The National Trust
Downs and Coastline

The National Trust owns and protects chalky downs and many miles of coastline on the Isle of Wight - including the whole of Compton Bay from Shippard's Chine near Hanover Point right round to Freshwater Bay.

The National Trust welcome sign at Shippard's Chine

Compton Bay in May

This stretch of unspoiled coastline is popular with surfers, fossil hunters and locals alike. The sandy beach and clear water offer safe bathing, whilst the soft, sandstone cliffs frequently crumble to reveal fossils and the occasional dinosaur footprint!

Compton Down, which towers above the bay, also belongs to the Trust. It is favoured by naturalists and walkers alike - notably those following the Tennyson Trail (a popular 14 mile walk from Carisbrooke Castle to The Needles, named after Alfred Lord Tennyson, former Poet Laureate and island resident.)

From Freshwater Bay the Tennyson Trail climbs upwards to Tennyson Down and West High Down which together form the chalky headland leading to The Needles.

Looking towards Tennyson Down from Freshwater Cliffs

The Needles rise like jagged teeth from the sea at the western tip of the headland. Formed by wave action over the centuries, they are perhaps the most widely recognised landmark on the Isle of Wight.

The Needles

Today, only three distinct pillars of chalk are visible, but there used to be a fourth - a thinner, 120 feet high, needle-shaped stack known as Lot's Wife. 'The Needles' were named after this stack. Apparently Lot's Wife collapsed into the sea during a storm in 1764.

The Needles are, of course, a constant danger to shipping - hence the need for a lighthouse. The present lighthouse became operational in 1859. It stands 109 feet high and its light can be seen by ships 14 miles out at sea, either white, red or green depending on the ship's position. And when visibility is poor, a fog-horn sounds every 15 seconds.

The Needles Headland (West High Down) has long been important to the defence of The Solent and today, two ancient batteries and the remains of a rocket-testing station belonging to the Trust are all that remain in evidence of this.

The Needles Headland was bought from the Ministry of Defence in 1975 with funds from the Trust's Neptune Coastline Appeal.

St Catherine's Point forms the most southerly point on the Isle of Wight. Here the National Trust owns and protects farmland and stone walls and the wild and rugged land that tumbles down to rocky beaches and St. Catherine's Lighthouse.

St. Catherine's Point

St. Catherine's Point is wonderful walking country for naturalists and dog owners alike. A variety of unusual plants are known to thrive here such as milk vetch, subterranean clover and hoary stock. There are also several rare insects to observe - including the glanville fritillary butterfly which is known to colonise this area.

To reach St. Catherine's Point, drive to Niton on the main A3055 then take the road towards St. Catherine's Lighthouse. Follow this road round the bend and back upon yourself, then take the left-hand turning into Old Blackgang Road. This is a single-track road and dead end (due to landslip). You will find a free car park at the end.

Rugged landscape at Knowles Farm

St. Catherine's Hill runs in a north-south direction above St. Catherine's Point offering magnificent views to all corners of the island. St. Catherine's Oratory (a medieval, inland lighthouse), can be seen from miles around on the top of the hill. It is known locally as the 'Pepper Pot'.

Ventnor Downs form the southernmost chalk downs in the country and they are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. To reach them, drive towards or from Ventnor on the B3327 then turn into Down Lane opposite the cemetery on Newport Road, Ventnor.

Luccombe Down

This area includes St. Boniface Down which, at 770 feet above sea level, is the highest point on the island, and Luccombe Down, a heather-clad hill with Bronze Age burial mounds and New Forest ponies.

New Forest pony on Luccombe Down

From the very end of the dead-end track you can enjoy wonderful walks and panoramic views in all directions - especially across Sandown Bay towards Portsmouth.

Looking over Sandown Bay from Ventnor Downs

These are just some of the many sites on the Isle of Wight that are owned and protected by The National Trust. For further information CLICK HERE to visit our National Trust main page.

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