Newport to Shide
This stretch takes you from the Quayside to Shide. You will soon forget you are in the centre of Newport as you make your way through Pan Mill Meadows, a restored area of riverside woodland and wildflower meadow.
Quayside at Newport.
Quayside at Newport.
World War 1 artwork by the Medina, near Matalan.
World War 1 artwork by the Medina, near Matalan.
Cycle path alongside the River Medina.cycle-path-pan-mills-800×532
Cycle path alongside the River Medina.
Sculpture at Pan Mill Meadows.
Sculpture at Pan Mill Meadows.
Shide to Blackwater
This section leaves Newport following the route of the old railway south to Blackwater where the old station house is still standing. It runs alongside the River Medina for much of the way, though it is little more than a stream at this stage.
The surface is a bit more gravelly than the previous (northern) sections and can get muddy in places but is still suitable for most bikes and conditions.
The start of the cycle path at Shide.
The start of the cycle path at Shide.
The cycle track at the start of this section at Shide.
The cycle track at the start of this section at Shide.
Further along the track near Blackwater
Further along the track near Blackwater.
The old station house at Blackwater.
The old station house at Blackwater.
Blackwater station in the 1950s
Blackwater station in the 1950s
Blackwater to Merstone
The route from the old station house at Blackwater follows the route of the old railway through linear woodland alongside the stream that leads into the Medina. It passes the peaceful Birchmore Pond nature reserve then continues across fields before arriving at Merstone where the old station platform is still preserved.
It is all off road and suitable for all bike types though it can get muddy in places.
The cycle path at Blackwater.The end of the cycle path at Blackwater.
The cycle path at Blackwater.
Cycle track through linear woodland near Blackwater.
Cycle track through linear woodland near Blackwater.
Birchmore Pond, just off the cycle track.
Birchmore Pond, just off the cycle track.
Fields near Merstone
Fields near Merstone
Left luggage on Merstone Station platform. platform
Left luggage on Merstone Station platform.
Merstone Station platform.
Merstone Station platform.
Distance: 6.6km (4.1mi)
Time: 20 – 35 minutes
Elevation: mostly flat
Terrain: quiet roads in Newport and well-surfaced route through Pan Mill Meadows. Between Shide and Merstone it is an off-road cycle path that can get muddy in places.