Description:
This 11.6 mile (18.6 km) circular walk from Barton on Sea follows the coastal path to Hurst Point Castle. From there take a short ferry journey to Keyhaven and resume the walk by heading through Milford-on-Sea to return on the coastal path back along the cliffs to the starting point. It is advisable to check ferry times on the Hurst Castle website, the service does not operate all year.
Walk Grade:
Easy/Moderate
Distance:
11.6 miles / 18.6km (including 1.2 miles / 2km on the ferry from Hurst Point to Keyhaven).
Time:
4.5 / 5 hours
Parking:
This walk starts from the Marine Drive 3 Amenity Car Park at the eastern end of Marine Drive East, Barton on Sea (Grid Ref: SZ245928). Parking charges apply from 1 March to 31 October.
Walk Route:
From the car park join the South West Coastal path heading east. The path goes along the cliff top with Barton On Sea Golf Club to the left. Ignore all paths leading off to the left and continue along the coastal path for 3km to reach the start of the promenade to the west of Milford on Sea.
Stay on the promenade past Milford on Sea, where the promenade ends join the shingle bank heading towards Hurst Point (Grid Ref: SZ294911). (To avoid the ferry from Hurst Castle to Keyhaven turn left on the South West Coastal Path after 550 metres on the shingle bank (Grid Ref: SZ299908) this path will lead to Keyhaven Yacht Club). After 2.7km on the shingle the path reaches Hurst Point Castle, here board the ferry to Keyhaven.
At Keyhaven take the footpath around the harbour wall passing the Keyhaven Yacht Club. On reaching a minor road turn left and walk a short distance to a T-junction. Turn right and walk away from the Gun Inn. Continue besides the road until reaching a green (Grid Ref: SZ304916). Turn right to join Lymore Lane. This lane sweeps to the left and out of the village passing the entrance to Vidle Van Farm, after 500 metres take a footpath on the right along a concrete driveway between fields (Grid Ref: SZ303920).
Follow the way markers, as the path turns left and then almost immediately right to go along the edge of a field heading towards Agarton Lane. On reaching the lane turn left and then as the road turns to the right keep straight ahead on a footpath across a field (Grid Ref: SZ298927).
On reaching Lymore Lane turn right and then after 50 metres left onto a footpath heading across arable fields towards Milford-on-Sea. At the B3058 turn left and walk along the pavement for 275 metres to the entrance to a churchyard. Cross the road and go through the churchyard to pass All Saints Church. Leave the churchyard through a gate leading to a footpath heading in a westerly direction. This leads to Barnes Lane (Grid Ref: SZ286920). Turn right and follow the road for 30 metres before taking a footpath on the left leading through a wooded area with ponds.
On reaching Kivernell Road (Grid Ref: SZ284918) turn left and follow the road to the junction with Park Lane. Turn right pass the Beach House public house and continue on to reach the coastal path. Here turn right and retrace the route heading west along the coastal path to return to the starting point at Barton on Sea.
Toilets:
There are public toilets Milford on Sea and Keyhaven
Toilets are available in the pubs and cafes on this route during opening hours.
Refreshments:
Keyhaven: The Gun Inn
Milford-on-Sea: The Beach House, Needles Eye Cafe
To download GPX and print map click “Learn More” below:
To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer Map OL22 – New Forest
Additional Information:
A narrative of this walk with pictures, historical information and points of interest can be viewed on my associated Two Dogs and an Awning website.
© Walking Moonraker (2023)
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.