The Hamble River Valley

Sylvia Saunders

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A superb circular walk around the Hamble Valley starting from the free car park at Bursledon Station. You could easily make this an all-day amble with so many opportunities for refreshments and interesting diversions along the way, or take sandwiches to enjoy along the riverside, with many benches to choose from and much wildlife to observe - a haven for birdwatchers!

The mainly flat route takes you through the quiet village of Bursledon and its gorgeous houses, with the possibility of a short diversion to The Jolly Sailor - the waterfront pub made famous by the TV series 'Howard's Way'. Paths, patches of woodland and a short stretch along a road take you to the lively maritime village of Hamble-le-Rice. Here you will find a variety of good pubs, tea rooms and quirky shops.

A ferry trip (charge, see 'additional information') takes you across the River Hamble for a delightful stroll along a solid shingle causeway between the mudflats, with a wealth of seabirds and sailing activity. Along here you will find many seats from which to eat your picnic or just relax awhile and take it all in. You can enjoy refreshments at the Vanilla Cafe towards the end of the walk, which you will find as you pass through a boatyard. We sat outside with our dog with just a cuppa and a piece of cake, but the plates we saw coming out looked delicious and very good value!

England - South England - Hampshire - River Walk

Features

Birds, Cafe, Church, Food Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife

3/29/2022 - James Brinkworth

4 of us took this delightful walk on a lovely sunny Saturday afternoon in March. The directions are spot on. We finished the walk with a welcome pint in the pub at end!

2/13/2022 - Patricia Daw

We walked this on a bright Saturday in the middle of February. The best part of this walk is indeed the part from the ferry onwards but there were some nice bits earlier with the sun shining through. A well directed walk and it's so easy now with the app. The ferry is £2.50 per adult and was only running at the weekend until March. We had a coffee at the cafe in the marina and got the code to access the loos there. It was low tide when we walked but interesting nevertheless. Would thoroughly recommend

7/19/2017 - Harley Quilliam

Correction to my previous comment: The path just north of WP16 has been 'gentrified' for a stretch, with deep gravel and low picket-fencing. It is signed as 'Private' but it is clearly marked on the OL22 map as a public footpath.

7/5/2017 - Harley Quilliam

A most delightful walk! Masts as far as the eye can see! All references to the Strawberry Trail have been expunged from the signposts! The landing at Warsash from the ferry (still £1.50) is slippery at low tide. The path just north of WP16 has been 'gentrified' for a stretch, with deep gravel and low picket-fencing. It is part of the Solent Way and clearly marked on OL22 as a public footpath.

8/24/2010 - Pete Steele

A most beautiful walk. Absolutely teeming with wildlife with an abundance of Little Egrets on the causeway. The boat trip was fabulous and the pubs in Hamble make you want to never leave. Top 10 :-)

8/1/2009 - philip hornby

An enjoyable walk, even the kids liked it. Ferry fairs now £1.50 for adults and £1.00 for children. Cafe in the marina came in handy for sheltering from the rain!

5/25/2009 - Christopher Hatch

We did this walk 25/05 and it was cracking - a lovely flat walk that we will certainly do again one day soon.

2/18/2008 - glenn clarke

Went on this walk Sunday 16th Feb wonderful so much to see and do, loads of places for picnics and the pink ferry was great fun. Would highly recommend for a family or couples. Thank you for the info excellent. Glenn and Vanessa