The Needles

Is there a more iconic view associated with the Isle of Wight than that of the Needles, the chalk stacks that form the western most tip of the Island. So named after a thin Needle like stack that has long since collapsed these stacks stand proud against the worst of the winter storms that lash the channel. No visit to the Island is complete with out a trip to see the Needles. The views from the various viewing platforms of the chalk cliffs and the sea stacks themselves are spectacular with continuing views over Poole Bay to Bournemouth, Poole and the Purbecks beyond. Facing West this is a classic sunset location, but can also work well for Astrophotography, or moonlit night shots.

Getting there:

Getting to the Needles is fairly straightforward. From Newport take the A3054 Forest Road to Yarmouth. It is possible to park at Yarmouth and get the Needles Breezer Bus the rest of the way during the summer months. Its a fun open top bus ride with some wonderful views. However the bus only runs during the day in the summer so is of little use to photographers wanting to get the best light of the day.

From Yarmouth continue on the A3054 through Colwell to Totland. At the roundabout in Totland go straight across onto the B3322 past a small parade of shops to arrive at another smaller roundabout. The second exit continues the B3322 all the way to Alum Bay and the Needles Landmark attraction theme park.

Drive past the various shops and amusements of the theme park and the parking area is on your right hand side. There is a charge to park during the summer months, however if you are coming for sunrise or sunset you are likely to find the booth empty and therefore can park for free.

Once parked follow the road to the National Trust site at the Old Needles Battery, watch out for the Needles Breezer Bus that comes along the road along with the occasional cyclist. Part way along the road there is a path that cuts up the hillside to the top of the headland. The main viewpoints of the Needles are just past the NCI Coastwatch lookout.

What to Shoot:

The Needles themselves are the star of the show here, there are a couple of classic viewpoints, the main being from the viewpoint just past the NCI Coastwatch lookout at the top of the headland. Here there is a small viewing platform that provides the classic view down the chalk cliffs of Scratchell’s Bay to The Needles themselves. Visit at sunset in late March or Early April and it is possible to line up the setting sun with the lighthouse or the chalk cliffs for the classic threading the needle sunstar shot. The viewpoint can be busy though so the other option is to continue around the headland past the rocket testing sites and here you can capture the curve of the headland with The Needles beyond.

Alternatively there is a view from above the National Trust Old Battery site where the path climbs up to the NCI Coastwatch lookout. The best view from this area is actually from inside the Old Battery, however if you are not a National Trust Member you will have to pay the admission fee, and access is only available during opening hours.

There is a viewpoint within The Needles Landmark Attraction Theme Park, on the site where Marconi conducted early radio transmission experiments. This gives a view along the headland of Tennyson Down to the Needles, and can be a good option in the middle of summer when the sun is setting in the the north west and therefore lovely golden light can be cast along the cliffs of the headland and the Needles. The Needles themselves will be quite small in the frame from here though so a longer focal length may be beneficial for this shot.

Other Options:

The view of Alum Bay and its famous coloured sands is another nice shot and this can be captured from the road as you walk back from The Needles viewpoints. In summer the sun sets in the North West and so will be casting golden light onto the coloured sands as it sets, there will often be yachts and Boats moored in Alum Bay through the summer which adds a nice dimension. A walk down the steps from the Needles Landmark Attraction Site (or a ride in the Chairlift if it is operating) brings you to the beach at Alum Bay and again it is possible to get views to the Needles. There are several groups of chalk boulders than can be uses as foreground interest too. The Needles will be quite small in the frame from here though. Alternatively follow the coast path up to Headon Warren that provides a range of photographic options featuring Tennyson Down and The Needles.