The Solent Way is a beautiful 60 mile walk, split into 8 distinct sections through Hampshire countryside and coastline. Each section provides an opportunity for a full day walk with options to stop and explore attractions, wildlife, heritage sites and amazing scenery. There are plenty of opportunities for pit stops for a picnic, or pop in to a lovely pub serving hearty lunches and pint of ale. The walk starts in the New Forest village of Milford on Sea and concludes in Emsworth, to the north of Chichester Harbour. Just follow the Solent Way signs which show a bird on a green background.
The New Forest section of the walk can be done in 2 – 3 easy days. The Solent Way path from Milford on Sea to the Georgian market and marine town of Lymington is 9 miles. The path meanders past the 1 ½ pebble spit which leads to King Henry VIII’s coast fortress Hurst Castle, and through Key Haven Nature Reserve – a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The reserve is a mecca for nature, wild life and wetland and rare birds. Look out for the Dartford Warbler, Oystercatchers, Ringed Plover and Redshank. You’ll also see Brent Geese, Dunlin, Little Egret and Kingfishers alongside a whole host of other birds. To help you, there are information and identification plaques along the route.
From Lymington to one of the New Forest’s prettiest villages – Beaulieu, is 10 miles. This part of the walk heads through the forest to Sowley Pond. This is a lovely spot to stop and photograph ponies, cattle and donkeys who often gather here. In the summer, the pond buzzes with brightly coloured dragonflies. The path winds through trees and heathland towards the historic shipbuilding village and popular attraction Buckler’s Hard. The village sits along the banks of the privately owned tidal Beaulieu River. Follow the path to Beaulieu Village – home of the world famous National Motor Museum, Stately House, Palace and 13th century Abbey.
The walk from Beaulieu to Netley is 11 miles and takes in some beautiful views of the New Forest. The Solent Way guides you over Beaulieu Heath and down in to the coastal village of Hythe, which overlooks Southampton Water. The views of this stretch of water are exciting and great fun to watch. You’ll see busy shipping lanes of cruise ships, ferries, boats and cargo vessels crisscross from the busy docks of Southampton out to the English Channel. Whilst in Hythe, it’s well worth visiting the village pier. It’s packed with heritage and has transported passengers across its waters from as far back as the middle ages. Hythe Pier still operates a ferry service, has a pedestrian walk way and claims to have the oldest continuously operating public pier train in the world.