Watcombe Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Watcombe Bay |
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Watcombe Bay from the cliff top
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 Watcombe Bay
Location in Isle of Wight
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| Coordinates | 50°39′54″N 1°31′30″W / 50.665°N 1.525°W |
| Ocean/sea sources | English Channel |
Watcombe Bay is a small, beautiful bay on the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight, an island off the coast of England. It's located right next to Freshwater Bay and faces south towards the English Channel. This bay is quite tiny, with a shoreline less than 100 meters long. It is carved into the tall chalk cliffs of Highdown Cliffs.
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Discovering Watcombe Bay
Watcombe Bay is one of the smallest bays you'll find on the Isle of Wight. It's a hidden gem, tucked away beneath steep cliffs.
How to Reach the Bay
Because of the very steep cliffs, getting to Watcombe Bay can be a bit tricky. You can only reach it by walking along the rocks from Freshwater Bay. This walk must be done at low tide when the water has pulled back.
What's Under the Water?
The bottom of Watcombe Bay is a mix of different things. You'll find mud, sand, and lots of seashells there.
The Beach at Watcombe Bay
The beach itself is mostly made up of shingle. Shingle means it's covered in small, smooth stones and pebbles, rather than soft sand.
Best Views of the Bay
The very best way to see Watcombe Bay is from the top of the cliffs. The Isle of Wight Coastal Path runs right past the bay. This path offers amazing views down onto the water and the surrounding coastline.
History of Access
Over the years, people have tried to make it easier to get down to Watcombe Bay.
Old Tunnels and Steps
In the middle of the 1800s, there was a tunnel and a set of steps. These led from the top of the cliff all the way down to the beach.
Unfinished Tunnel Project
Later, in the 1930s, a man named EH Crinage started another tunnel. This new tunnel was meant to connect the beach to the grounds of Redoubt House, which was located above the bay. However, this second tunnel was never fully finished.
