The end of the Island Line looks like it’s floating out at sea if looked at from a distance on Google Maps – and this is because it is. As our train trundled along past Ride Esplanade again, the sight of buildings fell away and became replaced by the sea. Lots of sea. We were on a pier – which, given the name of the station, was to be expected. Looking out of the window gave either the sight of the waves bobbing around, or a disused second track serving as a remnant of the steam era. Knowing the Island Line uses old London Underground ’38 Tube stock because of its lightweight and small loading gauges, it’s a little odd to think steam locomotives used to run up and down the pier. Especially with their weight and bulk.

The station itself wasn’t much to look at as we jumped off the train and started hunting for a nice sign. The sun was working against us, and all the signs were up high (I really hate it when stations do that. Who’s eye line are they aiming for by doing that?) so we had a fight on our paws. Thankfully, I am resourceful and with some camera angling I was able to get the shot we needed to complete the Isle of Wight. 12 stations pupped (if you count Smallbrook Junction twice… We do) all in a single day. With a little time free before our ferry, we hopped back on the train and rode it all the way to Shanklin and then back again to Brading to collect the car.. While on the way back to Shanklin, Fork Dude got on the train at Ryde St Johns Road and sat opposite us. That wasn’t disconcerting at all. Once we had finished our joyride, we got back in the car and bode the island a fond farewell. We’ll be back. There’s a tiger sanctuary to go look at.

Other pups to visit this station: