A SCENIC coastal road on one of the UK’s most popular holiday islands has become popular among tourists for its breathtaking views.
But trippers shouldn’t put off taking this picturesque drive for too long, as the stunning highway could soon be swept into the sea.
Military Road is a stretch of the A3055 along the southwest of the Isle of Wight that connects Freshwater Bay and Chale.
Its name comes from its original use in the mid-19th century when it served as a road for the military to travel between barracks.
While this meant that, for years, Military Road was privately owned, it finally became public in 1930 — allowing locals and tourists to enjoy the dramatic coastal views.
The 11-mile drive has since come to be considered one of the UK’s most scenic, and now boasts attractions from watersports clubs to a dinosaur museum along its route.
With the Channel on one side and National Trust land to the other, it offers vistas of both lush greenery and white chalk cliffs, as well as the sea.
However, Military Road’s proximity to the sea and impressive views overlooking Brighstone Bay are the exact reasons why you may not have much longer to experience it.
The road has been significantly affected by land erosion over the years.
Steep gorges known as chines have formed in the cliffs from the impact of the waves, meaning that motorists are just metres from a sheer drop on some sections of the road.
Stopping is only allowed at particular points to ensure safety, but visitors can park up and enjoy clifftop walks to the different highlights that hug the coastline.
Chale itself, where the road begins, is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Along the route there are also a number of unspoilt, secluded beaches that are known for their sweeping views of the English Channel.
Shepherd’s Chine pebble beach can be reached via some steep steps — a way down that tourists attest is tricky but worth it — and if you prefer a sandy shore, there’s Compton Beach which has been dubbed the “most picturesque beach on the island.”
The landscape here is also famous for bearing the marks of the Isle of Wight’s prehistoric inhabitants.
Real, 125million-year-old dinosaur footprints can be found on Brook Beach, and tracking them down is a great activity for kids (although be sure to check the tide times to avoid disappointment).
And the adventure doesn’t have to stop there for dino enthusiasts, as elsewhere along Military Road is the Dinosaur Expedition Centre.
Here you can explore the centre’s exhibitions or go on fossil-hunting excursions that come in at just £8 a head for adults, £6 for children and free for under-5s.
Military Road is not just popular with drivers — one cyclist described it as “the best road I’ve ever cycled on!”, and its attractiveness to sporty visitors extends even further.
The Freshwater Bay end of the highway offers a golf course land-side, plus kayaking and paddle boarding on the water.
For souvenirs, head to Isle of Wight Pearl for their special pick-a-pearl experience where you can choose your own oyster from the pool and watch the gem get made into a unique piece of jewellery.
There’s a high chance you’ll want a keepsake to remember your trip, as over the years Military Road has been named among the 10 best driving holidays in Europe and the six most scenic drives in England.
Sadly, the threat posed by erosion is forcing Isle of Wight Council to consider re-routing the tarmac away from the coast.
So hit the road while you still can.
