I know the Isle of Wight very well. I am biased in favour of some areas of the Island over other areas (sorry Ryde). So, if you think I’ve left something out please comment at the bottom of the page.
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Google Map of Locations
The map above is not exhaustive. These are what I call the best locations for Landscape and Watersports Photography.
The Top Six
The Needles
Best Time
Sundown for the most spectacular shots. Though anything 2 to 3 hours before sundown will yield good results.
Parking
Park in the Needles Pleasure Park car park, which is free after 17:00.
Getting there
Walk about 1.65 kilometres to the View Point on the obvious road.
For the best shots drop down from the View Point. There’s no path here but this National Trust land and hardly trespassing.
You need to be reasonably agile to descend to the best location. If you can’t manage the descent stick to the viewpoint it has a great view.
Headon Warren
Best Time
Sundown is ideal, but 2 to 3 hours before sundown will yield good results.
Parking
Park in the Needles Pleasure Park car park, which is free after 17:00.
Getting there
Walk out of the car park the same way you came in to the attraction.
After about 150 metres there’s a small road on your left leading to the pitch and putt. Then follow the well-marked coastal path to the top of the warren.
The Long Stone
Best Time
Sunrise and sundown are ideal. It’s also good for the Milky Way as the ambient light is low.
Parking
Park in the National Trust Car Park for Mottistone House (free).
Getting There
As you leave the car park in the corner turn left immediately and follow the No. 43 footpath to the Long Stone which is sign-posted. Be careful you make a sharp right (Signposted “Long Stone”) after about 250 metres.
Freshwater Bay
Best Time
Good at any time but the sun needs to be reasonably high in the sky to light up the bay. So, any time after midday is fine.
To capture the flowers spring and early summer are good.
For the best shot, weather permitting is around dusk. The sun will be shining directly into the lens.
Parking
Park in the free car park east of the bay up to the hill and past the entrance to the Golf Club.
Getting There
Cross the road towards the sea to meet the Coastal Path. You can hardly miss it. The best shot is when the chalk stack is in the foreground.
Gore Cliff
Best Time
Anytime really but ideal after midday when the sun is either behind you or setting into your lens.
Parking
Blackgang View Point Car Park which is free.
Getting There
Head out of the car park and walk towards the edge of the cliff. The views are good here. But, if you turn left and walk along the top of the cliff you’ll get some great views. If you are lucky you might get to see the Peregrine Falcons and Ravens that live here.
St. Catherine’s Oratory (PepperPot)
Best Time
When the sun is setting is ideal.
Parking
Blackgang View Point Car Park which is free.
Getting There
Leave the car park at road end climb the steps and keep ascending on the obvious path upwards. You’ll eventually come to the Oratory which is 12th Century structure. All that remains of the Oratory is the Lighthouse.
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