Solent Way - Hythe to Hamble
A short history of the Solent Way
The Solent Way is a 60-mile long-distance coastal walking route from the seaside town of Milford-on-Sea to Emsworth Harbour. It passes the hustle and bustle of seafronts, quiet yachting harbours, deserted marshland and saltings.
The Way has been divided into 8 sections, each providing a really good day out. Choose between deserted coastal marshes or promenades and candy-floss. Or choose cosy riverside pubs or seaside picnics and shingle beaches with exhilarating views. There are castles and forts to explore, ships, submarines and museums to visit - and always with the smell and sound of the sea beside you. Walk past some of the finest marshes and lagoons in the south. Look for rare species such as foxtail stonewart, lagoon shrimp and starlet sea anemone.
The route is well waymarked with a Tern on a green arrow. Ordnance Survey maps Explorer OL22, 119 and 120 at 1:25 000 scale show the route in detail. These maps show the route with a green diamond and the name Solent Way.
Key
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- Route
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- Temporarily closed
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- Restricted use
Directions
At Hythe Pier catch the ferry to Southampton's Town Quay where there are many places to visit. Leave Southampton city centre and cross the Itchen Bridge to Woolston, once a great aircraft and shipbuilding area.
The route then returns to the shoreline. You will pass Westwood Woodland Park, Netley Castle, the ruins of Netley Abbey and the popular Royal Victoria Country Park. Stop in the park for a ride on the miniature railway or play on the beach. Continue along the shore and up the River Hamble to the delightful waterfront village of Hamble-le-Rice.