Isle of Wight - Alum Bay and the Needles

Let’s have a day on the Isle of Wight, to include a walk of approx 9 miles, swim stop, and early evening meal.
We will catch the 10:00 ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth ( can either drive or catch the train to Lymington )
Meet at the ferry terminal at 09:40.
Please purchase your own ferry day return ticket, they do offer various discounts, so it’s worth checking out their website.
The ferry crossing takes approx 40 minutes, we will the catch the Number 7 bus to Totland, ( if you have a bus pass bring it, if not the fare is £3.00) where we will commence the walk, we will take the coastal path to the Needles and then over Tennyson Down to Freshwater Bay, where we will stop for swim (weather permitting) before crossing the Island back to Yarmouth.
The first 4 miles of the walk does have some inclines and several sets of steps, but you will be rewarded with fantastic panoramic views, if you have walking poles, you may find them useful. The rest of the walk is mainly on the flat.
I would describe the walk as moderate/hard, you should have a reasonable level of fitness to participate.
You should assess your own fitness level, you walk at your own risk.
Walk will taken at a steady pace with water and snack breaks taken as and when needed.
Please consider the weather conditions and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Guests and prospective new members welcome.

There will be the option for you to cut the walk short by 3.5 miles, and catch the bus back to Yarmouth from Freshwater Bay.