The New Forest is known for an abundance of beautiful sights. From incredible forestry to open heathland and even the gorgeous beaches along the coast, the New Forest has it all… including the gorgeous Solent Way walks.
The Solent Way is a breathtaking stretch of path that winds its way through the expanses of picturesque landscapes of the New Forest. This challenging but rewarding walk spans across 60 incredible miles and offers outdoors lovers and keen hikers the chance to explore some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country.
The Solent Way takes walkers on a journey through ancient paths and tracks, linking Milford on Sea to Emsworth Harbour. The Solent Way offers stunning views of the Solent estuary and the surrounding countryside and is a worthwhile challenge for any keen walker. Whether you choose to tackle the entire route or break it down into shorter sections, there is no shortage of natural beauty along the Solent Way walk.
To help navigate the trail, a Solent Way walk map is available, providing detailed information about the path and highlighting the best spots to stop and admire the endless views. For those looking for a circular walk, the Solent Way also offers options to explore loop trails that connect back to the main path. As well as plenty of other walks. Such as from the charming coastal village of Milford on Sea to the town of Emsworth.
Along the way, you can expect to pass through diverse landscapes, such as the New Forest’s endless woodlands, marshes, and striking beaches, providing plenty of opportunity for pictures, picnics and peace.
The Solent Way is a renowned long-distance walking path that spans a breathtaking 60 miles across the New Forest. It is renowned for being a challenge that outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike cannot resist when visiting the New Forest.
This picturesque route takes walkers on an unforgettable journey through ancient paths and tracks, offering inspiring views of the Solent estuary and the surrounding countryside.
For those who want to make the most of their trek, the Solent Way Walk map is an invaluable resource, providing essential information about the path, ensuring that walkers stay on track and do not miss any hidden gems along the way!
Walking the Solent Way from Milford on Sea to Emsworth is a truly unique adventure. This section of the route encompasses a range of landscapes, including woodlands and marshes, taking you across Lymington, Hythe, Beaulieu, Gosport and beyond.
Lymington to Keyhaven: This Solent Way walk from Lymington is a relatively short and easy walk, perfect for beginners and families! You’ll start at Lymington and follow the Solent Way path along the sea wall to Keyhaven. The Lymington to Keyhaven walk is a 5.2 mile point-to-point trail in the Keyhaven and Pennington Marshes Nature Reserve in Hampshire. It is generally considered an easy route and can be completed in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The trail starts at the Bath Road Recreation Ground in Lymington and follows the coast to Keyhaven. Along the way, you will pass by the Normandy Lagoon, the Eight Acre Pond, and the Keyhaven Marshes, with the very lucky opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, seals, and even the possibility of dolphins!
This walk is a slightly longer trail that covers approximately 11 miles and takes you from Lymington to Milford-on-Sea. It includes a mix of coastal paths, woodlands, and beaches. The walk takes about 2 hours to complete and is mostly flat, with some short sections of shingle. The terrain is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it ideal for all kinds of walkers.
The best time to do this walk is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is mild, the signs of warmth are still around and the crowds are smaller. Once you’ve finished the walk, Milford-on-Sea is a lovely, charming village where you can relax and enjoy a delicious meal.
The walk is 4.4 miles long and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. It is mostly flat, with some short sections of steps, but overall, really easy to follow. The walk itself takes you through a variety of different landscapes, from the gorgeous chalk cliffs of Barton to the shingle spit of Mudeford. As well as sights of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.
The walk also passes through the Barton Cliffs Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, seals, and dolphins, so be sure to have a keen eye to spot them. The walk ends at Mudeford Quay, a traditional fishing village with a lot of charm and fantastic local seafood and the gorgeous Christchurch Priory.
Explore the eastern end of the Solent Way by starting at Lepe Country Park and walking to Calshot. This route takes you along the gorgeous Solent Way coastline and offers views of the Isle of Wight, Hurst Castle, and Calshot Castle.
