UPDATED New Year mainland walk - from Lymington

After the success of our New Year Grand Days Out in 2024 and 2025, another plan from Martin our mainland rambler friend who has kindly offered to lead a further winter walk to kick off 2026. Start the New Year off on the right foot - blow the cobwebs away and walk off some of those Christmas calories!

A route has now been recce’d !

It’s a 10-mile circular with a nice warm pub stop for lunch

We will meet for the 09.00 ferry at Yarmouth, which arrives at Lymington 09.40 and for any mainland walkers who wish to join us there , the walk will start at 09.45, ferry permitting.

We head from the ferry terminal, via the Harry Neale monument, and across the Lymington River on the road bridge  towards the  town. Then it’s  an anti-clockwise circular walk. Following the river inland, through woodland for a stretch, weather permitting (this will be checked nearer the time and if it is tricky will be replaced by an alternative )  and up to the old iron age fort (imagination needed) at Buckland Rings. Then on to Pennington Common for a sit down / drinks stop / optional zip-wiring.

Continuing via Efford Bridge to Lower Pennington where we will have  a relaxed pub lunchstop at the Chequers Inn (www.chequersinnlymington.com), and where we have been promised a log fire ! Obviously pace depends on various factors including the group on the day, but we would estimate reaching the pub by around 12.30pm

***Please note : Although formal booking is not required for the walk itself, we will need to give as accurate numbers as possible to the pub in order to reserve table(s) so would ask that nearer the you please advise in advance if you are planning to join the walk . Moreover if, as expected, there are 10+ people  in our group, the pub do require pre-orders for any food, which is  understandable and sensible for our swift service.   A copy of their current Sunday  food menu is attached, or better still check the latest online at : www.chequersinnlymington.com  Martin has kindly agreed to liaise with the pub a few days prior to the walk once weather forecast available and we know it is going ahead,  so please give every co-operation.  A whatsapp group message will be circulated nearer the time requesting food orders, or if you’re not on that group please can you text or whatsapp yours to 07564-811690)

After lunch we will head back to the coast, ending with a magnificent stretch of walk along the embankment back into Lymington via the old salterns and the seawater baths. Spectacular views and birdlife. (Alternative paths either behind the embankment or inland if weather poor). Then through the marina and into the town where there are shops / cafes / loos, before heading back across the river to our ferry. Even if we have a lunch stop till  around 2.00pm we should be back at the terminal in time for the 16.05 return ferry, but if for any reason not then it will be the 17.05

A few bits of risk assessment / housekeeping please:

• This is not a steep or difficult route in itself,  but largely rural walk and suitable winter footwear will be necessary;
• However there is also some road walking, and a couple of tricky road crossings, please take due care for your own safety;
• There are several tricky path junctions – please take care to follow our esteemed leader Martin (who will have to walk at a pace suitable for the whole group on the day) or we risk losing you !
• Bring a packed lunch if you wish to eat wherever suitable you can find - however hoping that as a special New Year occasion walkers may join us for some food in the Chequers Inn, and pre-ordering as above should hopefully simplify, and enable the pub to serve our group efficiently 

The leader for this walk is Martin B from Mid Sussex Ramblers (07973-340261), in conjunction with Serena H who is posting it (07564-811690). Any questions please feel free to contact either.

Travel
Quick little disclaimer  please: I'll do my best to assist as regards time estimates, checking timetables, and suggestions re possible travel logistics, however with this as with all walks, your own travel arrangements are your responsibility so you need to satisfy yourself regarding your own individual needs.  

This will be a full day’s walk, with stops - so, taking into account the limited daylight at that time of year, we will get a fairly early start. We will meet at Yarmouth ferry terminal to catch the 09.00 car ferry (as foot passengers), which arrives at Lymington at 09.40, where we will meet Martin, our walk to start at 09.45am. (These timings are based on current published Wightlink timetable , but will be checked and confirmed in due course, so please check back nearer the time). 

It is obviously up to you how you get to Yarmouth:

It is on the No 7 bus route (please check back nearer the time for bus timings).

Or if you wish to travel by car, there is a payable car park in Yarmouth near the ferry terminal , or you may prefer to park, for example at Fort Victoria (free), and walk round.

You are responsible for buying your own ferry ticket. Please make your own enquiries into the most suitable ferry ticket. Unless you have Multilink tickets, Wightlink are currently listing an Adult day return at £23.40,  and a Senior (60+) day return at £17.50 (This information may be added to nearer the time if anyone becomes aware of any relevant offers or discounts) .  Tesco clubcard vouchers can be used on Wightlink. English Heritage members get 20% discount on Wightlink.

Any mainland members interested in joining this Isle of Wight Ramblers walk, should join us at Lymington Pier for a 9.45am start from there.

Car share
In the interests of the air, parking, and non-drivers, if anyone is able to offer, or needs, a car share then please post on WhatsApp group. To join the group please message Serena on 07564 811690.