Arched Rock

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Hampshire

England

Arched Rock

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 &#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> — Catching the breeze â 1978 Credit: Alan Murray-Rust

Arched Rock, located in Hampshire, England, is a prominent coastal feature that stands as a headland jutting out into the sea. This natural formation is well-known for its distinctive arch-shaped rock formation, which has become an iconic landmark in the region.

Situated along the coastline, Arched Rock offers breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs. The rock formation itself is composed of layers of sedimentary rocks, predominantly limestone, which have been shaped over centuries by the relentless forces of erosion and weathering.

The arch is the result of the gradual erosion of the softer rock layers, leaving behind a resilient arch-shaped structure that defies the crashing waves and winds. This unique feature has made Arched Rock a popular destination for tourists, nature enthusiasts, and photographers alike.

In addition to its geological significance, Arched Rock also serves as a habitat for various coastal plants and wildlife. The surrounding cliffs provide nesting sites for seabirds such as gulls and cormorants, while the rock pools at low tide are home to an array of marine organisms, including crabs, anemones, and small fish.

Access to Arched Rock is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading visitors from a nearby parking area to a viewing platform that offers unobstructed views of the arch. However, caution is advised when exploring the area, as the cliffs can be steep and slippery, especially during inclement weather.

Overall, Arched Rock in Hampshire is a stunning coastal feature that exemplifies the power of nature's sculpting abilities. With its remarkable arch-shaped formation, picturesque views, and diverse wildlife, it continues to captivate and inspire those who visit this remarkable coastal point.

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Arched Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.668377/-1.5068564 or Grid Reference SZ3485. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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

Walkers on 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