Description

Whale Chine is a narrow steep-sided chine, with clearly visible rock strata. It can be viewed from the coastal path. The landward migration of the chine follows the line of a man-made ditch alongside the Military Road.

Ladder, Old Walpen and New Walpen chines can be found a short distance to the east. From the car park walk alongside the road a short distance then follow the coastal path. These chines were at various times the outlet of a small brook running from Chale. As the cliff has eroded the stream has been cut off, forming new chines. You can see the old, dry stream bed at points along the cliff edge. The water currently runs through a feature which is referred to as New Walpen Chine, a steep narrow ravine.

Parking

Council car park with cycle parking at Whale Chine.

Footpaths

All the chines can be accessed from the coastal path.

Beach Access

At the time of writing (Feb 2014) access to the beach at Whale Chine has been closed for several years and none of the other chines are accessible. The closest beach access was previously at Shepherd’s Chine, though this access has recently been closed due to landslides in the area.

Ordnance Survey Grid reference

Whale Chine SZ468782
Ladder Chine SZ471780
Old Walpen Chine SZ472778
New Walpen Chine SZ473777

Show on map

Click here to see the approximate location of Whale Chine.

Image: Whale Chine, courtesy of onlinestressfree.com