Freshwater Bay to The Needles

The true poster landmark for the Isle of Wight is the Needles; the iconic chalk stacks that extend off the western diamond corner are a landscape jewell to the island. They expose the long history of coastal erosion that continually shapes the island, a battering delivered from the great seas of the North Atlantic. Although consistent attempts have been made to comercialise this section of the Island, with a sizeable theme park space at Alum Bay - similar to that at Lands End. These efforts have still come short of the natural beauty that is the Needles and their lighthouse. Thankfully, this walk from the natural wonder of Freshwater Bay, over Tennyson Down to the Needles, is absent of any toursit developments. This walk provides uninterrupted views of chalk downland, complex coastal structures and the expanse of blue sea - with views across to Studland chalk on clear days. As well as the geography, this walk is interwoven with historical significance, accessible with the views on offer.

This walk is ~3.5 miles to the Needles. Starting from Freshwater Bay there is a carpark and bus stops just across from the beach. I recommend walking into the Bay first just to check out how amazing it is! This is especially a treat at low tide when caves are accessible and the water is shallow and transparent over the wave-cut chalk platform. The view is also just as great from the cliff top - reachable by steps from the beach or walking up the road slightly to cut through a path. This birds-eye view is really something, especially when the pink thrift are in bloom. You can also get a good view round the Bay to the Needles of where you're about to get walking to.

Leaving Freshwater Bay towards Tennyson Down, past the Albion Hotel along Gate Lane there is a turning on your left that takes you on to the Downs. There's also a block of public toilets here and a bus stop. Once on the downs it's a firly straight path to followed, carved out by the many walkers before. Along the walk up (the what seems never-ending) incline of Tennyson, you're surrounded by a lovely display of wildflowers and heath. The higher you get, you're rewarded with even wider reaching views, right across to Yarmouth and Hurst Castle.

Once at the top you will get to see the Tennyson Monument. This is a memorial to Lord Alfred Tennyson, a famous poet of his time and another reveller of the Isle of Wights natural beauty. From this point you get some of the best sweeping views, and a sight of the remaining walk.

From the monument the path continues to take you across the downs rather directly. However, if you wish to divert and go to Alum Bay, a path to the right opens up once decended from the top of Tennyson. Straight ahead to the Needles, more Heath and other unique ecosystems surround your route. Looking back, you can also appreciate the distance you've walked and the veiw of Freshwater Bay. Nearing the last section of the Downs before you get closer to the Needles is a field that tends to be used for cattle - so ensure your dog is on a lead here. Past this you reach the narrow road and a small concrete building that was once the rocket testing site. Continuing on down towards the Needles old Battery and fort you get a brilliant view of the Needles stacks out at sea while still at height, and Alum Bay to the right. To go into the National Trust Fort, you will have to pay, but can also enjoy a cafe and toilets. It's a great spot to learn more about the history of the site.

From here, you can walk back, walk to Alum Bay or get the bus just outside the gates.