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The Wighty 90 - Isle of Wight's Most Scenic Driving Route
If you're looking for a scenic driving route which covers hundreds of miles...you won't find it on the Isle of Wight. Try Route 66 in the USA or the North Coast 500 in Scotland.
However, we've plotted a 90 km (56 mile) driving route which we think covers many of the best views on the Isle of Wight in 116 minutes. To put that in context, that's the same length of time as Stephen Spielberg's version of War of the Worlds - and it contains far fewer aliens (Ed: thanks, that's really useful).
Of course, you'll get a better view if you cycle or walk (and you won't be suffocating our choking planet) but driving is a good way to get a feel for the Island if you have limited time. Please allow an extra two or three hours for the time you'll spend stuck behind a tractor.
If you click on this Google Maps link, it should open it up in your Sat Nav if you're using an Android phone. You might like to accompany your drive with Spotify's coastal driving playlist.
We call it (*drumroll*) The Wighty 90...
However, we've plotted a 90 km (56 mile) driving route which we think covers many of the best views on the Isle of Wight in 116 minutes. To put that in context, that's the same length of time as Stephen Spielberg's version of War of the Worlds - and it contains far fewer aliens (Ed: thanks, that's really useful).
Of course, you'll get a better view if you cycle or walk (and you won't be suffocating our choking planet) but driving is a good way to get a feel for the Island if you have limited time. Please allow an extra two or three hours for the time you'll spend stuck behind a tractor.
If you click on this Google Maps link, it should open it up in your Sat Nav if you're using an Android phone. You might like to accompany your drive with Spotify's coastal driving playlist.
We call it (*drumroll*) The Wighty 90...
Starting point - Freshwater Bay
You can start the Wighty 90 anywhere along the route, but Freshwater Bay is a good option. The first section of the drive is probably the most scenic of the whole route and it looks good in either direction. I'm somewhat torn as I love the view of Compton Bay (anticlockwise) but I also love the more famous view of Tennyson Down (clockwise).
Anyway, my directions are anticlockwise.
Head up the hill from Freshwater Bay with the sea on your right and you'll get some terrific views looking towards Compton Bay as you reach the peak. You'll go past #2 in our car park viewpoint guide before passing Hanover Point (#3 in the car park viewpoint guide). There's sometimes an ice cream van here, but you shouldn't really stop as you've only travelled about two miles.
Keep going along the Military Road - a long and mostly straight road that is favoured by boy racers. Watch out for cyclists and impatient drivers who haven't realised it's worth slowing down for the scenery.
You'll pass Brook Chine, famous for its dinosaur footprints and Chilton Chine which is a very quiet beach next to Isle of Wight Pearl. If you're getting low on pearls then this is the ideal place to stock up.
After about 15 minutes you'll reach the Blackgang Viewpoint Car Park (#6 in our car park viewpoint guide).
Anyway, my directions are anticlockwise.
Head up the hill from Freshwater Bay with the sea on your right and you'll get some terrific views looking towards Compton Bay as you reach the peak. You'll go past #2 in our car park viewpoint guide before passing Hanover Point (#3 in the car park viewpoint guide). There's sometimes an ice cream van here, but you shouldn't really stop as you've only travelled about two miles.
Keep going along the Military Road - a long and mostly straight road that is favoured by boy racers. Watch out for cyclists and impatient drivers who haven't realised it's worth slowing down for the scenery.
You'll pass Brook Chine, famous for its dinosaur footprints and Chilton Chine which is a very quiet beach next to Isle of Wight Pearl. If you're getting low on pearls then this is the ideal place to stock up.
After about 15 minutes you'll reach the Blackgang Viewpoint Car Park (#6 in our car park viewpoint guide).
The Wighty 90 starts at Freshwater Bay...
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...and follows the white cliffs on the right of this photo
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An optional detour to The Pepperpot
Once you reach the Blackgang Viewpoint Car Park, you have three choices.
- Keep going and admire the view whilst also trying to watch the road. This is the best option for a dad who is driving a baby to keep them asleep.
