This family-friendly walk has views of Southampton Water and the Solent, fascinating history on route, and a pebble beach to explore.
Along the tide
We came across the route on the free app ‘New Forest Walks’ which has a selection of varied walks across the national park to enjoy. At nearly three miles, this walk is especially good for families with young children as there is a diverse number of things to see on route.
From Fawley town centre the trail takes you down a pretty country lane with views over Southampton Water, all the way to the historic inlet of Ashlett Creek; trailing past the Jolly Sailor pub and 19th century tidal mill, the path then follows the coast through a striking landscape where industry and wildlife meet.
Comings and goings
We parked at the Jubilee Hall Car Park in Fawley town centre, but there is also the option to take the bus as the stop is right on the town square. From there, you go past the Falcon Inn and on to Ashlett Road, which is a country lane that gently dips down to the creek. As you walk downhill you can see across Southampton Water to the busy marine terminal. One of the most regular spots is the Isle of Wight ferries which transport locals and tourists alike from Southampton to Cowes and back.
Two worlds collide
Further along the waterfront is a gate into Fawley Green. This is where the fascinating contrast between nature and industry becomes striking. On the forefront: Fawley Green is grazed by New Forest ponies. In the background sits Fawley’s Power Station. As of last year, its chimney, which once dominated the skyline, is no longer part of the picture. This element of the walk almost feels post-apocalyptic.
From sci-fi to fantasy
Continuing along the trail leads through a woodland area, where the little ones were enchanted after spotting multiple fairy doors. Nestled at the bottom of a tree, the tiny red door suggested a secret world inhabited by fairies and other magical beings. With the bonus of having butterflies flying around, they came away feeling as if they'd picked up a bit of the fairy dust themselves.
Among the marshes
Moving on, we came across a swing bridge with a metal safety cage. Although it was shut for a while, it has now reopened. Crossing the swing bridge via the gates and continuing along the track leads into Calshot Marshes Nature Reserve. This section of path is tidal, but there is a higher path through the grass on the right for you to use if the water is blocking the way.
Tidal Pond
Continue along the edge of the marshes to the road where the path ends at a nature reserve sign and a tidal pond. Luckily, we went out on a sunny day, but we suspect this section of the walk could be very muddy in wet weather.
Beach Stop
Just beyond are colourful beach huts. Looking out from the gravel beach there are panoramic views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight. On a clear day you should even be able to spot the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth! Although there is a café nearby, we opted for a light picnic on the beach, which ended in a stone-skimming competition.
The Schneider Trophy
Some historical elements of the walk really stand out, like Calshot Castle. Some are a little more discreet. Eagle-eyed walkers might have spotted a mural of a seaplane on the side of a building by Calshot Activities Centre, commemorating the 1931 Schneider Trophy. The recurring seacraft contest, was held in Calshot that year, and won by the Great Britain team, after 18 years of fierce competition.
Making memories
The New Forest coast alongside Southampton Water and the Solent is a wonderful place to visit on foot. This area has so much to offer walkers, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone who simply wants to enjoy fresh air and sea breezes. But it's easy to overlook the history and heritage associated with this coast, evidence of which often remains visible but is largely unappreciated. From soldiers to seaplanes, smugglers to salt-men, and sailors to shipwrecks, the New Forest coast has many fascinating tales to tell. But we’ll let you discover some of it yourself.
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