Lepe and The Solent Coastline – New Forest

Sylvia Saunders

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Lots of variety on this great family walk! It starts from the beach car park at Lepe Country Park with all the facilities you could want! It has a snack kiosk, cafe and restaurant, toilets, play area and an information centre.

This mainly flat walk takes you along the seashore with marvellous views across the Solent to Gull Island Bird Sanctuary and the Isle of Wight. At high tides part of the route is inaccessible but there is an alternative high tide route. See 'Additional Information' for a link to a tide timetable.

The circular route turns inland through quiet meadows with some superb wildflowers, field-paths, woodland and tracks, with more glorious views.

You can easily spend a whole day here as there is so much to see and do. After the walk have a rest and some refreshments. Then call into the information centre and pick up the free 'D-Day At Lepe' leaflet and explore the coastline to the east. Here you can see plenty of evidence of wartime activity and learn about the importance of Lepe before and during the D-Day landings.

When I did this walk last, there were no stiles that needed to be crossed, my dog managed all the gates easily and thoroughly enjoyed himself!

England - South England - Hampshire - New Forest

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Mostly Flat, Play Area, Public Transport, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

6/26/2017 - John Cowperthwaite

June 2017 the car park charges are as follows:- Up to 2 hours £2.30 Up to 4 hours £4.00 All day £6.00 Coaches £6.00 Blue badge holders FREE

10/20/2014 - Jill Larby

Another great walk from Sylvia. Thank you so much for keeping us dog-walkers entertained with your excellent contributions.

8/13/2013 - Bertie The Dog

Really enjoyed this easy to follow, and varied walk. It happened to be Cowes week, so as we walked along the water's edge we had the added pleasure of all the sailing boats whizzing by.We didn't have any problems with muddy areas, and would highly recommend it.

5/12/2013 - CLAIRE SCAMMELL

The dogs and I really enjoyed this. There was a mixture of everything. Nice bit along the sea which the dogs enjoyed and had a swim. Meadows and tracks although if its hay fever season beware, we walked straight through a rape seed field and my friend really suffered. There was one rather muddy bit which was because it was shielded by trees but I imagine after a bit of rain there would be other muddy bits. We picked one of the best days of the year for this and it was really enjoyable. Very dog friendly, just the first and last bit there's a bit of road and there was one road to cross otherwise they were off the lead running. Can highly recommend this walk

7/15/2012 - peter edney

A very enjoyable walk although extremely muddy! Probably our fault as there have been several weeks of heavy rain, the 'boggy' area is more like a lake at the moment! Will definately do this walk again when the ground has dried out a bit. Our dogs enjoyed it too, although baths are now in order!

3/9/2012 - Niki Campbell

Did this walk on a sunny but changeable Spring day, approximately 1 hour after high water. The beach route was walkable (just!) and absolutely glorious, so peaceful! The Lepe CP carpark is quite expensive and I would imagine quite busy in the warmer months, but at least there are several carparks. A lovely walk with very good instructions.

2/17/2012 - Simon Gill

Great walk - very good descriptions My Labrador, Max, thought it was fabulous and actually so did I! We spent a wonderful 90 minutes in the company of no-one - luxury!

11/1/2010 - Lyn Lovell

This is a favourite with the whole family. Great for dogs and children. We did the walk last week and got caugth out by the tide so paddled! It was a huge hit with the children. The views across to I.O.W are super

4/26/2009 - Tim Rodda

Hi. We did this walk on Sunday 26th April 09 and it is a truly beautiful walk... Some comments: definitely check the tide times as it is a lovely walk along the seashore. Also, I took my GPS with me and the walk is actually only 4.5 miles long which should take about 90 minutes.

10/1/2008 - Walkingworld Administrator

After a careful check we believe Mr Wynn must have gone wrong somewhere before wm 10 as the bridge is open and the footpath is clear. Please follow Sylvia's instructions carefully, use the map and all other navigational aids to ensure you stay on route. Chris, Walks Administrator.

9/5/2008 - v wynn

Bridge at end of waypoint 10, which gets you over the small river, is closed as unsafe. Although we managed to get across, trail the other side has gone due to tall reeds over growing area. Machette now required to to access this part of the walk. Best regards V Wynn