Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2014 | Page 28

FEATURE

Chale Trail taking shape
R

esidents of Chale are now well into their
ambitious project to creature a circular
walking trail around the village. Known
as the Chale Trail, it will have bespoke sculptured
seating which is being designed and created by local
artists working alongside local people, particularly
youngsters.
The first bench was put in place at Spanners Close
play park, and the project is ongoing, with six
sculpted themed seats eventually complementing
the trail. The idea is to add interest to the walks and
to attract walkers of all ages. It is also planned to
develop designs in conjunction with the community,
based on themes appropriate to the locations; for
example, the seating near the cliff might be based
around shipwrecks and smuggling.
The Chale community have been invited to become
directly involved in the project so they will have a
greater sense of ownership and enjoyment of the
trail and will benefit from the positive experience of
working with a creative team on the project.
When the trail is complete a Chale Trail leaflet
will be produced using imagery and information
from the project, and there will be a launch event to
celebrate its completion.

Compton Bay is among the best

C

ompton Bay on the Island has
been named as one of the best
beaches in the who le of the
United Kingdom by leading travel
experts.
A publisher of travel guides and
travel content chose Compton as the
‘much-loved haunt of the Isle of Wight’s
surf (kite and board) dudes’, and ‘the
place where the Tennyson Trail laces its
way along the coastline’.
It is one of 15 beaches listed in ‘The
UK’s Best Beaches’ category, which
includes Porthcurno in Cornwall,

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www.visitilife.com

Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland,
Rhossili Beach in Wales and Blackpool
Pleasure Beach.
David Thornton, CEO, Visit Isle of
Wight welcomed the news and said:
“Island beaches are a big draw for
visitors and we are therefore thrilled to
be listed by a highly respected publisher
of travel guides.
“Whether you’re a thrill seeker looking
for excitement or a parent planning a
short break, Compton, like so many of
the Island’s beaches, provides plenty of
inspiration.”

There are currently 17 award-winning
beaches on the Isle of Wight, including
the four Blue Flag beaches at Sandown,
Ventnor, Yaverland and Colwell.
Councillor Shirley Smart, Executive
member for economy and tourism
at the Isle of Wight Council, said: “It
is fantastic that an Island beach has
been recognised as one of the UK’s best
beaches by such an internationally
renowned travel guide. We have so
many wonderful beaches to choose
from, visitors are spoilt for choice.”