The Isle of Wight's iconic Military Road is teetering on the edge of a cliff after being battered by coastal erosion, dramatic drone images have revealed. The 11-mile stretch of the A3055 along the southwest of the island is now only two metres away from the edge in some places, showcasing the devastating effects of nature's relentless power.
Historic road under threat
Constructed in 1860, the road connects the picturesque beach of Freshwater Bay to Chale, home of Blackgang Chine, the UK's oldest theme park. The clifftop vista offers uninterrupted panoramic views across the English Channel and is often regarded as one of the UK's most spectacular roads. However, the route, used by cyclists, tourists, and residents alike, underwent safety repairs earlier this month. Aerial images taken by Angie Davies, who has been documenting the erosion, reveal just how close the road is to slipping into the sea.
Tourism at risk
Angie Davies said the potential loss of Military Road would be "devastating" for tourism. "The erosion is getting worse and it would be devastating to lose the road. If it goes, the island will lose part of its tourism. It is a very busy and major road for the Isle of Wight with coaches of tourists heading towards the Pearl and the Needles," she said. "We're watching the land fall away. From observation only, it looks that it could be feasible to move it further inland to save it."
The road runs through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is affected by water running from the downs and the formation of chines (ravines) in the clay cliffs. One of the most affected areas is along Compton Bay and the village of Brook, close to the Isle of Wight Pearl. Beach steps at Compton Bay underwent emergency repairs earlier this year after they "shifted and buckled" following a landslip. Military Road ferries holidaymakers in coaches to attractions such as the Needles and Blackgang Chine.
Isle of Wight council was contacted for comment.
