Thursday 12th March 2026

We set off with high hopes today, a stroll around the Solent – lovely part of the country. We drove and parked up in Locks Heath and took a bus to Woolston, starting our walk in the Quayside area. There are numerous smart high-rise apartment blocks along the quay – we wiggled our way around these and picked up the coastal path to take us out of this Southampton suburb.

What we hadn’t banked on was the ferocious winds from the offset and we found ourselves battling them head on! We soldiered on though and faced a whole selection of terrain today. Some easygoing paths but sadly a whole lot of shingle walking and also a whole lot of thick gooey mud too! But the views were fabulous and we found ourselves more sheltered from the winds at times.

We had a bit of a surprise when stumbling across Netley Castle, looming mysteriously at the back of the beach – not something you often see at the seaside. Apparently it’s a former artillery fort built by King Henry VIII, now converted into nine residential apartments. Very grand.

The village of Netley was charming too and the path then took us through Royal Victoria Country Park, which made for easy paths. This was the first of a number of really picturesque (and I’d say monied) villages we passed through today … and each time I felt so self-conscious with our mud soaked boots – they probably thought we were tramps.

At 6 miles we reached the village of Hamble-le-Rice, another chocolate box setting and a big sailing area. Now, this is where the coastal path guide tells you to take the (pink) ferry across the Solent to Warsash. But … Steve had already found out that the ferry is not running at this time of year. So, we sat and refreshed ourselves with sandwiches, fruit and hot chocolate, then put best foot forward to navigate the non-signposted further 6 miles to get us back to Warsash, via a bridge at Bursledon.

I have to give credit to Steve for working out the route to get us back to Warsash. We had some uphill getting us out of Hamble-le-Rice and then we had another whole load of house envy as we walked through the village of Bursledon … and of course the inevitable sailing and cruising clubs. We just tried to look as inconspicuous as we could … felt we were lowering the tone of the place.

There was quite a bit of road walking in this section, country roads with no pavements … but they weren’t too horrendously busy so we survived, having to duck into the hedges from time to time. Once we’d crossed the bridge at Bursledon, skirting the edges of Swanwick with great Solent views once again, the weather unfortunately took a downward turn. Not only did the wind return at absolutely full force, face on, but it was accompanied by freezing rain. So, what could have been a pleasant end to today’s walk, through the ‘Hook with Warsash Nature Reserve’ turned out to be two miles of absolute hell. Our spirits dipped because there was nothing to do but just endure it. We missed out on a whole load of scenic beauty + an abundance of house envy opportunities, because we literally had to walk with hoods up and faces down to survive the battering weather. So relieved when we reached Warsash and made our way to the bus stop.

12 miles of walking clocked up today – now I’m recovered I can say it’s a walk worth doing – just check the weather report first! I did say to Steve at one point today that maybe we should find a different hobby! But, I’ll guess we’ll be back for more!

We had decided to make today our last walk for this trip. We had had a day off yesterday to recover from Monday’s ‘Shingle Nightmare’ and also to spend time with our long-time pal, Bridget. So, although Steve was banding around the idea of 15 miles, initially I thought I would just do part of it, but then I felt up to a final push. We got the train to Chichester and a bus to Pagham, setting off from the beach we’d started from on Monday – obviously walking in the other direction.

The road out of Pagham had an eclectic feel – some modern builds but a number of ramshackle properties too – but all had that seasidey appeal. A decent path continued on beachside until we reached the mudflats which was a large area of nature reserve. We had a good mile stretch, with lots of hellos, as we passed groups of birdwatchers and dog walkers – clearly a popular place. The only problem was that I was desperate to ‘spend a penny’ – we’re just not used to so many people being about. (It’s ironic using the phrase ‘spend a penny’ when I’d paid a pound to use a public toilet earlier in the week)!!

A green Woodpecker shared the path with us at one point and then a single magpie (oh no)! … but after our salutes, he was joined by his companion and we relaxed into knowing it would be a joyous day.

Part of our walk today was along the Selsey Tram Trail, a linear path between Chichester and Selsey which had operated as a Tramway between 1896 and 1935. This brought us out into the pretty village of Church Norton where once again there were stunning properties to admire.

6 miles in and we had reached the pretty seaside town of Selsey, and it was perfect timing to find a picnic bench beside the sea to have our sandwiches. It was sunny blue sky day today and we enjoyed the warmth of the sun as we tucked in. I was stripped down to my T-shirt by now – Steve was still clinging on to his thick jacket and many layers!

From here on we hit the odd patch of shingle walking but not too much to have a major grumble about. Even at Selsey Bill (8 miles in) where there would have been an opportunity to get the bus back to Chichester, we were still embracing all the walk had to offer in way of the interesting and varied settings and terrain. It made a change to walk through several small villages – I do love a house nosey. There were farm areas and woodland too and these easier paths were so much kinder to my increasingly sore feet.

My energy levels were telling me I needed another break around 11 miles – after some tummy rumbling and further endurance we finally found a bench at about 12 miles – we tucked into scotch eggs and re-quenched ourselves. Still feeling surprisingly upbeat, I used that well worn phrase “just a park run to go.” Steve suddenly dropped it on me that it might be a little further than that! My focus the whole day had been set on 15 miles – I now had to readjust and convince myself I could still do it (at the same pace and without moaning that is)!!

But the crunch came at the 15 mile spot when we were faced with 1.5 miles of shingle walking along Bracklesham Bay – absolutely savage. My blistered feet were screaming out to me to stop. Steve manages this terrain so much better and wandered ahead, so I was always on catch up. So, for 15 miles I loved it and felt such great achievement … but I resorted to be being a big grump for the very last bit. Still we did it, 16.5 miles in total today – truly a lovely section, except for the end!

We have walked 7 out of the 12 days we have been doing our house-sit in Hove and have walked 84 miles in total – a healthy chunk ticked off. It’s been a privilege to discover this Sussex coastline in all its beauty and in all its ups and downs. We’ve had a great time catching up with Sussex friends – Hannah, Bridget, Keith and Andrea. And we’ve loved looking after Jack and Zena our two furry friends who’ve been a delight.

Going home now to have a rest … and perhaps to invest in a new pair of walking boots!