Improved Peninsula paths to be opened on 4 April 2012

Two notorious paths at the Needles peninsula that have been improved will be officially opened at 2pm on Wednesday 4 April by Sue Poston, Chair of West Wight Landscape Partnership.

The ceremony will take place at the Quarry Car Park, Highdown Lane, off Alum Bay Old Road.

The path from the quarry car park leading to Tennyson’s monument is very steep. New steps and hand railing have improved the access. The path from Alum Bay leading to the Needles New Battery was badly eroded. This path has been stabilised and levelled. New steps have also been installed.

The project has been funded by West Wight Landscape Partnership with help from Isle of Wight Ramblers, National Trust and Isle of Wight Rights of Way Department.

David Howarth, Chairman Isle of Wight Ramblers said “These two paths were in a very bad and dangerous state. These improvements mean that many more people can now access the splendid views from the downs.”

A three mile walk will follow the opening ceremony so that both paths can be viewed.