- Stop for an ice cream and breathe in the fresh air. There's a dramatic bit of coastal path that you can walk along here. You can also look down on Blackgang Chine theme park if you walk towards the cliff. Yes, I know you went to Blackgang Chine on a school trip in year six. And you also went to Alum Bay? Fascinating.
- Carefully cross over the road and climb up to the Pepperpot. I wouldn't normally remind people over the age of seven that they need to be careful when they cross the road, but it's quite a dangerous spot. The Pepperpot is the remains of an ancient lighthouse and it offers outstanding views on a clear day. It'll take you about 15 minutes to climb up the hill. (Read the blog). Don't bother if it's foggy.
The steep walk up to the Pepperpot is worth the effort on a clear day...
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...or just admire the view from the car park at the bottom of the hill
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Head for Ventnor
Next up, you're heading for Ventnor. The route goes inland a little bit through Niton, which is a pleasant and rather remote village in the South Wight. As you carry on towards Ventnor, the sea views reappear and you'll get a feel for the area's steep roads.
As you head into Ventnor on Whitwell Road you can either follow the obvious route or take a slightly bonkers detour down St Lawrence Shute. The bit I like is where you have to turn left onto Seven Sisters Road. The turning is so tight that you end up on the wrong side of the road and have to apologise to other drivers. It's particularly good fun if there's someone else trying to do the same thing in the opposite direction.
Once you reach Ventnor, either carry on to Shanklin or take another detour down to Ventnor's Esplanade, which has places to eat (#15 in our car park viewpoint tour) and a seafront paddling pool. I'm a big fan of Crave Ice Cream at The Ventnorian in Ventnor, which may explain why I have several fillings.
Another South Wight detour that I enjoy is around Bonchurch, which is a village between Ventnor and Luccombe with Dickens connections. The roads around here are wonderfully wiggly, narrow and hilly. It's no good for getting some speed up, but they are atmospheric.
Otherwise, head for Shanklin. If you aren't using our map then just put Shanklin High Street into your sat nav.
As you head into Ventnor on Whitwell Road you can either follow the obvious route or take a slightly bonkers detour down St Lawrence Shute. The bit I like is where you have to turn left onto Seven Sisters Road. The turning is so tight that you end up on the wrong side of the road and have to apologise to other drivers. It's particularly good fun if there's someone else trying to do the same thing in the opposite direction.
Once you reach Ventnor, either carry on to Shanklin or take another detour down to Ventnor's Esplanade, which has places to eat (#15 in our car park viewpoint tour) and a seafront paddling pool. I'm a big fan of Crave Ice Cream at The Ventnorian in Ventnor, which may explain why I have several fillings.
Another South Wight detour that I enjoy is around Bonchurch, which is a village between Ventnor and Luccombe with Dickens connections. The roads around here are wonderfully wiggly, narrow and hilly. It's no good for getting some speed up, but they are atmospheric.
Otherwise, head for Shanklin. If you aren't using our map then just put Shanklin High Street into your sat nav.
The Wighty 90 doesn't go right down to Ventnor seafront, but it's not a big detour
Shanklin, Sandown and Culver
The next section of The Wighty 90 (Ed: you're really hoping this name will catch on, aren't you?) is a bit hit and miss when it comes to scenery.
The drive from Ventnor into Shanklin is a nice stretch as there are some hilly bits in Luccombe with great sea views. This is followed by a drive through Shanklin's Olde Village with its thatched tearooms and less Olde Fashioned Parking Charges. Shanklin's seafront is buzzing with activity on a sunny day but it's a dead end so it's a notable detour if you want to have a nosey.
The route which links Shanklin to Sandown via Lake is unbearably boring and often jammed full of cars. The highlights are a Tesco Express and a KFC. Don't give in to The Colonel, there are plenty of places to stop with a sea view on the Wighty 90.
After suffering through the boring bits, you'll turn right down Melville Street in Sandown and wiggle your way past Sandown Pier and through to Culver Parade. This is the eastern end of Sandown which leads to Yaverland. The road runs alongside the sandy beach, although the view from the car is a bit limited as it's not very elevated.
Yaverland has a café and it's a good beach for dogs, but I would personally carry on to Culver Down which has far reaching views of Sandown, Lake and Shanklin. There's a pub at the top of Culver Down called the Culver Haven Inn, which is popular with walkers.
