Munden's Battery

Munden's Point closes the eastern side of James Bay, and the East India Company fortified it in stages from the seventeenth century, cutting a path up the cliff and building batteries at several levels to cover the only usable landing on the island. Cannon and magazines survive along the way. The climb is steep and exposed but short, and from the top the whole of Jamestown and its valley are laid out directly below.

What you actually see

• The tiered batteries - gun positions cut into the cliff at several levels.
• The cannon - guns still in place on the platforms.
• The town view - Jamestown and its valley from directly above.
• The landing defence - the works built to cover the island's only usable anchorage.

When to go

Year round; the climate is mild. Mornings are cooler for the climb. The path is exposed in wind.

Honest expectations

The path is steep with drops beside it and is not for anyone unsteady. The batteries are unrestored with loose stone. There is no shade on the climb.

Nearby

Jamestown is below, and Jacob's Ladder is on the opposite side of the valley.