Appley Tower Heritage Trails
Appley Tower is an ideal starting (and finishing) point to discover the heritage of Ryde, and its surrounding countryside and seascape. We have put together a set of four trails for people with varying mobility, and each with a different theme.
Our Appley and Puckpool Explorer trail is under 3 miles and takes in the natural and built heritage of Appley and Puckpool Parks. Theres a chance to go on a tree hunt, as well as exploring Puckpool Battery, a Victorian sea defence, but now a wonderful park. This trail meanders through narrow woodland paths and up embankments so can be slippery in wet weather and is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
Quarr Express takes in nearly a millennium of history from the Fleet Review of 1415 and including Henry VIII and his troubles with flagships and monasteries, Victorian high (and low) society, the Binstead Idol and Quarr Abbey. It is just over 7 miles in length and goes about and back along the same route. It is wheelchair and buggies friendly although there is one incline and decline to contend with.
For those wanting to explore the countryside further, Quarr Rambler follows Quarr Express out, but then heads into the countryside to explore the Quarr Estate and woodlands surrounding Ryde. In addition to the highlights listed above it passes the Abbey Fishponds, traverses Binstead Wood before entering the town and exploring its Georgian and Victorian heritage. There’s a chance to walk on water before returning via St Cecilia’s Abbey and the Appley estate. All in at 10 miles its not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs and only suitable for feet in dry spells of weather!
Ryde Town Trail does what it suggests and takes you through the heritage of Ryde. Starting with the story of the seascape and Ryde’s growing significance as a transport hub, it then leaps forward to Georgian and Victorian development when Ryde was the place to be. The trail includes the religious and municipal buildings along with the High Street where much remains to be spotted. Returning to the seaside, the trail includes Ryde’s relationship with the sea – holidays, smuggling and tragedy. Just over 3 miles, the trail is wheelchair and buggy friendly, but given the nature of Ryde, there are a couple of steep inclines and declines.
How do I find out about these trails?
Leaflets are available at Appley Tower. These show the routes and identify the heritage points. Alternatively you can download the map from this page, and the heritage stories and descriptions from the following pages. Full of super photos these are available as pdf’s and we recommend downloading before your visit.
Coming from the mainland?
All trails start and finish at Appley Tower which is within 10 minutes’ walk from the ferry terminals, so all can be part of a glorious day exploring the Isle of Wight.
