve a truly Coastal Route for this valuable stretch of the national trail. The full scope of both Natural England’s 2013 England Coast Path Scheme plus the Highways Act 1980 creation powers should be explored to achieve this objective.
2024 Mon 6th May – On the anniversary of the Kings Coronation IOW Ramblers will be holding a Rally in East Cowes. Supporters are invited to demonstrate their support for improved public access between East Cowes and Wootton.
A Way Forward
The Ramblers would welcome the opportunity to explore with English Heritage and Natural England/DEFRA a practical approach to maintaining Osborne Site security and securing funds to achieve this. The England Coast Path is a scheme funded by the government. About £1.5m is currently available to create improvements around the Island.
It should be possible to address English Heritage’s security concerns and provide a coast path that we can all enjoy.
News shared by David on behalf of Isle of Wight Ramblers. Ed
