A remarkable feature and line. Although located on the Isle of Wight, The Needles are easily viewed across the approach to The Solent from Swanage and are one of the UK\'s most significant coastal features. Skeleton Ridge is a very serious and committing multi-pitch trad climb. Pre-planning is extremely important. You need good weather since chalk is treacherous after rain; a calmish sea - the start is exposed from a southerly swell; and not too windy. A low spring tide is ideal to get to the start. You also need to talk to the National Trust at the Old Battery and ring the Coastguard to warn them so they don\'t act on well meaning calls from passing boats saying that you need rescuing.