Is there anything we don't like about Wightlink? Hmmm. Our main 'gripe' concerns their pricing structure whereby the longer your stay on the island/mainland, the higher your ferry cost - but I guess the cross Channel ferry operators do exactly the same! At the time of writing - January 2008 - three new boats are on order to replace those currently operating between Lymington and Yarmouth. The new boats will be somewhat larger than the ones to be replaced, so there is understandably much concern locally as to the possible impact of larger vessels on the narrow river estuary at Lymington. It's too early at this point in time to say whether or not these fears are justified, but we'll keep you posted. If you plan to travel as a Foot passenger you have the choice of boarding any of the car ferries, or boarding Wightlink's FastCat (catamaran) service between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde pier.
The FastCat service is ideal if you will be arriving by South-West trains from Waterloo as the 'cats' dock immediately outside Portsmouth Harbour Station. A short walk will take you down to the quayside. The FastCat runs every half hour. We have used it on several occasions and have found it a very comfortable, smooth ride. The journey to Ryde takes only 18 minutes and the 'cats' tie up at the end of Ryde pier.
The pier is approximately quarter of a mile long with a car park and station at the far end (where the FastCats dock). From here a regular train service will take you on to Brading, Sandown or Shanklin (the end of the line). The trains used to continue to Ventnor, but this service was discontinued in 1967, I believe. However, to compensate, a 'Rail Link' single-decker bus now operates between Shanklin Station and Ventnor. To make a BOOKING with WIGHTLINK click here
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