South West Sea Kayaking

Saint Catherine’s Point is the southernmost point of the Isle of Wight. It has two lighthouses.

The current lighthouse is close to the water’s edge. The lighthouse is an oddly stumpy affair, as the original building was later shortened by 13 metres to avoid fog. It was opened in 1838 after an 1836 hurricane that obliterated the 345 ton West Indiaman Clarendon on the rocks, with the loss of most hands. One victim of the wreck somehow later washed up in her father’s garden in Southsea, on the far side of the Island.

The second lighthouse is not in use. It is impractically located a kilometre inland and 234 metres above sea level on St Catherine’s Down. It is known locally as the ‘Pepperpot’ due to its peculiar design, but its proper name is Saint Catherine’s Oratory. This is Britain’s second oldest lighthouse, dating from around 1323. In case you were wondering, the oldest is outside the south west.