Location and the Beach
The beach is of fine shingle, which are comfortable to walk or lie on, but shelving quickly in to deep clean water. Tides can be strong and the cliffs crumbly, so care is advised.
The views along the coast are stunning, and an attraction is the natural peace, as there are no facilities, so take all you need and plan to spend long enough to justify the scramble down a steep path, which is not suitable for the disabled.
Directions
By Car
From the A3055, take the most easterly turn into Niton, signposted St Catherine's Lighthouse. Follow this road through the village as it bears sharp right, then turn left into Old Blackgang Road, signed as a No Through Road. This extremely narrow road ends at Windy Gap car park (free). It is very small and fills up early on fine days. The beach cannot be seen from this point.
Free parking at Windy Gap Car Park
Access to the beach and Naturism
Walk through the gate at the far end of the car park and follow a well-worn path down to a stile. Once over the stile, head downhill, bearing right. The path is now less obvious and slightly overgrown in places but there are occasional splashes of white paint on the rocks and trees to guide you. The path is extremely steep at times and currently (as @ February 2012) has lengths of rope in places to help you down. Some scrambling over rocks is necessary.
It can be approached from Knowles Farm, but only with great difficulty as there is no established path and it is easy to get lost and stuck. The path down from Windy Gap car park is better. You will be unable to approach by walking East along the beach from Whale Chine. This footpath has now been closed due to erosion. The whole area is subject to landslip and the path will be slippery after rain. Suitable footwear should be worn. Check locally for tide details and any currents affecting the beach.
Additional Information
Last update: 26 Jun 19