Whale Chine Beach

Whale Chine is one of a number of ravines cut into the sandstone cliffs along the Isle of Wight’s southwest coast. The steep sides of the chine, which have been cut over the millennia by a small stream, reach 140 feet above the beach. These soft cliffs are home to some excellent fossils including dinosaur bones.

Access to the beach is somewhat of a challenge (if at all possible). Years back there was a series of 126 wooden steps down, but these were washed away by subsequent storms. The current arrangement involves some steps carved into the cliff and a rope.

Whale Chine is a popular spot with anglers. The clear sandy ground with intermittent rock features are home to a variety of species including mackerel and bass in the summer and pout in the winter.

As for whales, you probably won’t see any; the beach’s name is thought to come from the Wavell family who owned Atherfield Farm in the 16th century.