This ~1 mile circular walk is one I have done countless times over. Only a 2 minute walk from my old home, this walk is one I am most familiar, and have a fond relationship with.
The walk can be started at either a cut-through path on Lower Furlongs (involves crossing train track), or at the end of Quay Lane. From this entrance theres also space for parking ~2 cars, but better to park in the car park next to the church yard and enjoy the walk down. From this entrance you're lead along an elevated stone path that looks out to both sides of the marshaland, with one side usually grazed by friendly cows. The marshland to the left of the path is a protect area by the RSPB for a variety of species that inhabit the marshland - making it a great place for birdwatching. Depending on the season, you can also catch numbers of geese flying overhead , which is incredible to experience!
Furthewr along the path you get to a bridge which goes over the River Yar (the river that runs across the Isle of Wight). Looking down this river past the families of ducks, you can sometimes see out to sea at St Helens/Bembridge Harbour. During times of higher sea level, Brading used to be a port here with access to the sea - with evidence in some of it's street names (e.g. Quay Lane). Silting up and draining out of the harbour however cut off the sea access and left the river and wetland we can enjoy today. The marshlands now act an important nature reserve for bird species, but also a key flood defence. Beneath the bridge and in other places along the river in Brading are flood gates which can control the flow and prevent flooding, as well as the expanse of the spongey marsh which can help absorb any river overflow.
From the bridge two routes are available; you can continue straight on to walk to Gander Down or towards Bembridge via Centurions Copse and the Windmill. Or, for this circular, follow the path back off the bridge through a kissing gate into Fatting Marsh. The path then follows the river round, a picturesque walk with hanging trees and flowering lily pads, backdropped by rows of undulating hills. Then past reed beds along the far end of the marsh, until the gate where you can either then cross the train trakcs, or follow the path that runs behind the marsh, parallel to the tracks. This takes you past the sewage works, but also gives a step-back view of the marsh and the landscape it sits in.
Overall, this walk is a great short circular with lots of birdwatching opportunity!
Species to look out for (source: RSPB):
Buzzard
Little Egret
Heron
Cettis warbler
Lapwing
Wigeon
Dog Friendly (but be aware of bird nesting)
Parking (limited, but car park nearby)
2-5 minute walk from Brading Train Station
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