UK Nudist Beaches

Naturist / Nudist Beaches in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland

Blackgang - Isle of Wight

Hampshire

Steep descent, almost scrambling - there's a rope to help - to a great hidden beach

This is a south facing, unofficial but long-established naturist beach, used by both locals and visitors.

Getting There

OS Explorer Map OL29, Grid ref: 490756, Microsoft Virtual Earth

NOTE: Confusingly, the naturist beach is actually 'Rocken End' - there is no access from cliff-top Blackgang itself.

1) Beach path down from Old Blackgang Road Car park: PO38 2JA

From the village of Niton, go south on the A3055 for a short distance, turn right on to St. Catherines Road in the Undercliff and then along a smaller lane called Old Blackgang Road. This lane ends at a small car park, free, with potholes, and a great view.

From the car park, follow the footpath towards the sea, turning right (west) at the junction, over a former land-slip and so eventually to the beach.

2) Long walk along the beach from Whale Chine car park: PO38 2LJ

[Mar-22] Beach access closed due to erosion.

Alternatively, drive west along the A3055 coast road for 2 mile / 3.5 km, passing the amusement park, to the free car park at Whale Chine (Satnav: PO38 2LJ). Walk down to the beach and then left (east) along the beach to the naturist area, about 3.5KM distant. "A lovely if strenuous walk".

Description

The beach is made up of tiny pebbles, 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.

At one time there was a naturist holiday centre at nearby Southview, but his fell foul of the numerous landslips that are prevalent on this part of the coast.

Naturist camping is available at Valerian Sun Club, 30 minutes drive away at Havenstreet.

Desk update: Mar-22

Map

Comments

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Malcolm Cooper

Jan-20

I have had several days on this beach last year and it is fabulous and well worth the walk down and once there you have virtually five miles of beach to yourselve take a look at "nudist beach footpath cockapoo dog walk Blackgang Chine" for the path down and the beach.
Sean Puttick

Feb-20

Fab beach
Ted Thompson

Oct-20

An update as ot Oct 7, 2011 on Blackgang Beach. The stairs access at Whale Chine is closed "temporarily" with fencing installed around the top of the stairs and a quick look at the condition of the stairs would not lead me to bypassing the fence.
Alex

Jul-20

Had a great 2 days there earlier this week, felt a little self conscious being a lone male and my first time, but soon got into the swing (lol) of it as i went for a walk along the beach. Definitely go back and would recommend parking at Old Blackgang lane, then follow the path, but take the left hand fork when youre in the woods or you could end up with a clamber of the rocks
Martin

Jun-20

Access at the Niton end is more a scramble than a walk, in fact last summer a sturdy rope had been put in place at one point to help you work your way up the cliff. Once there though it's a very nice beach, with lots of space for everyone to spread out. Surf-fishing is very popular there, so bring your rod with you!

Photos

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Beach at Rocken End towards Blackgang Chine

via Geograph