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What Can I Do?

· Stride out and walk all or part of the Solent Way or the Island's coastal path;

· Buy a guidebook or read the information boards available on some walks to find out more about what you can see;

· Check the local library for details of any walking clubs in the area;

· Contact the relevant local or harbour authority for details of guided walks or walking events;

The Solent offers a variety of ways in which to enjoy its landscape and seascape. You could relax in one of the country parks, stroll on one of the many footpaths, take a boat trip or visit a nature reserve.

Regions of the coast that are particularly spectacular are designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Heritage Coasts or National Parks. An AONB is a precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard it. AONB's around the Solent include Chichester Harbour and parts of the Isle of Wight. Heritage coasts are special coastlines that are managed so that their natural beauty is conserved and, where appropriate, the accessibility for visitors is improved. The Hamstead and Tennyson coasts on the Island are Heritage coasts. Much of the New Forest coastline is within the boundary of the New Forest National Park.

Paths of Discovery

Walking is perhaps the most popular form of recreation taking place around the Solent. Whether it be a Sunday afternoon stroll or some serious long distance hiking the Solent has much to offer. Walks in the AONB or along the Heritage coast are particularly attractive for their scenic views. Other walks, such as by the edge of Southampton Water, are excellent places to view the commercial activities going on in the Solent such as the arrival of container or cruise ships at the Port of Southampton.

There are three types of path which give different levels of access and it is important that these are understood and followed. A footpath is a highway over which the public has a right of way on foot only. A bridleway is a highway over which the public has a right of way on foot, horseback and on a pedal cycle (including mountain-bikes). There may also be a right to drive animals along a bridleway. A Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) is a highway over which the public is entitled to travel on foot, horseback or pedal cycle and by wheeled vehicle of all kinds, including horse-drawn vehicles, but which is used by the public mainly for walking or for riding. Most of these highways do not have a surface suitable for ordinary motor traffic.

Mainland Coastal Walks

The Solent Way is the main long distance path around the Solent and is sixty miles long. It begins at the seaside town of Milford-on-Sea runs past the hustle and bustle of seafronts, quiet yachting harbours, deserted marshland and saltings to finish at Emsworth Harbour.

It has been divided into eight sections, each providing a really good day out. Choose from deserted coastal marshes, promenades and candy-floss, seaside picnics, cosy riverside pubs, or shingle beaches with exhilarating views. There are castles and forts to explore along the way, and ships, submarines and museums to visit.

The route is waymarked with a Tern on a green arrow and is shown on Ordnance Survey Explorer maps 22, 119 and 120. It is indicated on these maps with a green diamond and the name of the route (Solent Way).

Additionally, there are shorter self-guided circular and linear routes around many of the Solent's harbours. The local harbour authority will be able to provide information on paths, guided walks and walking events. Hampshire County Council's Countryside Service also provides further details (www.hants.gov.uk/walking).

Many tourist information centres will be able to provide details of local walks and local bookshops often sell good books on walks. A list of books is also available at www.hants.gov.uk/bookshop/walks.html.

A list of sites with facilities for less mobile visitors is available at www.hants.gov.uk/walking/access/index.html.

Walking on the Island

The Isle of Wight has a wealth of footpaths and bridleways and is reputed to have more footpaths per square mile than any other English county. From a sixty mile coastal path, to easy circular routes, and short town trails, there are over 500 miles of well maintained paths on an island that measures twenty three by fifteen miles.

The Coastal Path can be walked in four days at a leisurely pace. The coastline varies from white chalk cliffs to quiet estuaries. Almost half of the coastline is designated Heritage Coast, a definition applied only to coastlines of the highest quality and unspoilt nature.

The Isle of Wight Council's Countryside Service produces a free leaflet every April and September called 'Wight Summer' and 'Wight Winter' respectively. Each one has between 50-100 walks as well as other events. You can obtain a copy by emailing your name and address to countryside@iow.gov.uk with the subject title 'Island Walks Leaflet' or telephone 01983 823893. Copies of walking routes around the Island can also be downloaded from www.islandbreaks.co.uk.

For further information also visit www.walkthewight.org.uk or www.iwcam.gothere.uk.com.

Cycling Routes

The Island offers the cyclist many dedicated cycleways. These follow the course of disused railway lines, signed routes, miles of bridleways and quiet country lanes as an alternative to busy main roads. Cyclewight, which promotes cycling on the Island, produces a cycle route booklet containing twelve circular on-road and cycleway trails. It is available at Tourist Information Centres, or visit www.cyclewight.org.uk or telephone 01983 615347.

Hampshire County Council has developed two Off Road Cycle Packs to help you explore the countryside by bicycle. The packs each contain twelve different trail leaflets, each with a map and detailed directions. The leaflets are waterproofed for ease of use.

See www.hants.gov.uk/cycling for more information on cycling in Hampshire. A network map of cycling routes in the New Forest illustrating gravel track cycle routes, together with car parks and other places of interest has also been published. They are all available from Hampshire Information Centres for a small fee on telephone 0800 028 0888.

The Bike/Rail website at www.atob.org.uk/Bike_Rail.html, gives details of the train operators policy on the carrying of bicycles.

Boat Trips

If you prefer something a bit more relaxing then there are numerous cruises that you can take around the Solent that will enable you to enjoy the Solent's seascapes and coastal views. These range in distance and duration and include cruises down the Hamble and Beaulieu Rivers, harbour tours or viewing the ships of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth's historic dockyard.

Cruise companies operating in the Solent include:

· Blue Funnel Cruises, tel. 023 8022 3278.

· Croson Ltd, tel. 01202 558550.

· Hurst Castle Ferries and Cruises, tel. 01590 642500.

· Puffin Cruises, tel. 01590 644004.

· Solent & Wightline Cruises, tel. 01983 564602

Viewpoints

As their name suggest viewpoints are a particularly good place to obtain spectacular coastal views. Some can be reached by walking and others have dedicated car parks or lay bys adjacent to them. Tourist information guides often have them marked or they can be located on OS Explorer maps.

Enjoying Seascapes from Car Parks

For the less mobile one way to enjoy the seascape is to drive to a car park overlooking the sea but to remain in the car. The locations of appropriate car parks can be found on the OS Explorer maps or by contacting the leisure department of the appropriate local authority.

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Last Updated 10 Jun 05