Solent Way
A 60-mile long-distance path in Hampshire following the coastline from Milford-on-Sea in the west to Emsworth in the east. The walk includes a ferry crossing of the Solent from Hythe to Southampton. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SZ 291 918
Distance: 60 miles (96 km)
Time: 24–30 hours
Duration: 3–5 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
OL3 Meon Valley – Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham
OL8 Chichester, South Harting and Selsey
OL22 New Forest, Southampton, Ringwood, Ferndown, Lymington, Christchurch and Bournemouth
OL29 Isle of Wight
Summary
The Solent Way is a 60-mile long-distance footpath that, with the exception of a few inland diversions, follows the coast of the Solent, the sea strait that separates mainland England from the Isle of Wight.
The route crosses coastal marshes to Lymington before going inland past the heaths, woods, and villages of the New Forest, Bucklers Hard, and Beaulieu to reach Hythe on the Test Estuary. The ferry is taken to Southampton, from where it follows the Solent shoreline, crossing the River Hamble to reach Portsmouth via the Gosport ferry. It continues along the historic waterfront of Portsmouth and Southsea and passes the coastal marshes and quays around Langstone Harbour.