The drive from Ventnor into Shanklin is a nice stretch as there are some hilly bits in Luccombe with great sea views. This is followed by a drive through Shanklin's Olde Village with its thatched tearooms and less Olde Fashioned Parking Charges. Shanklin's seafront is buzzing with activity on a sunny day but it's a dead end so it's a notable detour if you want to have a nosey.
The route which links Shanklin to Sandown via Lake is unbearably boring and often jammed full of cars. The highlights are a Tesco Express and a KFC. Don't give in to The Colonel, there are plenty of places to stop with a sea view on the Wighty 90.
After suffering through the boring bits, you'll turn right down Melville Street in Sandown and wiggle your way past Sandown Pier and through to Culver Parade. This is the eastern end of Sandown which leads to Yaverland. The road runs alongside the sandy beach, although the view from the car is a bit limited as it's not very elevated.
Yaverland has a café and it's a good beach for dogs, but I would personally carry on to Culver Down which has far reaching views of Sandown, Lake and Shanklin. There's a pub at the top of Culver Down called the Culver Haven Inn, which is popular with walkers.
An optional detour will take you onto Shanklin's esplanade
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The Wighty 90 takes a detour to the top of Culver Down in the East Wight
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Onto Brading Down
Retrace your tyre tracks down the hill from Culver Down and head towards Brading Down, which has excellent views towards the East Wight (put The Hare and Hounds into your sat nav if you're lost).
There are a few laybys but the best place to stop is a large car park not long after you turn left and start climbing Bullys Hill. I reckon this is the second-nicest section of the route, behind the bit between Compton Bay and Freshwater Bay.
Once you get to The Hare and Hounds pub, you can either head towards Newport via Long Lane (not very scenic) or turn left onto Downend Road and then right onto the A3056 (marginally more scenic). This section of the drive is not terribly thrilling but it is a necessity to get back to the pretty bits.
If you want to stay on bigger roads then head straight on into Newport, past Asda and follow the signs for Carisbrooke. You may need petrol by this point, so let the kids know that you're about to spend their inheritance whilst simultaneously destroying their planet.
Our mapped out route takes a slightly wigglier route that avoids Asda by turning off for Blackwater and following country lanes to Carisbrooke.
On the plus side, you'll avoid the town centre and drive past Carisbrooke Castle and Carisbrooke Priory, which are both interesting historic buildings. On the down side, you will almost certainly meet another car coming in the opposite direction on Sandy Lane and end up in a stalemate about who is going to reverse. If you spend your weekend waxing your car and refer to it as 'my pride and joy' then I would avoid this route.
As you drive up Carisbrooke High Street and reach the roundabout by The Waverley Inn you've got a couple of options.
Straight on is the Middle Road, which has trees lining much of the route, distant sea views and a view of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival Site. It also passes The Blacksmiths, which is a great pub with views from the garden.
Personally, I prefer to turn left at the Waverley Inn and drive through Bowcombe, Shorwell and Brighstone.
There are a few laybys but the best place to stop is a large car park not long after you turn left and start climbing Bullys Hill. I reckon this is the second-nicest section of the route, behind the bit between Compton Bay and Freshwater Bay.
Once you get to The Hare and Hounds pub, you can either head towards Newport via Long Lane (not very scenic) or turn left onto Downend Road and then right onto the A3056 (marginally more scenic). This section of the drive is not terribly thrilling but it is a necessity to get back to the pretty bits.
If you want to stay on bigger roads then head straight on into Newport, past Asda and follow the signs for Carisbrooke. You may need petrol by this point, so let the kids know that you're about to spend their inheritance whilst simultaneously destroying their planet.
Our mapped out route takes a slightly wigglier route that avoids Asda by turning off for Blackwater and following country lanes to Carisbrooke.
On the plus side, you'll avoid the town centre and drive past Carisbrooke Castle and Carisbrooke Priory, which are both interesting historic buildings. On the down side, you will almost certainly meet another car coming in the opposite direction on Sandy Lane and end up in a stalemate about who is going to reverse. If you spend your weekend waxing your car and refer to it as 'my pride and joy' then I would avoid this route.