This walk is 4.3 miles long and takes about 2 hours to complete, perfect for an active day with a group of friends or family. The walk begins at Lepe Country Park, a beautiful park with a variety of landscapes, including woodland, heathland, and marshes. The walk passes by Calshot Castle, a historic fort that offers stunning views of the Solent.
This Calshot to Titchfield Haven walk is a longer walk that covers approximately 13 miles. You can expect plenty of sights along this walk. The walk passes by the Calshot Spit, a long shingle bank that is a popular spot for birdwatching and seal spotting, should you be so lucky to catch them. As well as the River Hamble, a tidal river that flows through the New Forest and is home to a variety of birds such as geese, ducks and waders. The walk ends at Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, another wetland area renowned for great opportunities to spot wildlife.
This walk is around 4 miles and takes roughly 2 hours to complete. You’ll start at Warsash and follow the Hamble River all the way to the charming village of Hamble. The riverside walk will allow sights of boats and yachts, making it a pleasant and scenic route, especially for those who love to be beside the water.
Continue your journey from Hamble to historic Netley, passing through the Royal Victoria Country Park along the way. This walk is around 3.2 miles and can be completed in just under 2 hours. Along the route you’ll come across the gorgeous Hamble River and the Netley Abbey Ruins, a former Royal Naval Hospital.
The final leg of the grand Solent Way takes you from Netley to Southampton. This urban walk offers a contrast to the coastal and natural beauty of the previous sections. Here, you can explore the city’s historic waterfront and enjoy some more urban sights from within the city of Southampton, the museums and shops.
Of the eight sections of the Solent Way walk, three of them are circular walks:
Milford on sea – Lymington
Hamble to Netley
Netley to Southampton
The Milford on Sea to Lymington Pub Walk is a 10-mile circular walk that starts and ends at the Lymington Arms pub in Milford on Sea. The walk takes in some of the best scenery on the Solent Way, including the Milford on Sea beach, the Lymington River, and the Hurst Narrows. There are also several pubs along the way where you can stop and rest or treat yourself to a well-deserved drink.
Along Solent Way, there is certainly plenty to keep your eyes out for. From enchanting woodlands, and enthralling marshes bubbling with wildlife, to stunning coastal views, the countless scenic spots will take your breath away along the Solent Way walk map.
One of the many highlights of the Solent Way is the option to explore circular walks that connect back to the main path. These loop trails are listed above and allow you to discover even more hidden gems along the way. As well as plenty of pubs along the Solent Way.
As you walk along the Solent Way, you’ll spot gems such as Bucklers Hard, a picturesque village nestled on the banks of the Beaulieu River. The beautiful Keyhaven Nature Reserve offers panoramic views of the Solent estuary and is home to an array of birdlife and wildlife. If you’re a fan of boating, the Hamble River is a great spot along the route. As well as Netley Abbey Ruins, the Royal Victoria Country Park, and of course the bounty of vistas across the Isle of White, The Needles and Calshot Castle!
Not to mention the abundant wildlife that lives across Hampshire and the Solent Way. From skies to seas and the forests and fields in between, have your camera at the ready for some truly inspiring sights of local wildlife.
If you’re looking to enjoy the New Forest in all its beauty, the New Forest collection is a gorgeous group of hotels dotted around the New Forest National Park. Each of the hotels is unique in its expression, with its own personality and beautiful decor, and situated in a scenic spot.
Burley Manor is an adults-only Manor House hotel that exudes classic charm and beauty. Here you can enjoy adults-only wellness facilities and the privacy of a gorgeous 800-year-old estate. The other hotels include the charming Beaulieu Inn with nine peaceful garden rooms and incredible panoramic views. Bartley Lodge, a breathtaking Grade II listed building with eight gorgeous acres and Forest Lodge, a family-friendly haven in a charming contemporary townhouse.
Each of the hotels are dotted across the New Forest National Park and makes for the perfect base location to enjoy the beauty of the New Forest, the charm of Hampshire, and of course, the adventure of the Solent Way walks. Each hotel also boasts its own onsite restaurant, dedicated teams of staff and a truly welcoming stay in one of the UK’s most captivating locations.
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