The Isle of Wight Ramblers have held a protest rally at the gates of Osborne House over English Heritage’s refusal to allow the King Charles III England Coast Path through the estate.
Campaigners say just a 300m link is needed between Norris Wood and Barton Wood, around 1.2km from the house itself. While Osborne is technically exempt from the coastal access scheme, the Ramblers argue there was an expectation that a voluntary agreement would be reached. In 2022, Natural England announced a provisional agreement with English Heritage – but this was later withdrawn.
Osborne was gifted to the nation in 1902 by Edward VII and has since served as a naval college, a convalescent home and, since 1986, a visitor attraction managed by English Heritage. The Ramblers say it is wrong that a new National Trail named after the King should bypass the former home of his great-great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.
Campaigners point out that the coastline south of Osborne Beach features woods and grassland suitable for walking. English Heritage has suggested a coast path cannot follow existing routes here, but Ramblers’ volunteers insist the proposals comply with the 2013 England Coast Path Scheme.
Legislation was passed in 2009 to establish a 2,700-mile National Trail around the whole of England. Supporters say the route brings proven health and wellbeing benefits, while boosting tourism and the rural economy.
David Howarth, former Chairman of the Isle of Wight Ramblers, said:
“The new trail is a wonderful gift to the Island and we want to showcase the whole of our coast. We certainly do not want to see tourists arriving at East Cowes faced with a two-mile diversion along the road with no sea views.”
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The Ramblers say their preferred option is a route that follows the coast in line with the legislation, while avoiding sensitive wildlife areas such as King’s Quay.
Omg go walk somewhere else there are so many walks on the island. Stop being a pain in the …
protest against something that actually is important?
My thoughts exactly, why don’t they just walk
along East Cowes seafront and support the
local cafe whilst at it.
Charge a fee for walkers and the money can go
to Mountbatten or the Air Ambulance fund.
Everyone is a winner that way.
Obviously people with too much time on their hands. People will walk into Osbourne House grounds for free..Of course they will oppose it.
One way to beat the extortionate entrance fees
Lol
Well done ramblers, sticking up for the people.
Lots of people want to walk the coastal path on this beautiful island. At the moment that means walking along a 60 mile an hour road with no path. Your lives are in the hands of motorists, who hopefully are not drunk or drugged. Yes there are many beautiful places to walk here but the round the island coastal path is not permissable especially if you have children/ dogs or older people with you. Or actually just any age. Why should only the rich and privileged have access to certain parts of the land forcing others to walk along a road. A coastal path could be created near The Barton estate just to allow people to get off the road otherwise the island coastal path is a joke.