Access Guide
Summary
- View information about opening hours.
- Amenities in this area include: open countryside and coastal areas.
- The most accessible entrance has steps, a slight ramp/slope and a gate.
- This entrance is opposite the public car park at Blackgang.
- There is not a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- The following are also available: seating.
Public Transport
- There is a bus stop within approximately 150m of the site.
- The nearest train station is Shanklin.
- Shanklin train station is approximately 10 miles away.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline (opens new tab).
Parking
- This site does not have a car park.
- Nearby parking includes: an open air public car park.
Outdoor Spaces
- This information is for the access point located opposite the public car park at Blackgang.
- Access into the area is via steps.
- There are 10+ steps, which are unmarked, with handrails on both sides.
- There is a kissing gate at the surveyed access point.
- The gate is self-closing.
- The width of the gap is 65cm.
- The following outdoor facilities are available: open countryside.
- The outdoor facilities also include: coastal cliffs, St Catherine's Oratory and Hoy Monument.
- The outdoor spaces include the following surfaces: grass, compact earth and loose stones.
- Footpaths are available in some of the outdoor space.
- The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- There is step-free level access around some of the area.
- There are slight ramps/slopes without handrails, steep ramps/slopes without handrails and less than 3 steps without handrails in the main areas.
- The slight and steep slopes are immediately after the access gate and at various other locations through the site.
There is 1 step to access St Catherine's Oratory. - There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
- The paths have easy open gates and kissing gates which may create obstacles for some users.
Hikes and Trails (The Monk and the Merchant Walk)
- The walk is approximately 4.6 miles long.
- The walk is circular and commences from the car park at Blackgang.
After crossing the road and taking the steps onto the downs, the path rises steeply up the hill and through a gate.
Turning left and walking around the hilltop, the path proceeds to the Hoy Monument.
The path then works its way around to the right as it moves around a copse and across a field.
From a valley floor, the path begins to work its way uphill and ultimately arrives at St Catherine's Oratory.
From here, the path works its way steeply downhill back to the car park. - The walk is open 24 hours.
- None of the paths are lit at night.
- The route includes the following surfaces: tarmac, grass and gravel.
- Some of the route contains steep gradients and very uneven surfaces.
- These are found in the following areas: at various points along the pathway.
- There are no alternative routes to avoid these areas.
- The route is not clearly signposted.
- The route has online maps.
- Seating is available on the route.
- There are no toilet facilities along the route.