Back Sand Point

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Kent Dover

England

Back Sand Point

Gate beside A256 Beyond the gate, the grass covered track used to be a railway line, which the Royal Engineers built from &#039;Weatherlees Junction&#039; on the SECR. The line ran along the north side of the derelict power station (now known as <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5211188">TR3361 : Thanet Wind 132kV Onshore Substation</a>) (pace recent publications, this line was not the same as the power station spur), crossed the Thanet to Sandwich road just north of the filling stations and arrived at the New Quay behind Pfizer&#039;s sports ground. It then ran down the east side of the road, crossed the Stonar Cut and split in two at the Red Lion pub, about where the entrance to the recycling plant now is. One branch crossed the road, and both ran along the road verges to army camps where Pfizer&#039;s now is. The eastern branch also served Pierson&#039;s Quay. Some anonymous army official coined the name &#039;Richborough Port&#039; <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/r/richborough_port/index1.shtml" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/r/richborough_port/index1.shtml">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — Gate beside A256 Credit: John Baker

Black Sand Point is a prominent coastal feature located in Kent, England. It is a headland that juts out into the English Channel, forming a point that is often referred to as Black Sand Point.

The point gets its name from the distinctive black sand that can be found along its shoreline. This sand is the result of a mix of volcanic and sedimentary rock formations in the area. The black sand creates a striking contrast against the white cliffs and blue waters of the English Channel, making Black Sand Point a visually stunning location.

The headland itself is a popular spot for visitors, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it provides a habitat for various species of seabirds, including gulls, cormorants, and fulmars. These birds can often be seen soaring above the cliffs or nesting in the crevices.

Black Sand Point is also known for its historical significance. It was once a strategic location for coastal defense, with remnants of military fortifications still visible today. These fortifications were built during World War II to protect against potential enemy invasions. Today, they serve as a reminder of the area's wartime past.

Overall, Black Sand Point is a beautiful and historically significant coastal feature in Kent. Its black sand, stunning views, and rich wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Back Sand Point Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.297008/1.3543665 or Grid Reference TR3360. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gate beside A256

Beyond the gate, the grass covered track used to be a railway line, which the Royal Engineers built from 'Weatherlees Junction' on the SECR. The line ran along the north side of the derelict power station (now known as TR3361 : Thanet Wind 132kV Onshore Substation) (pace recent publications, this line was not the same as the power station spur), crossed the Thanet to Sandwich road just north of the filling stations and arrived at the New Quay behind Pfizer's sports ground. It then ran down the east side of the road, crossed the Stonar Cut and split in two at the Red Lion pub, about where the entrance to the recycling plant now is. One branch crossed the road, and both ran along the road verges to army camps where Pfizer's now is. The eastern branch also served Pierson's Quay. Some anonymous army official coined the name 'Richborough Port' Link

John Baker

Richborough Castle

Roman Fort (Remains)

John Myers

Thanet Wind 132kV Onshore Substation

This building can be seen in Roger W Haworth’s TR3361 : The remains of Richborough Power Station.

John Baker

Looking WNW along a former railway line

The grass covered track used to be a railway line, which the Royal Engineers built from 'Weatherlees Junction' on the SECR. The line ran along the north side of the derelict power station (now known as TR3361 : Thanet Wind 132kV Onshore Substation) (pace recent publications, this line was not the same as the power station spur), crossed the Thanet to Sandwich road just north of the filling stations and arrived at the New Quay behind Pfizer's sports ground. It then ran down the east side of the road, crossed the Stonar Cut and split in two at the Red Lion pub, about where the entrance to the recycling plant now is. One branch crossed the road, and both ran along the road verges to army camps where Pfizer's now is. The eastern branch also served Pierson's Quay. Some anonymous army official coined the name 'Richborough Port' Link

Although puddles are visible on the track, it was firm underfoot. Pontoon sections of the Mulberry harbour were stored on the Weatherlees railway sidings during 1944 and were moved from there by Bulleid Austerity Q1 class locomotives.

John Baker

Looking ESE along a former railway line

John Baker

Looking SE along a former railway line

The track ends at a gate, which is just visible but can be better viewed as TR3362 : Gate beside A256. Pontoon sections of the Mulberry harbour were stored on the Weatherlees railway sidings during 1944 and were moved from there by Bulleid Austerity Q1 class locomotives.

John Baker

Former alignment of A256

John Baker

Buildings under construction

Seen across Ramsgate Road (A256).

John Baker

Looking SE along a former railway line

This was the alignment of a railway line, which the Royal Engineers built from 'Weatherlees Junction' on the SECR. The line ran along the north side of the derelict power station (now known as TR3361 : Thanet Wind 132kV Onshore Substation) (pace recent publications, this line was not the same as the power station spur), crossed the Thanet to Sandwich road just north of the filling stations, at the location of the TR3362 : Gate beside A256 and arrived at the New Quay behind Pfizer's sports ground. It then ran down the east side of the road, crossed the Stonar Cut and split in two at the Red Lion pub, about where the entrance to the recycling plant now is. One branch crossed the road, and both ran along the road verges to army camps where Pfizer's now is. The eastern branch also served Pierson's Quay. Some anonymous army official coined the name 'Richborough Port' Link

John Baker