By Isle of Wight Observer
The latest proposal, to direct the King Charles III Coastal Path via public highways in East Cowes, is not acceptable, even if speed limits are reduced.
With the small number of walkers on these fast roads and narrow lanes, there should already be reduced speeds for safety, yet all are currently still the national speed limit! Many more walkers are expected once the new coastal path is being nationally promoted, so the suggested route will be even more hazardous. In so many paragraphs I have read, in Natural England’s report, that all sections of the path “should not be on the public highway if it can be avoided.” Surely the danger to life should be ranked more highly than a small number of landowners having private access to the beach. In the case of Osborne House, the wider public should not be denied access to a stretch of coastline and grounds given to the British people by Edward Vll, King Charles lll’s great, great grandfather.
The statement made by Natural England: “there is a safe route close to the sea at East Cowes” when it is a mile away and, with no sea views for over three miles, is mind numbing! It’s as if people are making this up as they go along. The distance to Woodside Bay from Norris Wood would be, if coastal, a distance of over 3½ miles, all with coastal access and sea views. The route as proposed going inland offers some 5½ miles with no coastal access, no sea views and a long stretch of public highway. It’s so sad for Section One of our coastal path to be so disappointing for walkers and not to meet the objectives of Natural England.
The small off-road incursion at Whippingham, through agricultural land, is a very small concession. I can’t imagine the farmer is truly happy. I’m certain he, like so many of us, would prefer the path along the coastal boundary – not across his land.
Neither Barton Manor nor Osborne House have a particularly good case against the path, other than their desire not to allow the public on the coastal boundary of their property. In both cases the houses are over half a mile from the proposed coastal route and well screened by forestry. And in both instances a stock-proof fence and hedge could easily be installed, as is the norm through private land where access needs to be contained (as it is on my own property.)
In the case of Osborne House, the coastal route would even offer the opportunity for more Beachside Café customers, and another paid entrance point to the house and gardens.
This route will be a well-promoted National Trail and I don’t understand their reluctance to be part of something that could help attract much-needed visitors to enjoy the Island’s Biosphere and keep our heritage alive.
Whilst there are obvious benefits of the coastal path for tourism and visitors (although sadly I have seen little, if any, support from Visit Isle of Wight), we should also remember the residents in and around East Cowes. It is unfortunate to live in a seaside town with no real beach or waterfront access to enjoy. There are no footpaths other than joining the path to Newport at The Folly and walking along the river. Again, I have heard little from local councillors, other than seeking to reduce speed limits on Alvington Road and Brocks Copse Road. No active support for the path going along this most fascinating stretch of coastline so loved by Queen Victoria – I really do wonder why.