About Shanklin Chine
Enjoy the Unique Tranquillity of Shanklin Chine.
When you wander through the peaceful
setting of this historic gorge, take time to just sit, look and listen. You are in
a magic world of natural beauty, a rich haven of rare plants, woodland, wildlife
and an enchanting waterfall.
The story of the Chine encompasses subjects of interest
to all age groups from geology to smuggling, shipwrecks to P.L.U.T.O. and of course
the wondrous scenery.
'Chine' is a local word and now used only in the Isle of Wight and Dorset. It is
of Saxon origin and means a deep narrow ravine, formed by water cutting through soft
sandstone leading to the sea. The Saxon name for Shanklin was "Scenc-
Formation of the Chine
has taken place over the last 10,000 years. The stream would originally have flowed
into the River Eastern Yar when Sandown Bay was land. This stream is continually
cutting its way back to the foot of the Downs from whence it springs. In the latter
half of the last century, stones were laid at the top of the waterfall to arrest
this progress. There are a continuous series of spring lines on the cliff faces in
the Chine.
The Island has a number of chines but the two largest are Blackgang, where very little of the original remains, due to erosion, and Shanklin, unique in the quality of its flora and fauna. With a drop of 105ft to sea level, and just over a quarter of a mile, the Chine covers an area of approximately three acres. Shanklin Chine is located at the heart of the Old Village and has two entrances; the top entrance is just down from the Crab Inn and as you walk through the top pay box you are greeted with the beauty of the main waterfall which is over 45ft. The path then takes you on your journey down. If you start from the bottom entrance, which is located at the end of Shanklin Esplanade, you can see the stream as it reaches the beach with the stunning Gunnera manicata and other rare plants.
