Ventnor to Cowes Part_2

Cycling alongside the river Yar, approaching Yarmouth harbour.

Continuing with my bike ride to W Cowes, this leg from Freshwater to Yarmouth (IOW). The aim of this e-bike ride was to follow the West-Side of the official “Around the IOW Cycle Route”. Because the chain ferry is out of action again, I decided to cycle the West Side of the island on Sunday. Then cycle the East Side of the island another time.

Setting off early morning on a very chilly morning. It is spring I kept saying to myself as my ears felt as though they were about to drop off. My feet didn’t belong to me after descending down the monster hill from Blackgang. Even wearing my thermal socks and the waterproof over shoes my feet felt like blocks of ice. There were frozen puddles and ice across the road in places giving me another excuse not to rush but to enjoy the scenery. Even the plants were shivering with the chilly start to the day.

Stage 2 of my bike ride to W Cowes

The cycle path followed the estuary. This was bird spotters paradise. Wetlands rich in visiting birds.

Quote from www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk: The Isle of Wight is home to over 200 species of birds and the Western Yar Estuary at Yarmouth offers excellent opportunities to view many of the wading birds and waterfowl species that can be found on the Island.

Quite often the more secretive species can be seen enjoying the peaceful serenity of the River Yar. The nearby woods and fields offer cover to numerous small birds and raptors. The time of year will make a big difference to what birds you can spot.

Birdwatchers paradise along the River Yar estuary at Yarmouth

After my pit stop in Freshwater, it was time to find the official cycle route to Yarmouth. “You must visit Off the Rails restaurant” several people have recommended to me. That was to be my next stop on my journey.

The next little gem was the cycle track along the river Yar and the corresponding wildlife haven. Full of reeds, pools and mud-flats. Perfect for birds spotters. Easy to get to as well.

At the end of this cycle path, was a walkers and cyclists pit-stop. Highly recommended to me by a few people I’ve spoken to. The converted railway station at Yarmouth. Well known for the lovely “Off the Rails” restaurant. Home cooked food and plenty of it. A must for another day. There is a cycle hire place there too offering a variety of cycles including pedal-assist e-bikes.

The menu taken from the Off The Rails website.

There are lots more photos my “Scenery IOW” portfolio.