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SHANKLIN CHINE 1

Shanklin Chine is an historic gorge or deep narrow ravine that dates from 1817.  Formation of this chine has taken place over the last 10,000 years and as a result has plenty of natural beauty, a rich haven of rare plants, woodland, and an enchanting  45 ft waterfall.  PLUTO (Pipeline under the Ocean) also ran through the Chine and there are still 65 yards of the pipe remaining. PLUTO, one of the great secret successes of the war, was the idea of Lord Mountbatten. During the Normandy invasion in 1944, forked pipelines from the Chine and Sandown carried petrol 65 miles under the Channel to Cherbourg.
 

The lane which takes you to Shanklin Chine from Pencil Cottage, Shanklin Old Village. Rylestone Gardens and tea rooms are at the end of here. Go up the steps to go staight to the tea rooms with pitch and putt as well as crazy golf. Rylestone Manor is also further on.	Top entrance as seen from the lane	Shanklin Chine Heritage Centre As well as The Heritage Center there is a small gift shop and Tea Room.	Shanklin Chine lower entrance Recently added{although the Heritage Museum and adjacent buildings have always been there} lower entrance which is in fact just behind where this picture was taken. This should be more frindly now to visitors since they do not have to trawl back up to the top entrance anymore to enter.
Chine top entrance As seen from below looking up.	Victorian Hot Brine Bath This is at the bottom of the chine.	Section of the P.L.U.T.O. pipe still intact.	.

During the war the Chine was taken over and used as an assault course by the Commandos whose HQ was at Upper Chine School. 40 Royal Marine Commando trained there in preparation for the Dieppe raid in 1942.  In summer evenings The Chine is illuminated and is normally open until 10pm - this makes the walk to sample some beer at The Fisherman's Cottage {lower} or The Crab Inn {upper} enjoyable.  The Fisherman's Cottage was built in about 1817 by the same Mr. Colenutt who made the path through the Chine.  The Fisherman's Cottage is featured in my Pub Guide.

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