For many visitors to the Isle of Wight, Cowes is the very first port of call. Famous worldwide for its sailing regattas and royal connections, this bustling harbour town is a delight to explore. But to truly understand the charm of this northern tip of the island, you need to venture just a little further west.
Enter Southern Vectis Route 32, the essential local link that connects the maritime hub of Cowes with the stunning sunsets of Gurnard and the quiet village charm of Northwood. This isn’t just a commuter shuttle; it’s a ticket to some of the finest Solent views on the island, all without the hassle of navigating narrow coastal roads yourself.
Whether you have just stepped off the high-speed Red Jet from Southampton or are looking for a gentle afternoon excursion, Route 32 offers a relaxed, circular tour of the island’s “nautical heart.”
What makes this route special
While the open-top buses on the south of the island grab the headlines, Route 32 is a hidden gem for those who appreciate coastal atmosphere and local life. The route essentially performs a figure-of-eight or loop, saving your legs from the notoriously steep hills that rise up from the Cowes waterfront.
The true highlight of this journey is the village of Gurnard. Often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, Gurnard feels like a traditional seaside escape. The bus whisks you from the busy shopping streets of Cowes to the serene Gurnard Green, where beach huts line the shore and the sun sets directly over the water—widely considered the best sunset spot on the Isle of Wight.
A journey through the towns
The route is short, sharp, and scenic, taking around 25 to 30 minutes to complete a full loop, making it perfect for hopping on and off.
Cowes
Your journey begins in Cowes, usually from the main interchange just moments from the Red Jet terminal. Before you board, take time to wander the pedestrianised High Street, packed with independent boutiques, chandleries, and pubs soaking in the maritime history. The bus then begins its climb out of the town, offering glimpses of the harbour as you ascend.
Gurnard
As the bus heads west, you enter Gurnard. This is the place to hop off if you want to breathe in the salty air. The bus services the village comprehensively, dropping you within easy walking distance of the shingle beach and the popular Gurnard Green. In summer, the water here is filled with dinghies and paddleboarders. It’s a fantastic spot for a picnic or a pint at a pub with sea views.
Northwood
Completing the loop, the bus travels through Northwood. Historically a separate parish, Northwood offers a greener, more residential contrast to the bustle of the waterfront. It serves as the bridge between the coast and the island’s capital, Newport. The route through here is leafy and calm, passing historic churches and local parks before descending back towards the harbour.
When does the route run?
Route 32 is a reliable daily service, designed to serve the local community as well as visitors.
- Monday to Saturday: The service is frequent, typically running every 30 minutes during the day. This makes it incredibly convenient—you rarely have to worry about a rigid timetable; just turn up and go.
- Sundays and Public Holidays: The service usually shifts to an hourly schedule. It’s still perfectly usable for a day out, but a quick check of the app or timetable is recommended.
Tickets and value for money
Southern Vectis offers excellent value, particularly for families or groups.
- Tap On, Tap Off: The easiest way to pay is using a contactless card or phone. Simply tap on the driver’s ticket machine when you board and tap off on the reader by the door when you exit. The system automatically calculates the best fare for you, capped at a daily limit.
- The £2 Fare Cap: At the time of writing, the national single fare cap applies, meaning a single journey to Gurnard costs just £2—an absolute bargain for the views provided.
- Rover Tickets: If you plan to travel further afield (perhaps connecting to Route 1 to Newport), a “Rover” ticket allows unlimited travel across the entire Southern Vectis network for 24 or 48 hours.
Top tips for the journey
- Watch for the Sunset: If you are visiting in the evening, time your trip to arrive in Gurnard about 30 minutes before sunset. The view across the Solent towards the New Forest coast is spectacular.
- Save your legs: Cowes is hilly! Even if you are a keen walker, taking the bus up the hill to Northwood or Gurnard and walking back down towards the seafront is a smart way to explore without the exertion.
- Grab a window seat: The route passes through tight residential streets and open coastal roads. Sitting near the front gives you a great view of how the skilled drivers navigate the village lanes.
Planning a day out on Route 32
Here is a suggested itinerary for a relaxed car-free afternoon:
- 12:00 PM: Arrive in Cowes via the Red Jet. Grab a seafood lunch at one of the many restaurants on the High Street.
- 1:30 PM: Board the Route 32 bus outside the M&S Foodhall (near the terminal).
- 1:45 PM: Alight at Gurnard, Woodvale. Walk down the hill to the seafront.
- 2:00 PM: Spend an hour walking along Princes Esplanade. Enjoy an ice cream or a drink at the sailing club or local pub.
- 3:30 PM: Walk up towards the Solent View Road bus stop and catch the 32 as it continues its loop.
- 3:45 PM: Enjoy the ride through Northwood, seeing the local side of island life.
- 4:00 PM: Arrive back at the Cowes terminal, ready for your ferry home or to continue your evening.
Year-round appeal
While Gurnard is glorious in the summer sunshine, Route 32 runs all year round and has a distinct charm in the cooler months. Watching a winter storm roll in across the Solent from the warmth of a double-decker bus (or a cosy pub in Gurnard) is an atmospheric experience. Plus, with the Christmas lights twinkling in Cowes High Street during December, this short loop becomes a festive favourite.
