We are the Winchester Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Last walked in 2016, but now with a different pub (better, friendlier). It is flat. Mud is most unlikely even when wet. Some quiet roads but mostly walking by the sea. Lovely views. My favourite bit of coast.
Start right by the sea at the junction of New Lane and Salt Grass Lane near Keyhaven. Map ref SZ299908. Post-code SO41OTQ is nearby. What Three Words purely.carpeted.kennels so obviously a walk for luxury dog lovers. Lots of free parking. Please meet at the footbridge at the junction for a 10.30 start. I tend to park on the New Lane bit near where it bends sharply left and becomes Salt Grass Lane as the latter is lower and can flood at high tide (Springs). It should be a neap tide and ok but I don't park where there's seaweed on the road.
Distance is 4miles to the pub mostly on the Solent Way towards Lymington and 3 miles back to the start. There's also an add-on option (led) after reaching the cars going out to Hurst Castle along the spit and back by ferry (single £5.50) and the sea wall path. This is 2.3 miles (or else come back along the spit which would be 3 miles). Hurst Castle is well worth a visit (closes 5.30pm, adult £8.50, concession £7.50 free for English Heritage members). You can see the cars from there (with good binoculars) so you shouldn't get lost coming back....
Lunch is at The Chequers Inn in Lower Woodside [ chequersinnlymington.com ]. Good food, soup/baguettes available, reasonably priced. Orders by Wednesday 6pm please. Picnic: suggest the green near the pub.
Hope you can join us
