This walk is great for families with young children, starting from Fawley town centre and following a pretty country lane with views over Southampton Water to the small and historic inlet of Ashlett Creek. It then passes the Jolly Sailor pub and 19th century tidal mill before following the coast through a contrasting landscape of industry and wildlife.
(D) From the bus stop in Fawley town square go past the Falcon Inn on your right and cross the road towards a sign for Ashlett Creek. Turn left onto Ashlett Road and walk past houses before the road becomes 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. Ahead is the Jolly Sailor pub, Ashlett Creek Mill and Victoria Quay.
(1) Turn right at the quay and walk along the waterfront through a gate into Fawley Green. Turn left at the waymarker and continue ahead along the narrow creekside path, through a gate and alongside a small boat yard. Where the path turns right past Ashlett Sailing Club stop to look across Southampton Water to Calshot. Go through the gate into Fawley Green, which is grazed by New Forest ponies.
(2) Continue ahead along the edge of the green on a flat grassy lawn. After a short section that can be muddy join a wider gravel track. Turn left and follow this track through woodland and then between a hedge to Fawley Power Station. Turn left past some concrete bollards and follow the power station fence.
(3) Keeping the fence line on your right, continue to a swing bridge with a metal safety cage. Just before the bridge there is a bench to rest and enjoy the views. Cross the swing bridge via the gates and continue along the track into Calshot Marshes Nature Reserve. This section of path is tidal with a higher narrower path through grass on your right. Look for a tall concrete post ahead which marks where the track splits.
(4) Continue along the edge of the marshes to the road where the path ends at a nature reserve sign and a tidal pond on your right. This section can be very muddy in wet weather. Straight ahead are public toilets and 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 see if you can spot the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.
You now have the option to turn left along the road to explore the history of Calshot Spit or continue to Calshot where the walk ends via a bus back to Fawley square.
(5) To continue to Calshot, turn right and follow along the road or beach, past the beach huts, to the main car park where the bus stop (Bluestar 8 bus service to Fawley) and public toilets are located. There is a seasonal cafe.(A)
Waypoints :
D : mi 0 - alt. 102ft - Bus stop
1 : mi 0.6 - alt. 3ft - Gate into Fawley Green
2 : mi 1.02 - alt. 0ft - Gravel track
3 : mi 1.67 - alt. 10ft - Swing bridge
4 : mi 1.91 - alt. 3ft - Tidal pond and beach huts
5 : mi 2.33 - alt. 7ft - Seasonal café
A : mi 2.79 - alt. 7ft - Bus stop
Accessibility : Easy walk along level ground with five gates. Section of path is tidal (alternative upper path).
Local facilities : Public toilets and parking at Fawley town square. Jolly Sailor pub, Ashlett. Cafe and toilets at Calshot Activities Centre. Public toilets, parking and seasonal cafe at Calshot.
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Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
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