A BRAND new trek that allows hikers to walk on water as they discover the maritime heritage of Cowes and East Cowes has been launched.

About 200 people took part in Bank Holiday Monday's official walk to unveil The Boat Trail, a four-mile walk linking the two towns divided by the Medina by illustrating the ship building history of each.

A centrepiece of the walk is the Cowes to East Cowes chain ferry that has undergone a colourful refurbishment to mark its roles both as a vital link in the walk and, of course, between the two towns.

A competition was held throughout the day inviting people to name the ferry and visitors marvelled at the newly painted and decorated interiors which formed part of Island 2000 Trust's ambitious long-term Boat Trail project.

The new look chain ferry also features curiosity boxes created by local schools, clubs and invited artists while new wooden seating has been designed by Fred Baier, one of the UK's top furniture makers.

The project has been overseen by the Island 2000 Trust.

Executive director Ian Boyd said: "The launch of the Boat Trail was a fabulous event. No one seemed at all bothered by the occasional monsoon conditions as we were all having too much fun!

"I want to thank everyone who helped on the day, the workshop and walk leaders, the entertainers, J2 for their amazing organisation and all the folks rushing about all day to keep the whole thing running smoothly.

"Particular thanks must go to Gavin Hodson and Becky Collier who have run this huge project so successfully for Island 2000, and to the team operating the floating bridge who have been so helpful in creating the extraordinary changes on board.

"The communities of East and West Cowes have worked together for the past two years to turn the idea of a trail, first designed by Sasha Ward and Rachel Nightingale, into this reality - and this is just the beginning."

Cowes mayor Alan Wells said: "The town councils and community partnerships have worked very hard to break down the traditional barriers between the two towns and this project really does that."

The walk itself is highlighted by scores of decorated plaques laid into the footways and buildings along the trail.

Leaflets to accompany the walk are available from tourist information centres.