Robin Waldman retraces his childhood steps on a walk from Titchfield to Hill Head
THE GOOD OLD DAYS
Hampshire is a county of growth – with new commercial and residential developments springing up all over. So maybe you visit a place one year only to return and find new buildings and roads in its place. Luckily, there are many spots, however, that remain unchanged. In this article we share with you one of our favourites on the Solent near Titchfield. It’s amazing for us to visit as a family and do the same walks and activities I did as a child.
A FAMILIAR VIEW
Experiencing that sense of continuity, tradition and familiarity is particularly enjoyable at Meon Shore, although one notable landmark, Fawley Power Station’s Chimney is now missing from the view over the water. There are a few ways to access and enjoy the area - either parking next to or cycling to Meon Shore along the country lanes, or walking to the coast via different footpaths, including one from Titchfield village that runs next to the Titchfield Canal. We are going to focus on the walk from the small Chilling Car Park (PO14 4HH) to the shoreline and around.
FROM THE WOODS
We have enjoyed this trip in the daytime and evening towards sunset, in winter and summer. However early summer during strawberry season is a great time of year to visit. The car park is in a small, wooded area and can get busy. Following the footpath south of the car park, it takes you over a small wooden bridge to the edge of a large field. The path continues to run between the two fields, heading down towards the cliff path, and you can be on the shore in around ten to fifteen minutes.
THROUGH THE COUNTRYSIDE
Walking along the path you may hear the regular ‘pfff’ of bird scarers going off, which some dogs don’t like! On different years you will see a variety of crops growing; we have often seen sweetcorn for example. As you approach the end of the path and the stile you can catch glimpses of the sea between the hedges, which children particularly love.
TO THE SHORE
From the cliff tops you can see a wide vista of the Solent and the Isle of Wight and its rare not to see a wide variety of boats on the water. Gulls and other seabirds such as oystercatchers and turnstones can be spotted along here too, picking their way through the mud and stones if the tide is low. You may also see people digging for worms for fishing. The beach is pebbly but a great place for searching for shells and flotsam such as interesting, weathered wood.
SPLASH AND PADDLE
It’s tempting to cool off in the shallows and we regularly swim from the beach. There are usually dogs in the water too enjoying a dip. Even a paddle is fun, though, and there are patches of sand for building castles. The cliffs and bushes can provide shelter for a picnic and relaxation, especially if its windy.
SWEET TREATS
Once you’ve enjoyed time on the beach, you can head to nearby Steve Harris PYO, an annual tradition for us, to enjoy the juiciest strawberries in Titchfield. The family farm has been in the area for nearly ninety years and as well as strawberries, they also grow sunflowers and pumpkins come autumn. There is easy parking but crucially the strawberries are plentiful and tasty and it’s hard not to buy too many to take home.
INTO THE RESERVE
Heading east on Meon Shore you pass a community of semi-residential beach huts, how lucky to own one of these, before coming to the edge of Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve. With an area of 369 acres, it has a variety of natural habitats including river, fen, pools, reedbed and meadow which are home to a wide range of birds, wildlife such as water vole and plants. The reserve is managed by Hampshire Countryside Service. Different bird species flock to the area at different times of year such as golden plover in the winter. There are different ways you can experience the Haven, from guided walks to volunteering.
AND RELAX
Other activities at this end of the shore to enjoy including fishing from the bridge, crabbing and walking along the foreshore of Hill Head towards Lee-on-Solent. If you are looking for refreshments there is usually a mobile unit on the beach next to the public toilets, the Osborne View Pub on the beach side or cafes along Hill Head Road. The area offers so much for simple seaside and country pleasures all in one, from a stroll along the sea walls to a full day out. The laid-back atmosphere and ever-changing seascapes evoke times past to be enjoyed today.
