Brighstone Down facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brighstone Down |
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Toposcope on the summit
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 214 m (702 ft) |
| Prominence | c. 150 m |
| Parent peak | St Boniface Down |
| Listing | Marilyn |
| Geography | |
| Location | Isle of Wight, England |
| OS grid | SZ432847 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 196 |
Brighstone Down is a beautiful chalk down located on the Isle of Wight. It's a type of hill made mostly of chalk rock. This down is found near the village of Brighstone, in the southwest part of the island, often called the "Back of the Wight." It's a great place to explore and enjoy nature.
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What is Brighstone Down?
Brighstone Down is a long, rolling hill that stretches across the landscape. It's part of a larger chain of chalk hills that run through the Isle of Wight. These downs are important for wildlife and offer amazing views.
How Tall is Brighstone Down?
At its highest point, Brighstone Down reaches about 214 metres (702 ft) above sea level. This makes it one of the notable high points on the island. The highest part is found northeast of the village of Mottistone.
Where is it Located?
Brighstone Down is in the southwest of the Isle of Wight, a large island off the south coast of England. The western part of this down is known as Mottistone Down. The eastern part is called Shorwell Down. It's a popular spot for walkers and nature lovers.
Exploring the Area
The northern side of Brighstone Down is covered by Brighstone Forest. This is the largest forest on the entire Isle of Wight. It's a wonderful place for hiking and seeing local plants and animals. The downland itself is open grassland, perfect for enjoying wide-open spaces.
What is a Toposcope?
At the very top of Brighstone Down, there is a special marker called a toposcope. You can see it in the picture in the infobox. A toposcope is like a circular map that shows you the names and directions of landmarks you can see from that spot. It helps you understand the landscape around you.
What is a Marilyn?
You might have noticed that Brighstone Down is listed as a "Marilyn." This is a special term used in the United Kingdom and Ireland. A Marilyn is a hill or mountain that has a "prominence" of at least 150 meters (about 492 feet). Prominence means how high the peak rises above the lowest point connecting it to any higher land. So, Brighstone Down stands out quite a bit from the surrounding area!
