How the drought of 2022 is affecting the Isle of Wight

I took Tony the Drone for a walk in early June up to Tennyson Down. It's a rather lovely spot in the West Wight, particularly if you can drag yourself out of bed early in the morning.

A couple of months later I returned and did some comparison shots to see how dry the Isle of Wight is looking after the heatwaves and lack of rain.

June 1st 2022 at Tennyson Down

August 12th 2022 at Tennyson Down

On the second occasion, we walked from Freshwater Bay to The Needles. 

We set off at 6.10am, as the forecast was for a sweltering day. I spent a long time agonising over whether I should wear shandals, trainers or walking shoes in the heat. The balance between coolness and comfort seemed like a big decision at that time of day.

The walk is about six miles if you go the New Battery and back, or longer if you circle around Headon Warren and the Old Battery. 

We went for the shorter option which took us about three hours, allowing for a stop for a bowl of Weetos whilst sat on the benches at Tennyson Down.

By the time we returned to Freshwater Bay at 9.10am, it was already becoming a little too warm for a walk. There's very little shade on the route, so be prepared if you attempt the same thing in the next few days!