The Solent Way is just another of the UK’s exceptional sights. A 60-mile-long stretch of walking trail that follows coastal paths, cityscapes, forestry and rivers, known for terrific sights of wildlife, pubs along the way and a fantastic way to see the beauty of Hampshire.
The Solent Way is a 60-mile-long footpath in Hampshire. It starts in Milford-on-Sea, on the coast of the iconic Solent, and ends in Emsworth Harbour, on the River Rother. The path follows the coast of the Solent for most of its length, with a few inland diversions. The Solent Way map can be found here, with details of the various routes.
The Solent Way is a popular walking route, with several dedicated paths and circular routes along the stretch. The path is notorious for passing through a variety of landscapes, including beaches, marshes, and forests. Walkers can also enjoy views of the Isle of Wight, which is just across the Solent.
The Solent Way is also an incredibly popular bird watching destination. The path passes through several important bird habitats, including the Keyhaven Marshes and the New Forest where eagled-eyed walkers can spot a variety of birds, including waders, wildfowl, and raptors.
The Solent Way was first proposed in the 1960s by the Hampshire County Council. The council wanted to create a long-distance footpath that would showcase the beauty of the Solent coastline. The path was officially opened in 1972.
The Solent Way was originally divided into 10 sections, each of which was roughly 6 miles long. However, the path has since been re-routed and divided into 8 sections, each of which provides a fantastic walking trail.
The Solent Way has been a popular walking route ever since it was opened. It is estimated that over 100,000 people walk the path each year. The path is well-maintained and waymarked, making it a safe and enjoyable walk for people of all abilities. The Solent Way is a valuable asset to the Hampshire countryside and provides a way for people to enjoy the beauty of the Solent coastline and learn about its history and wildlife.
The Solent Way is not only a fantastic sight of beauty but also an important economic driver, bringing in millions of pounds each year to local businesses.
Below are some of the historical features that can be seen on the Solent Way:
Hurst Castle: A 16th-century fort on Hurst Spit, a shingle spit that separates the Solent from the English Channel.
Lymington: A historic port town on the River Lymington.
Bucklers Hard: A shipbuilding village on the Beaulieu River.
Beaulieu Abbey: A ruined abbey in the New Forest.
Emsworth: A town on the River Rother.
The Solent Way starts in Milford-on-Sea, on the coast of the Solent, and ends in Emsworth Harbour. The path follows the coast of the Solent for most of its length, with a few inland diversions. Despite being an overall stretch of 60 miles, The Solent Way can be broken down into 8 shorter walks. These walks are:
Milford-on-Sea to Keyhaven
Keyhaven to Lymington
Lymington to Bucklers Hard
Bucklers Hard to Beaulieu
Beaulieu to Lepe
Lepe to Warsash
Warsash to Hill Head
Hill Head to Emsworth
Each of these walks can be completed in a day, or they can be combined to create longer walks. The Solent Way is a popular walking route, and there are several places to stay along the route, including various New Forest hotels, bed and breakfasts, and charming campsites.
Below are some of the places of interest that can be seen on the Solent Way:
The Needles: A group of three chalk stacks off the coast of the Isle of Wight.
Hurst Castle: A 16th-century fort on Hurst Spit, a shingle spit that separates the Solent from the English Channel.
Lymington: A historic port town on the River Lymington.
Bucklers Hard: A shipbuilding village on the Beaulieu River.
Beaulieu Abbey: A ruined abbey in the New Forest.
Emsworth: A town on the River Rother.
The Solent Way is a challenging but rewarding walk. The path is well-marked, but it is important to be prepared for all weather conditions.
When you’re visiting the Solent Way walks, it is certainly worthwhile to stay nearby in one of the many gorgeous locations of the New Forest Collection hotels.
The New Forest collection is a gorgeous group of hotels that can be found dotted around the New Forest National Park. The hotels within the collection are uniquely decorated, expertly staffed and incredibly charming. Each location boasts its own onsite restaurant, breathtaking grounds and for some of the locations, an onsite swimming pool, making for the perfect stay.
The gorgeous Burley Manor is an adults-only Manor House hotel known for the classic charm of years gone by. Burley Manor is reserved for adults-only stays with exceptional walks and adults-only wellness facilities. Here, you are free to explore the 800-year-old estate and indulge in the beauty of the New Forest Collection’s Burley Manor.
The other hotels in the collection include the lovely Beaulieu Inn with nine peaceful garden rooms and incredible panoramic views of the gardens. Similarly, Bartley Lodge is a charming Grade II listed building that sits amongst eight gorgeous acres with dog-friendly rooms. What’s more, for a family-friendly stay, Forest Lodge is a relaxing and gorgeous stay in a contemporary townhouse.
To experience the true beauty of the Solent Way and the many surrounding areas, the New Forest Collection is truly the perfect place to enjoy it.
As well as an abundance of picnic spots in the New Forest, there’s so much more to enjoy. The charming towns, the local pubs, quirky villages and a wealth of hiking trails. Certainly enough to entice families, groups and couples to stay for a longer period and really get the most out of their stay in the New Forest. If you’re looking for a comfortable location filled with charm and prime locations, then the New Forest Collection is the place for you.
A group of charming hotels dotted across the New Forest National Park, the New Forest Collection provides the perfect base location for families, groups and couples to experience the beauty of the New Forest at their own pace.
The hotels within the collection include Burley Manor, a Baronial style Manor House surrounded by a breathtaking 800 year old estate and nearby Bolderwood Red Deer Sanctuary where you can spot the native red deer. Burley Manor is grown-ups only and perfect for a romantic getaway with walking and exploring at the centre. After you’ve spent a day exploring and picnicking, head back for a Temple Spa treatment and enjoy a delicious meal in the onsite Burley Restaurant.
Bartley Lodge is another fantastic hotel in the collection. Filled with nature-inspired rooms in a grand Grade-II listed building and surrounded by eight acres of gorgeous grounds. Bartley Lodge is also dog-friendly, which means every member of the family can join in for a terrific stay and some scenic New Forest picnics. Not to mention an indoor pool and restaurant, so you can make the most of your stay without having to leave the comfort of the hotel.
Forest Lodge is another of the locations in the collection, a contemporary Georgian townhouse with rooms designed with peace and tranquillity in mind. Forest Lodge is dog-friendly and family-friendly with a variety of rooms in various sizes available. As well as an indoor pool for some morning laps before your picnic adventure.
And of course, the charming Beaulieu Inn with its nine peaceful garden rooms. Beaulieu Inn is surrounded by elegant gardens and situated within the New Forest National Park. You’ll certainly be surrounded by abundant beauty wherever you look, and come across a huge selection of New Forest picnic spots by car or by foot. And when you return, The Drift Country pub is just a minute down the road and serves fantastic pub grub.
New Forest Collection truly is the perfect place to rest your head, eat your fill, enjoy the sights and take a hot shower when staying in the New Forest. Each location boasts a unique character and charming decor, as well as onsite parking and EV charging stations for all guests to utilise.
When visiting the New Forest, take advantage of the charm and splendour of the New Forest Collection, its variety of characterful locations, elegant rooms and abundant facilities.
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