Coast Survey Stretch 03 Seaview High Street to Sandown Zoo Overview map of the stretch Introduction The route starts at the attractive village of Seaview, through the wooded Priory Bay, passing the remains of the ancient church of St Helens to access land at The Duver. This was once the Royal Golf Club which is now managed by the National trust. A causeway across a tidal mill pond then follows the perimeter of Bembridge Harbour along an old Railway track through a RSPB Nature Reserve. There are very attractive views of the Harbour and The Solent at the headland, and a diversion inland may be necessary to avoid the homes and gardens situated on the coast. Bembridge Lifeboat Station is an iconic feature of the coast.
Slabs of limestone form the Bembridge Ledges which are excellent for rock pooling. This is one of the best sites in England with anemones, seaweeds and coastal wildlife. The path from Foreland to Culver has been significantly improved and affords spectacular views of Whitecliff Bay and Culver Cliffs. The cliffs at Whitecliff Bay are soft clays and sands which are constantly crumbling and slipping. Culver itself is the conclusion of a 65 million year old chalk ridge across the island forming its backbone. A prominent feature here is the Monument to Earl Yarborough, the first Commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes. Culver Battery was built in 1906 and was one of the fortifications created to defend sea approached to Portsmouth. This was manned in both world wars. There is also a pub and café at Culver Down. From Culver, there is an excellent view of the 6 mile sandy bay at Sandown. The route descends by the Red Cliffs where many dinosaur finds have been made. The zoo at Sandown was built in the 1950s inside the walls of a Victorian Fort. Today it is a serious centre of wildlife conservation. 1 Seaview to The Duver, St Helens (stretch 3) 2 3 4 5 Key map references- 1 SZ6297 9165 2 SZ6311 9127 3 SZ6319 9088 4 SZ6342 9073 5 SZ6371 8947
Ref Location Land type/use, Path information, historic sites & ancient monuments 3.1 1 The route starts at the lower end of High Street at the coast. This was the site of the departure of small ships in Operation Neptune, the D day landings on 6 June 1944.. Photos and detail maps It is suggested that the safest route is made inland to the top of the High Street, and then Pier Road. There are cafes and public conveniences along this route. There is also a free car park in Pier Road. The route rejoins the coast at the site of a pier which was destroyed by a storm in December 1951. The suspension pier had four towers and was 1000 ft long. 3.2 1-2 An alternative route It is possible to scramble along the beach at low tide, but there is a revetment R92, which descends to the beach to reach the site of an old pier. Unfortunately this route cannot be used at higher tides. There is also an alleyway that leads to Circular Road which returns to the High Street. Revetment from Seaview High Street
Revetment path descends to the beach Alleyway leads to Circular Road
3.3 2-3 Again the beach from the Pier is lined with buildings, and the safest option is to take another inland detour behind the buildings along a gravel path which leads into an alleyway (R105) emerging by (seasonal) public conveniences, on the corner of Ferniclose Road which leads to the beach at Seagrove Bay. 3.4 2 Alternative route From the pier area, it is possible to follow the beach to Seagrove Bay. The beach is mostly sandy and makes a pleasant walk when tidal conditions and weather are favourable. Beach access from Pier Road to Seagrove Bay 3.5 3 At Seagrove Bay there is a wide revetment which leads to a long wooden bridge structure giving good access towards Priory Wood Wide revetment at Seagrove Bay
3.6 3-4 Revetment leading to wooden bridge 3.7 4 At Horsestone Point, steps lead into woodland on R 89 Steps at Horestone Point 3.8 4-5 R89 continues through the coastal fringe in woodland. Pathway steps are reached. Pathway steps
3.9 4-5 This section of the PROW through Priory Wood is in poor condition, being muddy, and broken boardwalks with poor handrailing. Beach access is possible at low tide but there are rocks at Nodes Point which prevents access along the beach on most occasions. Poor condition of R89 5 Duver, St Helens to Forelands (Stretch 3) 6 9 10 7 8 11 12
