Hurst Beach Accessible Trail
Hurst Beach is a great location for seaside walk with great facilities, lots of paths and a lovely pub.
This coast walk starts from the historic Keyhaven harbour, used by small boats since at least 1206 when it was used for transporting cattle and sheep from the Isle of Wight to the water meadows on the mainland.
Trail information:
Start/finish: Keyhaven Amenity Car Park. Grid reference SZ 306 914 what3words.com/tenure.mimes.paraded
Ordnance Survey map: Explorer OL 22 New Forest.
Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6km) – 1-2 hours.
Local facilities: The car park has four accessible bays, easy access toilets and a pub.
Accessibility: The paths on this route are quiet roads, level gravel paths, a wide wooden footbridge with ramp access, and a well-trodden shingle ascent up to the beach (roughly 10m). This shingle portion can be challenging for those using scooters or wheelchairs.
Directions
- Keyhaven Car Park
Leave the car park and turn left onto Keyhaven Road, heading towards the coast. At The Old Post Office, turn left and follow the short section of road past the yacht club until you reach a waymarked gravel path on your right. Turn onto this path and follow the sea wall. There are plenty of benches along this path with scenic views of the yachting channel and the Isle of Wight
- Hurst Beach
Continue to follow the footpath as it bends right, keeping the saltmarshes and the Isle of Wight on your left. Once you reach Saltgrass Lane continue straight on until the road bends sharply to the right. Cross the wooden footbridge to arrive at Hurst Beach or simply take in the view from this lovely vantage point
- Heading Back
To complete the route, retrace your steps back along Saltgrass Lane and the gravel footpath. Taking the waymarked gravel footpath on your left, opposite the sailing club will bring you back onto Keyhaven Road and to the car park.
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New Forest code
Please be aware of the New Forest code when walking in the National Park.
