Squirrel Valley Trail - 3.5 miles
A Brisk circular walk starting from Naturezones, Blackwater on to Merstone Station – closed by Beecham - over one of the remaining rail way bridges then back past the disused Methodist church, Merston Manor, the solar fields and reservoir. Led By Naturezones Director Angela Hewitt BEM.
Then optional stroll around Naturezones nature reserve, looking out for red squirrels, or relax with a cream tea.
Run by Naturezones Wildlife Education Trust, a charitable organisation.
Length of walk: 3.5 miles (approx 2 hours)
Walk Leader: Naturezones
Walk Cost: Voluntary donation requested (but not obligatory) to Naturezones (cash on the day please).
Type of Walk: Circular
Pace of Walk: Moderate walk
Walk grade: Fairly easy
Mobility level: Walkers need to be reasonably agile and mobile. Not suitable for walkers with mobility impairment of any kind
Facilities:
- Good walking footwear recommended
- Family friendly
- Takes in woodlands
Nearest Bus Stop:
Blackwater Mill (3) - check your route: islandbuses.info
Additional Information:
At Naturezones there's a car park, toilets, home made refreshments including their famous flapjacks (cream tea, light lunch). The walk can be muddy in parts after the rain. Sturdy shoes recommended.
Park and ride. Take a bus. The No 3 bus stops near the top of Birchmore lane and public footpath to the cycle track. The No. 3 travels from Newport to Ryde via Rookley, Godshill, Whiteley Bank, Wroxall, Ventnor, Shanklin, Lake, Sandown, Brading and Tesco
Or take the Number 2 bus and alight at Mole. Walk back towards Blackwater past the Tin Church and along the cycle track. The No.2 travels from Newport to Ryde via Merstone, Godshill, Whiteley Bank, Shanklin, Lake, Sandown and Brading.
WALK OR CYCLE Naturezones is on the main cycle track from Newport to Sandown.
