Following the devastating news of the Bonchurch landslide that began on Sunday evening and resulted in more than 20 homes being evacuated, there was a great deal of nostalgic chatter on social media about the possible loss of the Devil’s Chimney.
Nestled just east and south of the Smugglers Haven Tea Rooms, The Devil’s Chimney was a scenic rock cleft with steps descending into the Bonchurch Landslip.
Walking through the Devil’s Chimney was always filled with great excitement, squeezing through the narrow passage, surrounded by ginormous rocks each side and emerging in the luscious and primordial woodland in the Bonchurch Landslip.
IWC: Indication is that it’s been lost
News OnTheWight asked the council whether the Devil’s Chimney had survived the most recent landslide. An Isle of Wight council spokesperson replied,
“For safety reasons, it has not been possible to get too close to the Devil’s Chimney at Bonchurch.
“Viewing the video footage and photographs gives an indication that the devil’s chimney itself, the path connecting the chimney to the coastal path and the section of coastal path beneath the slip have all been lost and destroyed by the landslip.
“A full inspection will take place in the future, but only when safe to do so.
“The public are reminded all public rights of way in the area are closed and they should respect the signage and barriers for their own and others safety.”
Our thoughts continue to go out to all those affected by the devastating landslide.
