It’s that time of year when talk of the St Helens and Bembridge Fort Walk returns.
This annual ‘happening’ is just that, a ‘happening’, there is no official organiser, but even so, thousands of people turn up in Bembridge and St Helens to attempt the walk out to St Helens Fort at the time of the lowest tide.
RNLI: “String advice” to not take part
Every year Bembridge RNLI and Coastguard are on standby and as John Keyworth, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Bembridge RNLI told News OnTheWight, they have to make numerous rescues as people walk into dredging poles, get caught out by the tide etc.
His “strong advice” is for people to not attempt the walk out to the fort.
When is it expected to take place?
The two dates with the lowest tides are Saturday (13th August 2022) and Sunday (14th).
If you are planning to take part, please read the safety advice below and watch the video from previous years.
The recommendations have in the past been to begin the walk at around 45 minutes before the point of the the lowest tide (which is around 6.30pm on Saturday and 7.20pm on Sunday).
Parking restrictions
Whether you are planning to take part or just spectate, parking could be an issue.
The Isle of Wight council will be enforcing a “no waiting” restriction for the entire length of Duver Road, St Helens. The restriction is in place from 0001 hours on Saturday to 2359 hours on Sunday.
The No.8 Southern Vectis bus serves Bembridge and St Helens. Check the timetable to plan your journey and don’t forget about Sunday service.
Safety tips
Safety advice you should follow:
- You are walking at your own risk – this is not an organised event.
- Check the weather forecast before you go. Do not attempt the walk in high winds or poor visibility.
- It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk from the shore at Bembridge Point or St Helens Old Church to St Helens Fort and 30 minutes to get back to the beach (i.e 1hr round trip).
- Do not leave the shore after Low Water.
- Aim to reach the Fort between 10 minutes before low water and 10 minutes after low water.
- The walk is more strenuous than you think.
- Be prepared to get wet, you can be walking in water up to your waist.
- Keep a close eye on your children (and dogs) – it is a good idea for children to wear buoyancy aids. Dogs may need to be carried or need to swim some distance.
- Do not swim in the Bembridge Harbour Channel (marked by the red & green buoys) – there may be deep holes due to dredging.
- Wear shoes as the causeway is stony; Flip Flops are not suitable.
- If you are circling the Fort, don’t stop to admire the view, keep walking. It is deemed to be good luck to circle the Fort in an anticlockwise direction.
- Be careful of slipping on the rocks around the Fort.
- Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach.
- Please park responsibly in Bembridge and St Helens
- Carry a means of calling for help (ideally a mobile in a water proof case)
- If you need help call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
This video from a previous year (so please ignore the dates) gives some useful advice for anything thinking of attempting the fort walk.
As long as there are no operational problems, Bembridge RNLI Inshore Lifeboat will be in the vicinity, as will Bembridge Coastguard team.
