Ticket To Ryde In An American Icon

Mark Whitchurch heads offshore this month to put Jeep’s new Cherokee through its paces in another great drive, from Needles to Ryde on the Isle of Wight

- Mark Whitchurch

THE ROUTE:

Queen Victoria said: “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot” on visiting the Isle of Wight, a 19th Century quote that still seems fitting today. A charming destination for a long weekend and of course a Great Drive. From Southampton to East Cowes the Red Funnel ferry provided an excellent service in terms of efficiency and service with free face painting for the kids. Whilst missing your ferry is not recommended they even managed to accommodate that with a smile! We start our Great Drive at the Needles, giving you an opportunity to amble southward through the island from the ferry terminal. The Needles is a landmark attraction, so there is plenty to do with great views of this iconic landmark, its lighthouse and the Hampshire coast beyond. We enjoyed a stroll around the tourist village complete with cable car down to Alum beach with its 21 shades of sandstone.

The Victorian coastal defences, once adopted as a secret rocket testing site, are a short walk along the cliffs. Managed by the National Trust they offered a closer viewing platform of The Needles as well as a good cream tea. According to the National Trust the name Needles came from a fourth obelisk of rock that was tall and thin and although this collapsed into the sea in 1764, the name stuck.

Back in the car, follow the B3322 back up the hill taking the first turn on the right in the direction of Freshwater. On reaching Freshwater Bay, join the A3055 or Military Road for some spectacular views of the southern coast of the island, continue on close to the cliffs and towering above Compton Bay and Hanover Point, turn left with signposts for Brook and start to trek inland.