The Needles

One of the most famous landmarks of the Isle of Wight are the Needles. The 3 pillars of chalk are located on the most westerly point of the isle near Alum Bay and are the result of unusual geology and sea erosion. At the end of the third pillar is the distinctive red and white lighthouse, seen so often in the Cowes week races. The name of the Needles actually is based on a fourth pillar which was in the middle of them which was more needle shaped, but this has since disappeared Access to the needles is from Alum Bay.