XX 10 keep watch for falling rocks from above, and the rising tide below. From Whitecliff Bay (500m S of Hillway, ,, footpath through holiday park at PO35 5PL), head S along beach and walk/scramble around the base of the cliffs until you see the caves. Or scramble down SE from Culver Battery car park near PO36 8QT (Bembridge Fort). Only begin as the tide is falling, and keep an eye on the water to avoid getting cut off. 15 mins, 50.6652, -1.0982 wv9 XX 1 Scramble along rocks to far W end of the bay, past the timber staircase, then swim, wade or scramble to headland, followed by 150m swim into Watcombe Bay. Raised cave leads up into a smugglers’ tunnel emerging on cliff top. Many more interconnected caves and lagoons at far end. Hire paddleboards from Isle of Wight Sea Kayaking by beach (01983 755838). 30 mins, 50.6682, -1.5162 91hv 9 The Nostrils, Culver Cliff Partially submerged at high tide are two caves known as The Nostrils. Definitely worth the scramble over rocks to get to, but
230
Isle of Wight
10 Sea Kayaking Expedition Wild camp on beaches, cook over an open fire and explore the shoreline for two, three or four days – if the conditions are right, maybe even circumnavigate the island! Book in advance with Isle of Wight ,, Adventure Activities, Freshwater, 01983 755838. 1 min, 50.6770, -1.5068 2do
sacred & ancient 11 St Catherine’s Oratory, Chale This medieval tower, said to have been a lighthouse, stands tall and lonely on one of highest points of the Isle of Wight. Maintained by English Heritage and known
locally as The Pepperpot, this is a wellknown landmark. Take the A3055 SE from Chale, cross ,, roundabout, and park in car park R (PO38 2JB). Cross road and follow signed footpath to the oratory. 10 mins, 50.5919, -1.3048 67z 12 The Long Stone, Mottistone Standing stones, an ancient burial mound and a place of worship where solstices and equinoxes are still celebrated. Legend says that St Catherine and the Devil were fighting for control the island; St Catherine threw the tall sandstone, while the Devil’s smaller stone fell short. From Mottistone Manor (PO30 4ED), or ,, turn N on Strawberry Ln from the B3399, E of Mottistone. After 100m park in small, free NT car park L. Continue up track 600m, sticking to the main path. At fork, continue R up hill for 300m (near PO30 4EB). 15 mins, 50.6562, -1.4254 7*z 13 Five Barrows Actually eight Bronze Age barrows, laid out in an east-west direction, with visible remains of a rampart and ditch. Fantastic views in all directions.