Holiday park · Wootton Bridge · 0.9 miles off the path
Woodside Coastal Retreat
2.9 miles into the stage
Lodges
- Some dogs
- Near beach
from £61.07/night
ViewIsle of Wight Coastal Path: Ryde to Cowes
About 8 miles (13km) from Ryde Pier to the floating bridge at Cowes, which takes 3.5 to 4 hours with only gentle climbs. It is the least coastal stage. Almost all of it is on roads, tracks and woodland paths, because the shore between Wootton and East Cowes, including the Osborne estate, is private or Crown land.
It is also the only part of the island without an agreed England Coast Path route. Natural England's East Cowes to Wootton section, IOW1, was still unresolved in October 2026 after objections, so you follow the older Coastal Path signs.
Campsite · Fishbourne · on the doorstep off the path
The Woodland Retreat
3.1 miles into the stage · Tiny woodland site at Fishbourne, right by the path near the ferry terminal.
Tents
- No dogs
- Campfires
Prices on request
View
Farm campsite · Wootton Bridge · 0.3 miles off the path
Kite Hill Farm Caravan & Camping Park
3.4 miles into the stage · Farm fields by Firestone Copse, half a kilometre from the path at Wootton Bridge.
Tents, caravans, motorhomes
- Dogs welcome
from £22/night
ViewPop-up campsite · Wootton Bridge · 0.6 miles off the path
Oakdene Orchard
3.6 miles into the stage · Pop-up fields outside Wootton Bridge, about a kilometre from the path.
Tents
- Dogs welcome
- Campfires
Prices on request
View
Holiday park · Wootton Bridge · 0.9 miles off the path
Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat
4 miles into the stage
Lodges, treehouses
- Some dogs
- Near beach
- Glamping
Prices on request
View
Glamping site · Wootton Bridge · on the doorstep off the path
Into the Woods
4.4 miles into the stage · Treehouses and shepherd huts above Wootton Bridge, beside the route.
Treehouses, shepherd's huts
- Some dogs
- Campfires
- Glamping
from £78.57/night
ViewSmall certificated site · Newport · 1 miles off the path
Last Post CS
5.1 miles into the stage
Members only · join the Camping and Caravanning Club to stay
Tents, caravans, motorhomes
- Dogs welcome
from £24/night
View
Holiday park · East Cowes · 0.3 miles off the path
Waverley Park Holiday Centre
7.5 miles into the stage · Camping field in East Cowes, half a kilometre from the floating bridge.
Tents, caravans, motorhomes, static caravans
- Dogs welcome
- Pool
from £13/night
ViewNo campsites match all of those.
The walk
From Ryde take Spencer Road and the tree-lined Ladies Walk past Ryde Golf Club to Holy Cross Church at Binstead. Church Road and Quarr Road lead to Quarr Abbey, a working Benedictine monastery with grounds and a tea shop open to visitors. Quarr Lane and the B3331 bring you to the Fishbourne car ferry terminal at 2.7 miles.
A woodland path comes out on the A3054, which you follow down over Wootton Creek at Wootton Bridge, 4.3 miles in. Back streets lead to Brocks Copse Road and Alverstone Road, quiet lanes to Whippingham and St Mildred's Church. Then the busy A3021, with a pavement all the way, takes you past the entrance to Osborne House and into East Cowes.
Crossing the Medina
The floating bridge, a chain ferry, crosses from East Cowes to Cowes. It runs Monday to Saturday from 5am to 12.30am and on Sunday from 6.30am to 12.30am. A foot passenger single costs £1, or 50p with a Saver Card (operator's prices, October 2026). Vehicle closures for maintenance, like the one from 21 to 28 September 2026, are listed on the operator's website.
Buses, food and water
Route 4 runs Ryde, Binstead, Wootton Bridge, Whippingham, Osborne House and East Cowes roughly hourly in the day. Route 9 runs Ryde, Binstead, Wootton and Newport about every 10 minutes, and route 1 runs Newport to Cowes about every 10 minutes. Toilets are at Ryde Western Esplanade, Wootton (Brannon Way), East Cowes (Osborne Road) and on both sides of the floating bridge. Food: Quarr Abbey's tea shop, The Fishbourne inn, and plenty in Wootton Bridge and both Cowes.
Questions people ask
How do you get from East Cowes to Cowes on foot?
On the floating bridge, the chain ferry across the River Medina. It runs from 5am (6.30am on Sundays) to 12.30am, and a foot passenger single is £1 (October 2026).
Is the Cowes to Ryde coastal path walk worth doing?
For completeness, yes, but it is mostly road and woodland with few sea views. Quarr Abbey, Wootton Creek and Osborne House are the highlights. Route 4 buses follow the same line if you would rather ride it.
How long is the walk from Ryde to Cowes?
About 8 miles (13km), or 3.5 to 4 hours, plus the floating bridge crossing.