DESTINATIONS


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As England’s Year of the Coast 2023 nears its end, Yolanda Zappaterra takes a walking trip to the Isle of Wight


orget any photos you may have seen. Nothing, but nothing, prepares you for the sight of the Isle of Wight’s fabulous Needles. This isn’t the first time I’m seeing the iconic


chalk stacks that rise so startlingly from the blue waters off the island’s west coast, but it’s been a few years since I last caught a glimpse of them. As before, I’m blown away by the view. The Needles provides a fitting finale to a week


spent on an island that has revealed fresh food to rival anything on the mainland, winding roads virtually free of traffic, accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, and dozens of atmospheric drinking holes in idyllic surroundings – many specialising in island brews. From the apples grown, pressed and bottled for


local Grazed Knee Cider to herbs and coastal plants such as rock samphire that infuse the island-produced, nationally beloved Mermaid Gin and the newly launched Mermaid Spiced Rum (both produced by


travelweekly.co.uk 12 OCTOBER 2023 ISLE OF WIGHT | UK & IRELAND


the Isle of Wight Distillery), the mild climate is perfect for all kinds of edible and drinkable treats.


EASY ACCESS We arrive on the island after a 40-minute ferry ride – one spent not stressing about passport control, baggage reclaim, car hire queues and everything that comes with air travel, but looking forward to just rolling off the boat. We do just that, immediately heading to Adgestone Vineyard, just a 10-minute drive away, for a self-guided tour of rolling vineyards. Fun fact: Adgestone produces the UK’s only blue sparkling wine. Then, there’s a night glamping in a field where the only noise is that of farmyard animals and the only light emanating from seemingly infinite stars. It’s the first of seven restful nights we experience after days spent swimming in cool and calm waters, climbing up and down cliffs like Shanklin Chine gorge – where bright rainbow colours illuminate ribbon-like ²


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PICTURE: ?


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