Sunday 8 October 2017

I do like to be beside the seaside 9

Nice day today, hardly any wind, just need to do 3.5 miles to maintain the weekly target.  Going down towards Freshwater and Colwell to check out the coastal path in that area.  Must visit the pier first as promised.


Yarmouth Pier

Opened in 1876, the pier is the only working wooden pier in Britain.  It has survived several crashes and was nearly demolished in 1990 because of woodworm and rot but funding was found to renovate it.  Local celebrity, gardner and author, Alan Titchmarsh headed the appeal and was instrumental in its new lease of life.  It is a grade 2 listed building.  A fine looking structure, worth the 50 pence recommended entry fee.


Colwell Bay and Pier

This pier on Colwell Beach looks in as bad a condition as the Birnbeck Pier in Weston.  Presumably, this was built by the Victorians to allow steamer access to the western side of the Isle of Wight.  Signs all over say 'Danger, Keep Off'.  Quite a pleasant little beach this, mainly shingle with the added advantage of a cafe selling tea at £1.50.  Sat in the sun and had a cup of that.


Coastal Path

From Colwell Bay to Yarmouth is a reasonable coastal path, not all of it cycle friendly unfortunately. Used to to get back to the main road and it actually cut out one of the hills encountered on this ride.  Considering the lovely weather, not that many people on it.


Beach Huts

Further along the path came across another part of the bay that has been, to a small degree, commercialised.  Quite a nice set of beach huts, in excellent condition, stretched for some distance, none were being used though.  Probably too late in the season now.


Really enjoyed the morning.  A lot of hills about but worth the effort.  Just 9 miles covered.

2 comments:

  1. Good to see you are making the most of your short stay on the I of W, Ken. Particularly like the brightly coloured beach huts and renovated pier. Desperately look for a rack or two but none in evidence. Do I need to take the plac3 off my target list?

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  2. Didn't see any racks at all Mick. Didn't venture into Newport, Ryde, Cowes Ventnor at all may be some in there so don't give up hope!

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