The Needles - Alum Bay & Lighthouse

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around The Needles, Alum Bay and the lighthouse, with Agents racing to stop REEL (Really Evil Espionage League), who have infiltrated disused tunnels at The Needles former missile centre, stolen a prototype rocket and plan to launch it across Alum Bay unless you crack the code.

The operation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2.5 hours to complete. You'll start at The Needles Park car park, head out towards Alum Bay views, pass The Needles New Battery, continue by the Coastguard Station and The Needles Old Battery, then loop back to The Needles Park car park.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Expect some steep climbs, several flights of steps, very steep steps, gravel footpaths, wooden steps, a narrow section near the wooden fence and a climb back up the hill. Strong, waterproof footwear is highly recommended, particularly after periods of bad weather, when the route can become slippery in parts.

Vertigo warning - the cliffs can fall sharply away in places, so take great care around these parts of the Trail. There are also road crossings, including a road near The Needles Park and another near The Needles Old Battery. Keep Mini Agents and scout dogs supervised at all times.

If the lower steps are open, you can take the optional beach detour down the lower staircase and then return to continue the route. There is also an optional diversion to a spectacular viewpoint after the coastguard station.

Getting There

By car: Start your mission at The Needles Park car park, Alum Bay. The Needles Park car park is free to park during low season; otherwise it is £7 all day during high season.

By public transport: The Number 7 bus route or the Island Breezer Needles Tour can be used to reach the area. Make your way to The Needles Park car park, Alum Bay, to begin the operation.

Need the Loo?

Toilets are located inside the cafe, near Clue 06 - a useful tactical pit stop before the route heads further out.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents can join the mission, but keep them supervised at all times. 🐾

The route includes steep climbs, several flights of steps, very steep steps, road crossings and cliffside sections where the cliffs can fall sharply away in places. Keep scout dogs close around traffic, steps, narrow sections and any exposed coastal stretches.

Food & Drink Stops

Espionage is hungry work, and access to supplies is limited further on, so pack a picnic or pick up snacks around Clue 06 before the mission pushes ahead.

Marconi's Tea Rooms is passed along the route, and the Trail is great for picnics if your Agents prefer to bring their own field rations.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Alum Bay

The route gives great views across Alum Bay, where you can see the multi-coloured sand cliffs. The sands are coloured due to oxidised iron compounds, formed under different conditions, and the Victorians used them to create pictures - a craft known as 'marmotinto'.

The Needles New Battery

The mission passes The Needles New Battery, where rocket engine testing took place from 1956-71. During the peak of activity in the early 1960s, some 240 people worked at the complex, while the rockets were built in nearby East Cowes - prime territory for Agents chasing stolen rocket intel.

The Needles Old Battery

The Old Battery was completed in 1863 and was built to defend against the French. In 1885, a tunnel was dug from the parade ground towards the Needles, a lift shaft was installed, and five Quick Fire guns were fitted to counter torpedo boats.

The Needles lighthouse

A lighthouse was first built on the cliffs at Scratchells Bay in 1785, but it was too high and often obscured by sea mist. In 1859, a new lighthouse was built on the Needles. It has walls over 1 metre thick at its base and is 33 metres tall.

The Needles Coastguard Station

The route goes by The Needles Coastguard Station, identified by bumblebee-inspired wall decor and blue signs on the building. If your squad has energy left, the optional diversion after the coastguard station leads to a spectacular viewpoint.