Colwell Bay

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Colwell Bay
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Colwell Bay.jpg
Location Isle of Wight
Grid reference SZ323873
InterestGeological
Area13.56 hectare
Notification 1959
Location map Natural England
Isle of Wight UK location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Colwell Bay
Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight

Colwell Bay (grid reference SZ323873 ) is a bay in the west of the Isle of Wight. It is located between the towns of Totland and Yarmouth. The bay's northernmost point is Cliff's End (Fort Albert) the closest point of the Island to the British mainland, with Hurst Castle lying at the end of a long peninsula just 1500 metres (a little less than a mile) to the northwest. The southernmost point is Warden Point.

Colwell Bay has a popular beach, with two miles of sand and shingle, and facilities including cafes, shops and equipment hire outlets.

An area of 13.56 hectares has been notified as a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest, notification originally taking place in 1959. The site is significant for its Eocene geology and maritime vegetated soft cliff habitat. [1]

It is the location of three chines: Colwell Chine, Brambles Chine and Linstone Chine.

Colwell Bay is on the A3054 road and near the western end of the A3055 road. Public transport to the area is provided by Southern Vectis route 7 and the Needles Tour.

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References

50°41′04″N1°32′39″W / 50.68446°N 1.54416°W / 50.68446; -1.54416