Key map references- 5 SZ6371 8947 6 SZ6346 8900 7 SZ6305 8855 8 SZ6402 8838 9 SZ6412 8880 10 SZ6454 8874 11 SZ6581 8770 12 SZ6549 8729 3.10 5-6 R89 leads to the remains of an old church at St Helens Duver. The church is now used as a seamark. The revetment along the beach at St Helens Duver has been improved and in very good condition for all users. There is a beach café and public conveniences. Improved revetment at St Helens Duver 3.11 5-6 The Duver area is access land with a bridleway R 87. This was the site of a golf course opened in 1882, the first in England, and frequented by Prince Edward (Later to become Edward V11). The land was presented to the National Trust in 1961. Turf from Cumbria was used for the golf course and has resulted in diverse flora. 3.12 6 The PROW crosses a causeway over the tidal mill pond. The causeway has stepped sections where water flows to and from the mill pond. This makes access a little difficult and can compromise safety. A level surface would be desirable, and would help to create an easy access circular walk from St Helens. Path R88 has recently been upgraded for easy access. R86 crosses the causeway by the Old Mill Ponds
3.13 7-8 The route crosses the B3395 onto a permissive path through the RSPB reserve. This avoids having to walk alongside a busy road. The permissive path follows the old railway line, and should be followed to its conclusion and then through a car parking area to reach the main road. Permissive Path through RSPB reserve Alternative route Avoid road walking by continuing beyond the end of the permissive route at the back of buildings and shops, following the line of the railway to the old station area. RSPB reserve The old Boat House at the RSPB reserve 3.14 8-9 Shingle bank by properties at Bembridge Point The path continues around the harbour to reach The Tollgate Café. From here it is well worth the diversion around Bembridge Point, a popular area of sand dunes with panoramic views of the harbour and beyond. There is currently an application to create a village green. This area was used in World War 1 as a base for sea planes. The three hangars were sold and used as the entertainment
arcade at Shanklin and Ventnor. The Shanklin centre is still used today. Rounding the point leads to a shingle bank. It is necessary to take an inland diversion to avoid beach side properties. Access along the beach is only possible at low tide. The route follows Beach Rd, the old coastguard station BB32 to the Palmer Memorial by the main road. 3.15 9-10 The route bypasses beach side properties by following B33 Pump Lane into Ducie Avenue and joining BB6 footpath. This follows the beach at the front of two large properties East Cliff and Tyne Hall. Parts of this path are adjacent to rough woodland which could be improved to give secure access. Path by Garland currently closed Wooded coastal fringe at BB6 footpath
3.16 10-11 The route continues along a high shingle bank to join BB7 Shingle bank looking northwestwards towards St Helens Duver NB the existing coastal path is currently aligned inland from this point towards Bembridge Harbour. At junction of BB6 and BB7. 3.17 10-11 BB7 is a makeshift pebble path, and currently closed. A lower path has been created. There is the possibility of a field edge providing a better route. BB7 currently closed
Lower path created to bypass BB7 Field adjacent to BB7 with an opportunity to create a new path inland from the shingle beach 3.18 10-11 The route continues on a revetment to the iconic lifeboat station. There is a car park, shop and public conveniences at this location. Bembridge Life Boat Station
Revetment facing north from the life boat station 3.19 11 The footpath continues along a grass fringe to Warners Hotel. Here the existing coastal path diverts inland. However PROW BB10 follows the coast and should form part of the new coast trail. It may be possible to agree with Warners, an access route through their grounds. A café is available to the public. Warners Hotel complex Existing coast path follows a grass fringe from Warners to the life boat station NB the existing coastal path is aligned inland on BB42, BN38 and public highways. A better route would be to follow BB42,BB38, Poplar Close, an unadopted footpath leads to Paddock Drive and on to a slipway to rejoin BB10 Every opportunity should be taken to avoid this inland route by creating a safe beach path. Slipway at Paddock Drive looking
