Cowes to Newtown River

Grid Refs
Cowes SZ488966
Newtown River SZ417912

Features:
The Cowes end of this stretch, including Thorness Bay and Gurnard are fairly developed, however once past Gurnard itself, the coast line becomes wild and largely accessible only by water. Many inviting beaches offer wild camping possibilities, but ominous notice boards possibly indicate private ownership.
Newtown River offers a complete contrast the commercial bustle of Cowes. A nature reserve consisting of short several creeks meeting at one river mouth.

Access / Put-ins:
Cowes: There are several public slipways and the shingle beach at Egypt Point. limited parking options however.
Gurnard: Obvious coast access on OS map, but parking situation unknown.
Newtown River: No ready access from the land - ideal though for visiting by kayak.

Nature:
Newtown River is a National Trust haven for wild life, particularly birds. It is very wild, only spoiled by the sheer number of visiting yachts and power boats.

History:
Cowes is the yachting centre of the UK, probably the world.
Waterside Pubs:
Not on this stretch

Hazards:
Strong tides exist one hundred metres off of Egypt Point. Inshore, there is little tide, but some submerged rocks on the headlands. This should only be a problem in a breaking sea.