Great video, incredible to see moving images from this time! The routes to the West of the Wight in particular, often served hamlets, and with the advent of reliable vans and lorries, the ability to transport freight negated an advantage of having the railways. To the East of the Wight, the traditional bucket-and-spade holidays lasted probably into the early 60's, meaning that the resorts of ryde, sandown and shanklin justified the continuation to this day of the route. Ventnor, whilst still a popular and unique place, probably suffered because the rail station was so far removed, distance and elevation-wise, from the main town centre. It was a pity, but you can understand why Ventnor station closed. Aside from relocating businesses, the only practical serious impediment to reopening the section from Shanklin to Ventnor would be to rebuild the overbridge which stood immediately south of Shanklin station; this comes with the caveat that tall vehicles including double-deckers would not clear the structure. Really, looking at the whole Island network, the closure of the line between Cowes and Newport stands out as a possibly poor decision. But this would need to be taken into context of what was then becoming wider general car ownership. It should be bourne in mind however, that the original car ferries were rather primitive! Today, the Island is doable with or without a car, but requires planning. For those who choose not to Easyjet to Spain or wherever, the Island is still rewarding. When I look at this old footage, as with many other parts of the uk, it seems that the bulk of the Island's network was built during railwaymania, when lines were built speculatively without too much thought as to future revenue prospects. However I am pleased that the Islandline section to Shanklin has been upgraded, and that the ongoing living Steam Railway project is preserving important history. COVID notwithstanding, we all hope for a better year. Thanks to John Hannam and to his late father for allowing this footage to exist.

Wonderful. It brings back memories of journeying from Ryde Pierhead to Ventnor, then catching the bus to Niton, where we holidayed with my Grandmother. I wish we'd seen the other lines before they vanished.

As someone who grew up in St Lawrence and had an obsession with the IOW railways this video is a wonderful spectacle. Thank you.

Thank you for posting. I enjoyed every second of it. Reminds me been taken to IOW as a kid for the annual holidays.

Brilliant , having been brought up on the Island from 1954-1961, it brought back memories, liked to have seen more of Medina Wharf and section to Dodnor fishing lake !!

Thank you for sharing , brings back fond memories of our family holidays on this beautiful island .

Great stuff, our history at it's best...

Thank you for this, sad to watch as I remember the end of Newport Station and the demolishing of the viaduct, Mill Hill station etc a great shame to have lost it all

Amazing video. I spent childhood holidays in Gurnard and fondly remember the trip from Ryde Pierhead to Cowes. Happy days. Thank you for sharing.

Great video. I spent my holidays on the isle as a kid. It's a shame the railway still doesn't go round the island even tho it not steam

Cool! I had been studying maps of the IOW railways and following traces on Google Maps/Street View. It was fun to get to see the trains running in various spots and the narration was most helpful.

Hi, I'm a student at the Isle of Wight College studying Media, currently creating a mini documentary relating to the Island's railway history. I was wondering if we could potentially use some of the footage please? It would not be for profit in anyway and may only appear on college social media. Many thanks in advance.

That's sad to see