G/SE-008 St Boniface Down, Isle of Wight

Activation Reports
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The Isle of Wight has two SOTA summits, SE-008 St Boniface Down and SE-012 Brighstone Down. I managed to activate both on Tuesday, 01 Sept 2020.
SE-008 St Boniface Down is a very easy activation as there is a road leading to a car park right at the top of the hill. Parking is at lat/long 50.3604°, -1.2026° and my activation was from the open area in front of the car park, near a couple of WWII pillboxes (guard buildings).
Operating on 40m CW, I accumulated 8 QSOs with stations around Europe.

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My equipment used was an Elecraft KX1, 3Watts TX power into a Sotabeams 40/30/20m linked dipole on a Tactical Mini 6 metre telescopic mast.

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I met two other hams at this summit. One was setting up ready for a 2metre VHF contest later in the evening.

73 & 72 de G0KPE

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Nice! Looks like you were really lucky with the weather too!

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I do know Isle of Wight a little. What I miss often in those activation descriptions is if the site can be reached with reasonable effort with public transport and if yes how.

With regard to the weather conditions: Isle of Wight has a nice climate especially the south can be described as very mild,if I am not mistaken there is some kind of tropical botanic garden in the south.
Also interesting IoW has 2 lighthouses: the Needles (that would be difficult, and one at the south coast)
Unfortunately the area of the Tennyson Monument is no sota point.

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Hi Patrick.
I don’t know which Isle of Wight bus services would get you closest to the two summits on the island. I guess finding that out would be part of your pre-visit preparations.
Thank you for your message.
Best wishes,
Carl G0KPE

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The actual summit of this hill is right at the end of the road, some distance past the trig point. There is another parking area there and it is a nicer spot with good views. The trig point is easily within the activation zone though.

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Cheers Tom.
I have been finding your activation reports very useful You are indeed a very active SOTA’er. I’m just starting out but can safely say the bug is biting :grinning:.
St Boniface Down is an excellent radio site especially for VHF/UHF contests.
Best wishes.
G0KPE Carl

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Well for any one willing to go there by public transport on the IoW, here is the info:
Southern Vectis bus company, use line number 3 from Newport to Ryde via Ventnor and get off the bus near Ventnor, bus stop: Old Station. from there a walk.
I have visited IoW about a dozen times, always using public transport to get around.