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The West Wight Greenway would open up a safe a sustainable transport corridor between Newport and the West Wight
The West Wight Greenway – a route for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders; running from Newport to Freshwater Bay, would be one of the greatest developments to the Isle of Wight's Rights of Way network in recent years.
The demand for a rural access route connecting the West Wight to the county town of Newport is not a recent development – there have been supporters and campaigners hoping to create a safe low-traffic route here for over a decade. The West Wight Greenway campaign rallies fresh support and backing in the hope of making this exciting project a reality.
Maintained by the Isle of Wight Council, the new route would start in Gunville on the outskirts of Newport and traverse east to west through the West Wight countryside to Freshwater Bay.
There would be a conscious effort not to cross open farmland or farmsteads and where possible the route would utilise the dismantled railway line between Newport and Freshwater.
With careful consideration and compensation for landowners who dedicate their land to the route’s formation, the objective is to prioritise the east to west connection, provide a multi-use rural bridleway for walking, cycling and horse riding, and to be a catalyst for rural development.
Cyclists are one of the main campaigning groups for the West Wight Greenway. The Isle of Wight has approximately 530 miles (853km) of public rights of way – the most concentrated public right of way network in England, yet only 27.5 miles (5% of public rights of way) are designated National Cycle Network (NCN) cycle routes. The West Wight Greenway would look to provide a vital addition to the NCN 23 and NCN 22 routes that circumnavigate the Island, link Cowes to Sandown, and connect Newport to Ryde; it would provide a much-needed artery extending out into the rural West Wight.
Cycling is not the only interest group for the Greenway though, its creation would also provide easy access to walkers, horse riders and mobility vehicle users. Estimates suggest the route would be used by 8,420 residents of all age groups each year, as well as being a popular promoted leisure route for the 2.4 million tourists that come to the Island per annum.
As well as having activity and health benefits to users, the West Wight Greenway would have notable environmental benefits. The route could reduce congestion, improve air quality and aid the campaign to develop the Isle of Wight as a sustainable tourism destination.
An expansion of the Island’s Rights of Way network would help reduce the number of commuter and school trips on the Island’s roads – by providing off-road alternatives. With 90 percent of the Island’s working population employed on the Island, the relatively short commuting distances make it an easier switch for individuals to choose cycling or walking, when the right infrastructure is in place.
The West Wight Greenway would also help to take tourist traffic off the roads; offering an easily accessible leisure route for visitors to the West Wight and encouraging users to leave their vehicles at home when visiting Island attractions.
The transport corridor could also have notable benefits to rural development. Rural businesses would be particularly supported, and it is expected that the Greenway will stimulate private investment.
The existing cycling related businesses on the Island would also benefit from the expansion of the Island’s cycle routes and usage; since the Department for Transport Local Sustainable Transport funding began in 2012 there are an additional eight cycle related businesses and several restaurants/cafés adjacent to cycle tracks; it is hoped this would expand further with the introduction of the Greenway.
The West Wight Greenway has been a long-standing priority for many activists and campaigners, with an ability to positively benefit islanders of all ages, backgrounds and interests.
The benefits range from facilitating increased physical exercise and engagement with the natural environment, to reducing the strain on the Island’s road network and boosting rural development.
The Greenway would build on the Island’s existing reputation and commitment to sustainable transport, and the infrastructure investment presents extremely good value for money in terms of community benefit, rural development and environmental sustainability.
As the momentum for the West Wight Greenway builds, it is hoped that the reach and benefits of this project are so extensive that the route could become an exemplar of best practice in sustainable development. Look out for further developments with the campaign in 2023.
Photo Credit: Visit Isle of Wight