As you drive up Carisbrooke High Street and reach the roundabout by The Waverley Inn you've got a couple of options.
Straight on is the Middle Road, which has trees lining much of the route, distant sea views and a view of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival Site. It also passes The Blacksmiths, which is a great pub with views from the garden.
Personally, I prefer to turn left at the Waverley Inn and drive through Bowcombe, Shorwell and Brighstone.
A dilemma for our finale
At this point in the journey, I faced something of a dilemma.
My original plan was to return to the Military Road by turning left at Brighstone's old church and drive back over Compton Down and into Freshwater Bay. This gives you a second bite at the sweetest cherry on the journey - this great view of Tennyson Down.
My original plan was to return to the Military Road by turning left at Brighstone's old church and drive back over Compton Down and into Freshwater Bay. This gives you a second bite at the sweetest cherry on the journey - this great view of Tennyson Down.
Views of Tennyson Down from the road into Freshwater Bay from the south
However...I decided that this missed out too much of the West Wight. I have something of a bias towards Freshwater Bay, which may have blinkered my views.
And so, our route takes us through the pretty West Wight villages of Mottistone and Hulverstone and on towards Yarmouth. Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter married at the church in Mottistone which also has some lovely National Trust gardens attached to the manor house. Other options for stopping include Chessell Pottery Cafe or a walk up to The Longstone, which is a mysterious Neolithic rock in the middle of a field.
From here, we head for Yarmouth along the inappropriately-named Broad Lane. This is another one to avoid if you are fond of your wing mirrors. It's only really wide enough for one car, although it's also quite quiet.
As you arrive in Yarmouth you'll get a panoramic view of the Solent and the town's pier. Yarmouth is a lovely little town with a Castle and a few independent shops so you may feel it's worth stopping. We like to walk into Yarmouth after parking in the free Bouldnor Viewpoint car park, which is #7 in our car park viewpoint tour.
The route then crosses the bridge and returns towards Freshwater via the Causeway.
You'll end up back in Freshwater Bay where you can buy a snack from the lifeboat shop or get something to eat at Dimbola or The Piano Cafe.
And so, our route takes us through the pretty West Wight villages of Mottistone and Hulverstone and on towards Yarmouth. Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter married at the church in Mottistone which also has some lovely National Trust gardens attached to the manor house. Other options for stopping include Chessell Pottery Cafe or a walk up to The Longstone, which is a mysterious Neolithic rock in the middle of a field.
From here, we head for Yarmouth along the inappropriately-named Broad Lane. This is another one to avoid if you are fond of your wing mirrors. It's only really wide enough for one car, although it's also quite quiet.
As you arrive in Yarmouth you'll get a panoramic view of the Solent and the town's pier. Yarmouth is a lovely little town with a Castle and a few independent shops so you may feel it's worth stopping. We like to walk into Yarmouth after parking in the free Bouldnor Viewpoint car park, which is #7 in our car park viewpoint tour.
The route then crosses the bridge and returns towards Freshwater via the Causeway.
You'll end up back in Freshwater Bay where you can buy a snack from the lifeboat shop or get something to eat at Dimbola or The Piano Cafe.
The Wighty 90 includes the approach to Yarmouth
One final thought
Does The Wighty 90 cover every good view on the Isle of Wight?
Well, no. In fact, it has been pointed out to me that it misses out several attractive detours and views.
Most notably, it misses out:
However, it's a pretty glorious route. Apart from a few boring bits. Sorry about that.
Well, no. In fact, it has been pointed out to me that it misses out several attractive detours and views.
Most notably, it misses out:
- the seafront at Gurnard/Cowes
- the embankment around Bembridge Harbour
- Duver Road and Springvale Road on the seafront in Seaview
- a nice stretch of the Middle Road near Tapnell Farm
- Undercliff Drive in the South Wight (due to a landslide in 2014, which makes access more difficult).
However, it's a pretty glorious route. Apart from a few boring bits. Sorry about that.
Sorry, we didn't manage to include the Cowes to Gurnard road in the North Wight
