The first railway to be built on the island was opened in 1833 on the Nash Estate near Yarmouth. Originally horse drawn and narrow gauge, it was 2 miles long. Its usage is presumed to have been for transporting goods by Royal architect John Nash, serving his estate connecting Hamstead Quay and the brickworks with surrounding land around Hamstead House. The Nash fortune declined and the line had disappeared by 1860 when Ordnance Survey mapped the area. It was nowhere to be seen. There's a designated bridle way nearby to the West travelling south for a distance of almost 4 miles which has the appearance of a railway track. Not named on the Ordnance Survey as a rail trail. Possibly it was the former Yarmouth to Freshwater railway. The path is not tarmacked, but is firm underfoot and tree lined a lot of the way and a pleasant ride. Below we have linked with a few Livery yards in case of riders taking their horse to the Isle of Wight to explore. Grid ref: SZ 3640 8960 near Bouldnor Possible parking at SZ 3670 8990. (Turn right off Thorley Road) Grid ref: SZ 3443 8691 Parking outside or in the Garden centre car park. Tel: 01983 752870

(www.diyliveryisleofwight.co.uk/)

(www.diyliveryisleofwight.co.uk/)