New Forest Coastal Walks

Did you know that we have over 40 miles of ‘secret’ coast here in the New Forest ?! If not, then it’s time to explore it as there are some wonderful treasures to discover, and we’re sure there are some secret little places you don’t yet know about! Our coast stretches from Barton on Sea right up to Southampton Water/Totton, with glorious beaches, salt marshes, nature reserves and coastal walkways along the way.

Whether it’s a lovely sunny day where you can enjoy the warm wind, or a colder winter’s day when you can wrap up against the elements, our coastline is always a perfect way to enjoy a relaxing walk, listening to the waves crashing and taking in the fresh sea air.

Some of our most popular locations along our coastline to explore are Barton on Sea, Milford on Sea, Keyhaven, Calshot and Lepe, you can find out more about all of these gorgeous spots on our dedicated webpage.

Take a look at our top 5 coastal walks below…

1. Sturt Pond
This easy 1.9 mile route takes you from Milford on Sea, down to Hurst Spit and onto Sturt Pond, 3 wonderful sights to see in one walk! As you walk along the path, you’ll look over the shingle beach and out across the Solent to see breath-taking views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles, and you may also spot some coastal birds on the coastline or at Sturt Pond.

2. Exbury Village and Lepe
As well as visiting the quaint village of Exbury, on this walking route you’ll be visiting Lepe, which is a coastal area with pine fringed cliffs and tall trees on the coastline. On the route you’ll take the coastal path down the west side of Lepe, where Beaulieu River meets the Solent, if you wish to head to the Lepe Lookout and explore the lovely Country Park at Lepe (which is east of where this route takes you), please feel free to wander and pick up the route back to Exbury Village later where you left off.

3. Hordle Cliffs
For this route, you can choose from 2 different directions/walks. Both walks start from the Hordle Cliff West Car Park at Milford on Sea and take you along the beautiful coastline of the New Forest.  Stop off along the way on one of the benches and take in the gorgeous views and delightful sounds of the coast. The easier walk takes you to Paddy’s Gap car park and back to where you started, whereas the more difficult walk carries on from here following the promenade down to Hurst Road East car park and then back the other way again.

4. Ashlett Creek to Calshot Spit
Follow this 2.8 mile walk from Fawley down a pretty country lane, which has views over Southampton Water, to the small inlet of Ashlett Creek. Then you’ll need to keep on going where the map takes you, over the swing bridge and follow the signs to Calshot Marshes Nature Reserve, where you can see loads of amazing wildlife! Once you’re past the tidal pond you’ll be able to take in the lovely beach and colourful beach huts ahead, and you’ll also see panoramic views of the Needles, Isle of Wight and you may even be able to see The Spinnaker Town in Portsmouth on a clear day!

5. Lymington Marshes Trail
Start off with a lovely quayside walk and past Lymington Marina, where you’ll see lan array of yachts and boats! Follow the map where you’ll soon end up at Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve, which is a fantastic place to see coastal wildlife, including lots of different species of birds. This walk is 3.7 miles long and takes you back through the town of Lymington and back from where you set off.

If you fancy a really coastal walk, which includes our wonderful coastline then take on the Solent Way Walk, which links Milford on Sea with Emsowrth Harbour.  It is an amazing 60 miles long but don’t worry, this walk  has been separated into 8 easy stages, so you can pick and choose just a few (e.g. just the parts in the New Forest).

If you want your pooch to join in the walk, dogs are allowed on most of our coastal paths and sea walls if they are on a lead, but please check any details on our beaches webpage regarding when and where they are allowed on the beaches that you may pass by on the walk.

As well as our top 5 coastal routes and the Solent Way Walk detailed above, there are other coastal walks you can choose from, please see more below and enjoy your time on our refreshing coastline and blow those cobwebs away!