East Afton Down

Downs, Moorland in Hampshire

England

East Afton Down

Climbing up from Compton Beach â 1978 Not the best of weather for an open-top bus trip, this was a special hire by a group of bus enthusiasts visiting the island.

Southern Vectis 702 is a Bristol K with ECW bodywork, new to the company in 1939 and converted for open top services in 1959. When this view was taken she was already approaching her 40th year of service with the company, and although seen here on a private charter, was still regularly used on normal services. In 2021, now affectionately called &#039;The Old Girl&#039;, she is still in service, although now only used for special private charter work. As such, she holds the UK, and possibly world, record for a bus in continuous service with the same operator.

This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=137652761" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=137652761">Link</a> — Climbing up from Compton Beach â 1978 Credit: Alan Murray-Rust

East Afton Down is a picturesque area located in the southwestern part of the Isle of Wight, Hampshire, England. Spanning over 200 hectares, it is characterized by its rolling hills, open grassland, and heathland, making it a beautiful example of downs and moorland habitat. The area is renowned for its stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.

The downs of East Afton Down are covered in short grasses and scattered with gorse and heather, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape, particularly during the summer months. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rabbits, lizards, and a wide range of bird species. It is a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts, who can observe species such as kestrels, skylarks, and the occasional peregrine falcon.

East Afton Down has a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. The Bronze Age burial mounds found in the area are a testament to its ancient past. The downland was also used for grazing livestock and as a training ground for the military during World War II.

Today, East Afton Down is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The area offers numerous walking trails that allow visitors to explore its diverse landscape at their own pace. The breathtaking views, tranquil atmosphere, and abundance of wildlife make it an ideal location for relaxation and exploration.

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East Afton Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.671109/-1.4835069 or Grid Reference SZ3685. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Climbing up from Compton Beach â 1978

Not the best of weather for an open-top bus trip, this was a special hire by a group of bus enthusiasts visiting the island. Southern Vectis 702 is a Bristol K with ECW bodywork, new to the company in 1939 and converted for open top services in 1959. When this view was taken she was already approaching her 40th year of service with the company, and although seen here on a private charter, was still regularly used on normal services. In 2021, now affectionately called 'The Old Girl', she is still in service, although now only used for special private charter work. As such, she holds the UK, and possibly world, record for a bus in continuous service with the same operator. This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Link

Alan Murray-Rust

Catching the breeze â 1978

A group of hardy bus enthusiasts enjoying a trip on a vintage open top bus climbing to the top of the cliffs just to the east of Freshwater. Southern Vectis 702 is a Bristol K with ECW bodywork, new to the company in 1939 and converted for open top services in 1959. When this view was taken she was already approaching her 40th year of service with the company, and although seen here on a private charter, was still regularly used on normal services. In 2021, now affectionately called 'The Old Girl', she is still in service, although now only used for special private charter work. As such, she holds the UK, and possibly world, record for a bus in continuous service with the same operator. This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Link

Alan Murray-Rust

Site of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival 50 years later

View from East Afton Down towards East Afton Farm with the site in between. The photo was taken exactly 50 years after the first day of the Festival whose performers included Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Who, Ten Years After, Chicago, The Moody Blues, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Jethro Tull and Supertramp.

Paul Coueslant

Freshwater Bay

Freshwater Bay has formed in a break in the chalk cliffs. The rocks shown here are at the SE corner of the bay, viewed from the promenade - Stag Rock, Arched Rock & Mermaid Rock (right to left). A cave is also visible. A fishing boat is moored. Photo taken in June or July 1973. Arched Rock subsequently collapsed in 1992.

Ian Taylor

The Tennyson Trail across Brook Down

Offering wonderful views from the top of West Wight's chalkland spine, the Trail passes through the whole of the grid square en route to Tennyson Down.

Paul Coueslant

Grazing above Freshwater Bay

Paul Coueslant

Bus terminus, Freshwater Bay â 1978

Southern Vectis was the principal operator on the island from the 1930s having come under control of the Southern Railway in 1929. By 1978 it was part of the National Bus Company. Bus 673, a Bristol VR with ECW bodywork, is seen in the standard NBC livery of leaf green, and is representative of what was effectively the standard NBC double deck bus of the period. It is parked at the entrance to the Freshwater Bay Golf Club on Southdown Road waiting for its return to Sandown. This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Link

Alan Murray-Rust