3.20 11-12 north-west along BB10 BB10 continues along a revetment to the Beach Hut Café. Passing the Crab and Lobster pub Revetment near pub 3.21 12 Follow the steps to Foreland Field car park (free) and go left onto BB10, a much improved part of the existing coast path. Beach Hut café looking east towards Culver
12 Forelands to Culver Down (Stretch 3) 13 14 Key map references- 12 SZ6549 8729 13 SZ6439 8657 14 SZ6371 8562 Ref Location Land type/use and Path information 3.22 12-13 This stretch has been improved greatly in recent times. It is subject to erosion. It affords spectacular views of Bembridge Ledges, Whitecliff Bay and Culver Down. It follows footpath BB10 to reach the historic Bembridge School, dating back Photos and detail maps
to 1919. Whitecliff Bay and Black Rock Ledge 3.23 13-14 BB10 continues, ascending Culver Down, passing Whitecliff Bay Holiday park. Chalk cliffs of Culver 3.24 14 At Culver Down on BB10
3.25 14 At Culver Down there are a number of historic monuments: Earl Yarborough Monument Bembridge Fort Gun Emplacements at Culver battery. There is also a pub and café. Culver and Bembridge Downs are access land managed by National Trust Culver Battery
Culver Down to Sandown Zoo (Stretch 3) 15 14 16 17 18 Key map references- 14 SZ6371 8562 15 SZ6332 8553 16 SZ6186 8537 17 SZ6117 8500 18 SZ6095 8485 Ref Location Land type/use, Path information, historic sites & ancient monuments 3.26 14 The route follows the seaward side of Culver battery and crosses access land. Photos and detail maps From Culver Down on Nation Trust land towards Sandown
3.27 14-15 Access land at Culver Down The route descends past the coastguard cottages to a Ramblers gate. Gate on BB30 3.28 15-16 The route continues down public footpaths through Bembridge Down and by Red Cliff, site of significant dinosaur finds. Red Cliff
3.29 16-17 The route continues towards Sandown along a track Coastal Path passes Sandown Bay Holiday Centre 3.30 18 Track joins a roadside path and revetment and reaches Sandown Zoo Sandown Zoo situated in an old fort. Summary of Opportunities and Access Issues (a) This is a varied and iconic part of the coastal part demonstrating the diversity of coastal walking on the Island. It is important that we maximise the opportunity to create a truly spectacular 10 mile which will benefit tourism and encourage more residents to walk. (b) The Seaview area is a popular tourist destination. The coast path to Seagrove Bay might be engineered to avoid road walking. (c) Horestone Point to St Helens Church is currently very difficult as the public footpath through Priory Woods is in poor condition. Most people follow the beach when possible, or utilise the inland route. Work needs to be done to improve this woodland route with new steps and boardwalks and handrailing that should provide reliable walking conditions for many years to come.
(d) Access land at the Duver should be fully utilised in this special area. The causeway across the mill pond can be improved to provide a safe access for everyone. This would then create a new circular route for all residents living at St Helens to access the Duver area. (e) The RSPB permissive path should be adopted and if possible, extended into Bembridge. The route is very pleasant, off road, and in a nature reserve. The area was recovered from the sea in the late 19 th century. RSPB purchased the land in 2001. Brading Marshes consist of lagoons, ditches, and wet fields and is a coastal nature reserve in the Yar valley. (f) Access to Bembridge point is desirable. This area is highly regarded by residents. (g) The coast from Bembridge Point to the Lifeboat station is very special with views out to the Solent with its historic forts, the iconic lifeboat station, as well as Bembridge ledges with some of the best rockpooling opportunities in England. The current coast path is fragmented and taking inland detours. These detours have increased over the years as the beach access has deteriorated. An opportunity now exists to reinstate a new alignment along the beach edge. (h) The Public footpath at Warners Hotel has eroded and now only exists on the shingle beach. There are tourism opportunities for Warners if they would agree to a new alignment though their grounds. (i) Beyond Warners, access is possible along a high shingle beach to a slipway and then revetment paths. (j) The path from Forelands Fields car park to Culver is in good condition. However erosion is a constant problem and provision should be made for future changes to the alignment. (k) The path from Culver to Sandown is well established and in good condition.