Old Blackgang to Niton road explored

Description

The original road between Blackgang and Niton used to travel along an area known as The Undercliff, one of the most picturesque areas of the Isle of Wight and notoriously prone to landslip. The route was permanently severed in 1928, when a huge cliff fall at the south-eastern end sent a 150 yard section of it plunging towards the sea. Numerous other landslips have occurred since then, including one in 1994 that severely affected the north-eastern end at the site of Blackgang Chine, the well-know amusement park.

This film starts at the south-eastern end in Niton, following the remaining driveable section with a camera bolted to the top of a car until reaching the site of the 1928 landslip, near the site of what used to be Windy Corner.

Thereafter, having scrambled up the remains of an old footpath that crosses the landslip debris from sea level, the section of road the other side of the landslip area is located and followed on foot, all the way in to Blackgang Chine.

A variety of interesting views are seen, including the remains of the fabled Shakespeare memorial and fountain, which used to grace the roadside was once a listed structure. See also the ruins of the largest remaining house in the condemned area, until recently being restored, now sadly ruined by vandals. Thought to be part of Southview, the estate of Charles Letts the famous diarist, fantastic views across the Channel can be seen here. Bizarre sights, such as exotic trees that adorned the gardens of properties that have long descended the cliff into the sea are not unusual.

The course of the road passes a couple of sheer drops where landslips have left only a thin strip of path in its place, before it arrives in Blackgang. Various views showing the course of the road through Blackgang are included, along with shots of the landslip areas of 1994 that edged ever closer to the amusement park. Finally, views from the top of the cliffs above the old route are seen to show the scale of the landscape and aerial views of the terrain that has been traveled in the film.

Includes constant, well-informed commentary, reference to vintage maps and old photos and short slide show of up to date stills.