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Fact file

Getting there For Cowes, take a South West Trains service to Southampton Central, then hop on a free City Link shuttle bus (departs every 10 mins daytime) to Town Quay Ferry for the Red Funnel Red Jet service (departs half hourly; 0870 444 8898) to Cowes. Other South West Trains options to the Isle of Wight include taking a train to Portsmouth & Southsea and picking up the 10-min Hovertravel service (departs half hourly; 023 9281 1000) to Ryde;
or a train to Lymington Pier for a Wightlink
(0870 582 7744) service to Yarmouth. Wightlink also operates a fast catamaran service from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Head Pier. Call 0845 6000 650, or visit www.southwesttrains.co.uk, for train details.

Trail distance 4 miles

Length Approx three hours.

Facilities Public toilets, lots of tea and lunch stops, wheelchair accessible.

Map Download a map from www.redfunnel.co.uk

Visitor information Isle of Wight Tourist Board (01983 813800).

Some of the most beautiful walks in the country can be found within easy reach of the South West Trains network. Follow a heritage trail on the Isle of Wight

Walk on the Wight side

Getting to Cowes couldn't be simpler. Take the train to Southampton Central Station, hop on a free bus for the short ride to the ferry terminal and then it's just 22 minutes by high-speed jetfoil to the natural wonders of the Isle of Wight. The island is home to the UK's largest walking festival, and, with over 500 miles of award-winning footpaths and bridleways and 30 miles of heritage coastline, it's not hard to see why. Over half of the island has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the stunning surroundings are complemented by a history rich in everything from smugglers and dinosaurs to royals and sailing. Indeed, it is the island's nautical history that forms the basis for one of its newest walks, the Boat Trail, which connects the sailing towns of Cowes and East Cowes. Here are some of the highlights along the way.

Foot passengers arrive at the Red Funnel terminal in Cowes, where you can pick up the circular trail outside. Turn right and head up the High Street for the Sir Max Aitken Museum, which takes its name from the former chairman of Express Newspapers and legendary Cowes yachtsman. From May to September you can take a guided tour of the museum's collection of yachting memorabilia. A little further up on the waterfront is Customs House, which is still in use today, and past that, at the end of The Parade, is the Royal Yacht Squadron, one of the most exclusive clubs in the world, dating back to 1815. The loop back takes you down Castle Road to Pascall Atkey on Sun Hill, which is thought to be the oldest yacht chandlery in the world, and into the Yacht Haven at the top of Shooters Hill. The Yacht Haven is the centre of action during Cowes Week, when luxury yachts and celebrities vie for attention and you can order a drink at the longest bar in the world. During the winter months, it's a fascinating place to watch repairs being carried out.

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