Mottistone Down

Mottistone Down rises above the south-west coast of the Isle of Wight, a breezy chalk ridge of open grassland, gorse and ancient burial mounds with long views over the island's rural interior and out to the Channel. It is a quieter alternative to the island's honeypot cliffs, and the patchwork of fields, the Longstone standing stones nearby and the sweep of the down make for varied aerial footage. The down is common land cared for by the National Trust, which prohibits take-off and landing from its property, so plan to launch from an adjoining public footpath or bridleway and keep flights considerate of walkers, riders and grazing animals. Access is on foot from the road between Mottistone and Brighstone, or from National Trust parking at Mottistone, followed by an uphill walk to the ridge. Crowds are generally light, especially outside summer holidays. The site is well outside controlled airspace, with no flight restriction zone nearby; the nearest airfield, Bembridge, lies far to the east. Wind is the main practical consideration, as the exposed ridge catches sea breezes; a calm, clear morning gives the steadiest conditions and the best light across the down toward the sea.