The Needles

Isle of Wight

The distinctive sea stacks and surrounding area on the westernmost point of the island.

Crag information
Climbing Area: South West & Southern Rock Type: Chalk
Importance: National CRoW Land: Yes
Ownership: National Trust No. of Routes: 15
Within National Park: No Year Developed: 1858
Grid Reference: SZ294849

As of 2021 the NT have had some concerns about climbers accessing the Skelton Ridge route, which has to be done via their property. Until an agreement with all parties can be reached please do not attempt to access the ridge. Please do not try contacting them or try to access Needles area out of hours as this may hamper any future attempts to regain climbing access.

Restrictions apply from 1 March - 31 July.

Reason: Nesting Birds

'Sun Corner' and the headland at the SE end of Scratchells Bay (including 'Gateway to Heaven' and 'Albatross' where it passes 'Sun Corner'). Permanent Restriction The National Trust does not allow climbing east of 'Sun Corner' (Highdown Cliff, reserved as a sanctuary area for ornithological and botanical reasons by the NT).

CRoW Information

Open access land, designated under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act (2000) give area access rather than linear access as provided by public rights of way. It also gives a legal right of access specifically for climbing, as well as walking and other quiet recreation on foot.

Please bear in mind however that the landowner still has the right to restrict access for up to 28 days per year (often used on public safety grounds for shooting in moorland areas), and can also apply for longer term restrictions with Natural England (such as bans on dogs, or regular restrictions during particular times of year). It is important to check for these restrictions regularly as they can be added at short notice – all details for open access land in England can be found on Natural England’s website.  

Area information

Weather Information

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