The Roof at Spion Kop (and York Shore Battery)

Earlier this evening I spent some time walking the paths at York Redoubt. While most paths lead to the harbour, or a steep cliff overlooking it. One of the last paths walked lead us to a well established party spot complete with a log-bench and well-used fire pit built of small stones.

We walked as far as Spion Kop and than back down through the unmarked footpaths to York Shore Battery. Along the way took interest in one of the concrete foundations. Like many of the other foundations around York Redoubt, the upper level has been removed leaving a sealed foundation. This particular foundation had a large hole permitting a good view of its interior. The ceiling has collapsed and the room is slowing being filled with scrap wood.

York Shore Battery remains closed to the public. It may only be a matter of time before some of the roofs collapse down into the battery. I don't recommend spending much, if any, time on the rooftops at York Shore Battery.

1. On the rooftop at Spion Kop.


2. Base Command Post from Spion Kop.


3. The path leading to Spion Kop.


4. Unknown foundation on road to York Shore Battery.


5. Inside the unknown foundation.


6. Just across the road from the unknown foundation is a second, larger, unknown foundation.
I believe this one is accessible through an open door.


7. Left to right: York Shore Battery's searchlight emplacements (Searchlights #690, #691 and #692), Georges Island, the community of Eastern Passage, and McNabs Island.

York Shore Battery

Today I had an opportunity to visit York Shore Battery (below York Redoubt) in Ferguson's Cove just outside Halifax. It was my first trip to York Redoubt and York Shore Battery since April 20, 2009.


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The last time I was at York Shore Battery there wasn't a chain-link fence surrounding it. A fence was built to restrict access due to potential roof collapse of the abandoned battery's buildings. Normally, I'd be skeptical of the signage and climb around on the roofs anyway, and I did, but in doing so I've determined that those signs are definitely there for a reason. The roofs, or at least sections of them, appear ready to fall.



If you decide to circumvent the fence, watch your step in there. Between the failing roofs, loose gravel and broken glass there are plenty of hazards to potentially encounter.

1. Approaching York Shore Battery, you'll encounter this fence and its signage.


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3. A former entrance to the battery's largest building. Doorway has been bricked to prevent entry.


4. The majority of the buildings remain open and accessible.


5. Watch Tower


6. Directly beneath the watch tower.


7. A small sample of the graffiti found at York Shore Battery.


8. A rare self photo from inside the sealed building from photo #3.


9. The battery's searchlight emplacements... and a landslide.


10. Across the landslide, closer to the light emplacements (Searchlights #690, #691 and #692) looking back toward my location in photo #9.


11. Returning from the light emplacements, on top of the wall, level with the watch tower.


12. Climbing down the wall returning from the light emplacements through a wooded path, still on top of the wall.


13. On the rocky shoreline below York Shore Battery looking up at the new fence.

York Shore Battery - April 2009

A few of us walked down to York Shore Battery, below York Redoubt.


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Brought a camera...

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Chebucto Head & Fort Chebucto

I was finally able to make it out to the ruins and reclaimed portions of Fort Chebucto found in Duncan's Cove outside of Halifax, NS. Fort Chebucto was operational during the Second World War from 1943 until 1945.


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1. Ruins of Fort Chebucto's light emplacements in the distance.


2. Active RDF Station at Chebucto Head.


3. Tristan checking out the roof of the Depression Range Finder building at Chebucto Head.


4. Entering the Depression Range Finder building.


5. Inside the Depression Range Finder building.


6. Group shot atop the Depression Range Finder building at Chebucto Head.


7. Light emplacement ruin below the reclaimed Base Command Post (BCP) of Fort Chebucto.


8. Light emplacement ruin below the reclaimed Base Command Post (BCP) of Fort Chebucto.


9. Rocky cliff below Fort Chebucto.


10. Light emplacement ruin below the reclaimed Base Command Post (BCP) of Fort Chebucto.


11. Looking back at the RDF Station from nearby to the light emplacement ruin.