Length: 16.9 km (10.5 mi) [longer options possible, see below]
Ascent/Descent:
104m; Net Walking Time: 3 ½ hours
Toughness: 2/10
Take
the 09.35 Weymouth train from Waterloo (not stopping CJ), change Brockenhurst
[arrives 11.04 (Platform 3), departs 11.12 (Platform 4)]; arrives Lymington Town 11.20.
Buy
a cheap off-peak day return to New Milton for £16 on the SWT-website or at the station ticket office (but not the
machines) before midnight the night before.
You may have to buy a single extension Brockenhurst – Lymington Town on the train.
You may have to buy a single extension Brockenhurst – Lymington Town on the train.
(Fast) return trains from New Milton are
on xx.37 (journey time 1 ¾ hours).
A delightful and varied coastal walk
starting at the attractive seaside town of Lymington in the New Forest. Passing
by the colourful quay and yacht basin, the route joins the Solent Way which winds
through tranquil salt marshes and a nature reserve, where many different types
of birds and wildflowers can be spotted. After lunch there is a short stretch of esplanade walking
followed by a very gentle cliff top
path with fine views of the Needles and
the Isle of Wight. Tea is at the Beachcomber Café which has a
lawned outside seating area overlooking the sea. This is an easy, fairly flat
walk and the directions are straightforward and consequently minimal.
There are reported to be excellent swimming opportunities all along the
stretch of coast from the Needles café (possible lunch stop) onwards. However
the very best spot for a swim, if you like sandy
beaches, is right at the end.
Take the wide sloping concrete path down to the beach, just to the left of the Beachcomber
Café and turn right once you reach the beach. After following the
shoreline for 400m and two breakwaters you will find a half-sandy beach, i.e.
pebble bank and sandy shore below. Further beyond is a rather spectacularly
situated cliff top café with panoramic views: The Pebble Beach.
Walk Options:
You can walk out-and-back to Hurst
Castle along a spit out in to the sea between the Solent and the Isle of
White with commanding views (adds 5 km).
But you can catch a ferry out to the spit from Keyhaven harbour, and only walk back along it (adds 1.5 km net).
But you can catch a ferry out to the spit from Keyhaven harbour, and only walk back along it (adds 1.5 km net).
You can walk from Barton-on-Sea to
New Milton station, rather than waiting for the bus which doesn't connect well with
the train (adds 2.5 km).
Lunch Options:
The Gun Inn, Keyhaven (01590 642 391). Located 9.3 km from the
start of the walk. This is the pub lunch stop. It’s just back from the coast
after the yacht club car park.
The Marine, Milford-on-Sea. A large art deco cafe bar just
behind the coast path, 10.7 km from the start. Try the roof terrace - the
ground floor cafe doesn't have a sea view.
The Needles Eye Café, Milford-on-Sea
(01590 642 458). Recommended. Located 10.8 km from the start of the walk.
Tea Options:
Beachcomber
Café and The Pebble Beach (the "No. 1 place to eat by the sea in the south" Sunday Torygraph, 07/16), both
on Marine Drive in Barton-on-Sea.
T=swc.62
2 comments:
N=2 W=Sunny-and-almost-too-hot An overcast journey, but just 2 arrived at the seaside in glorious sunshine using the £16 offer. Stopped at a seaside cafe in Milton. Made it to Barton in time for tea at the cliff top cafe. Interesting, 'beach hut' beach, and an almost inaccessible beach between the two. 1 had a swim, 1 didn't. Great coast walk. Thanks to the poster.
Thomas I didn't see this walk posted and had a prior walk booked with the Totally Thames festival. So hot my feet blistered and bled. Wish I'd seen you post earlier as could have cancelled and cooled off with a swim. This is a fantastic area for views and swims. Sorry I missed it.
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