Sturt Pond

About

1.9 Miles

To access the route map click the website link above.

Milford-on-Sea is on the New Forest boundary 4 miles south west of Lymington on the
B3058. It has a shingle beach and great views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight. Sturt
Pond is a tidal inlet and a wonderful place to spot coastal birds. It is partially sheltered
from the on-shore winds by the 2 km long Hurst Spit which makes it an especially good
place to view migrating birds in the winter.

OBSTACLES. Some loose shingle alongside the Hurst Spit part of the walk, mainly
between the two bridges - see SID Says

 

Start from the Hurst Road East car park at the end of Sea Road. There are
several bench seats on the promenade looking over the sea. The paths around Sturt
Pond area are mostly good compacted gravel, but in a few places the loose shingle has
spread from the Hurst Spit and makes the surface more difficult. They tend to be where
walkers have come down from the Spit and are usually only for short distances. There is
often a way around them where the gravel is compacted.

There are no significant slopes on this walk apart from the entrances to the first bridge.
This has a 15% slope up for 3 metres, (3.3yards) and a 15% slope down for 2 metres
(2.2yards). There is also a step of 4-5cms (2 inches) where the gravel has eroded at
either end of the bridge. (If this is a problem you can omit this part of the walk).

Hurst Spit - There are two slopes near the second bridge which lead up to Hurst Spit. The
second of these slopes is reasonably firm gravel - 35 metres (40 yards) long with a 15%
gradient and leads to the top of the spit. There is a great view from there if you can make
it safely.