A small secluded cove located just east of St Catherine's Lighthouse. Also known locally as Castlehaven this area is privately owned, but there are rights of way to enable the public to access and enjoy this stunningly beautiful and unspoilt area.
The bay is popular with cold water swimmers as well as being a base for fishing boats and sailing dinghies. A changing hut is provided and sits on the slipway. It’s free to use, but donations can be placed in the box.
It's a tiny beach, and sand is only visible at low tide. However there is a concrete ramp, so you can swim at high tide, but the beach will be gone.
Tidal currents can be strong here so please take care. Seek advise if new to the area.
Historically, as well as being a cove for local fisherman, Castlehaven was also used to facilitate the landing of coal, delivered by barge, which were run up on the beach. Horse and cart then transported the coal to the lighthouse.
Footpaths NT46, although short, runs westward along the seawall and offers views stunning views along the coast and out to sea. A footpath also runs through the caravan site westward and into National Trust fields, to enable walkers to head to the lighthouse, and beyond that to Watershoot Bay.
DOGS ALLOWED: Yes, all year round
TOILETS: No, although you can use the toilets at the nearby cafe if you're a customer
OTHER AMENITIES: The nearby Castlehaven Cafe serves excellent food, but is extremely popular in sumertime, so booking a table is advisable.
LIFEGUARDS: No (note: the tides can be strong here)
ACCESS ON FOOT: The beach is located at the botton of Castlehaven Lane.
ACCESS BY CAR: Reeth Bay is not accessible by car. Park in St Catherine's Road, at the top of Castlehaven Lane. It's a 0.5 mile walk that will take about 15 minutes. However, there is a narrow lane that goes down to the beach, and a concrete ramp for launching small craft. But you cannot leave your car there.
AS WITH ALL BAYS ON THE SOUTH OF THE WIGHT, CARE MUST BE TAKEN DUE TO UNSTABLE CLIFFS. LANDSLIPS ARE NOT UNCOMMON IN THIS AREA.
