|
About Us
|
Isle of Wight Ramblers and The Tapnell Trail The Tapnell Trail was opened by Chair of West Wight Landscape Partnership, Sue Poston, at 10.30am on 15th May at Tapnell Farm. This took place during the Walking Festival on a walk led by David Howarth. The trail has been developed by IW Ramblers to suit walkers of all abilities. Stiles have been replaced with gates and information boards describe the heritage and wildlife in the area. The 6.5 mile trail is fairly level and starts at the Causeway, Freshwater and leads to Tapnell Farm, The Hamstead Trail and returns along the lower downs path. A leaflet is available with a map and shows local information. The leaflet can also be downloaded from our website.
It has been the aspiration of West Wight Landscape Partnership to produce a West Wight walk passing through this scenic area surrounded by the downs, and heritage coast. Much of the project cost has been provided by the landscape partnership. David Howarth, IW Ramblers Area Chairman said “The West Wight is fast becoming a walker’s paradise. Many stiles have been replaced with gates and we now have many miles of footpaths without stiles. Our charity is keen to see more people, of all ages and abilities, take up walking. It is a healthy pursuit and reduces the reliance on motor vehicles.” 
Isle of Wight Ramblers Proud Winners of Four National Awards  The Isle of Wight Ramblers are winners of four national awards. Delegates at the Annual General Council meeting at Warwick University, held on 13/14 April, voted for the Ramblers President Awards. The IW Ramblers were winners of the President's Campaigner Volunteer Award, The President's Footpath Volunteer Award, The President's Media Volunteer award and The President's Countryside Volunteer Award. The IW Ramblers has worked to improve access in the countryside. Three accessible routes totalling 15 miles have been developed and leaflets produced. Donations have been received under the "Donate a Gate" scheme and over 50 stiles have been replaced with gates. A campaign to introduce a new Coastal Path has led to the Government introducing a consultation and a decision to be made soon. Delegates at the conference were David Howarth, Area Chairman and Mike Slater, Access Officer. The awards were presented by the Ramblers' President Kate Ashbrook. David said "We are very pleased that the Isle of Wight Ramblers has been recognized for their work in improving access and encouraging more people to use the network. The Ramblers organisation is changing - we want to see more people of all ages and abilities walking in the beautiful countryside that the island has to offer. It is good that we are at the forefront of some of these changes, but there is much to do and we need more supporters to achieve this."
 The Isle of Wight has over 500 miles of public rights of way. hts of way. We help maintain them by walking them, reporting faults and carrying out practical work. This is one of the best networks of paths in the country with spectacular views of the coast, estuaries, downs and woodland. There are also 26 areas of access land on the Island. The Ramblers is for the benefit of everyone, the enjoyment and discovery that walking outdoors can bring. As a charity, we campaign to increase and improve access to the countryside. 
The Ramblers' Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales number 1093577, registered charity in Scotland, number: SC039799. Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW
|
This is the third accessible trail that has been developed by The Ramblers. This walk links with the Yar estuary trail. The Sandown to Alverstone reserves trail was developed in 2011. Over 15 miles of accessible trails have been developed since 2009.