Walk the Solent Way: Hampshire’s Coastal Trail with Castles, Ferries & Sea Views

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Walk the Solent Way: Hampshire’s Coastal Trail with Castles, Ferries & Sea Views

Published on September 30, 2025 3 min read

The Solent Way – 60 Miles of Hampshire Coastline

Discover one of England’s most scenic long-distance footpaths – the Solent Way. Stretching across Hampshire’s stunning coastline, this 60-mile trail offers castles, nature reserves, seaside towns, and ferry crossings. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a multi-day adventure, this guide has everything you need to walk the Solent Way with confidence.

What is the Solent Way?

The Solent Way is a 60-mile (97 km) long-distance footpath that follows the Hampshire coast from Milford-on-Sea to Emsworth, tracing the shoreline of the Solent. The Solent is the strait that separates mainland England from the Isle of Wight.

New Forest Ponies on The Solent Way

It’s a flat, well-waymarked trail, ideal for walkers of all abilities, and easily accessible by public transport. Along the way, you’ll pass through historic towns, nature reserves, castles, and coastal marshes, with plenty of opportunities for detours and day walks. Plus you might come across some of the famous New Forest Ponies

Solent Way Interactive Map

Start: Milford-on-Sea

End: Emsworth

Distance: 60 miles (97 km)

Terrain: Coastal paths, promenades, woodland, marshes

Waymarking: Follw the Green diamond path on OS Maps

Transport: Train stations at both ends, ferry crossings at Hythe and Gosport

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OS Shop

We are with you every step of the way. Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.
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The Solent Way – OS Paper Maps

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Suggested Solent Way Stages

Stage 1: Milford-on-Sea to St Leonards
Distance: 22.4 km

Aerial view of Hurst Castle on The Solent Needles

Start at the seaside town of Milford-on-Sea Walk along the shingle spit to Hurst Castle, built by Henry VIII in 1544 to defend the western Solent

Pass through the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve, a haven for wetland birds and rare species like lagoon shrimp and starlet sea anemone

Arrive in Lymington, a historic yachting town with cobbled streets and Georgian architecture

Stage 2: Beaulieu to Southampton
Distance: 20.1 km

Beaulieu Palace & Abbey

Walk through Buckler’s Hard, a preserved shipbuilding village on the Beaulieu River.

Visit Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey, a 13th-century monastic ruin

Finish in Southampton, a city rich in maritime history

Stage 3: Southampton to Solent Breezes (Fareham)
Distance: 14.1 km

Netley Abbey

Follow the shoreline past Netley Abbey, the most complete surviving Cistercian monastery in southern England

Enjoy a ferry crossing between Hamble le Rice and Warsash

Enjoy views across Southampton Water and then cross the Hamble Estuary to Warsash on a little pink ferry!

Reach Solent Breezes near Fareham, a beautiful stretch of beach

Stage 4: Solent Breezes to Portsmouth
Distance: 21.8 km

HMS Warrior, at dusk – a 40-gun steam-powered armoured frigate built for the Royal Navy in 1859

Cross the River Meon and walk through Gosport, home to naval museums and historic forts. Take a ferry across Portsmouth Harbour and keep a look out for the impressive HMS Warrior, the crown jewel of the Victorian Navy.

Arrive in Portsmouth, where you can visit Portsmouth Cathedral, and Southsea Castle, built by Henry VIII

Aerial view of Southsea Castle Portsmouth

Stage 5: Portsmouth to Emsworth

Distance: 20.3 km

Walk through Langstone Harbour, an internationally important wetland excellent for birdwatching

Finish in Emsworth, a charming coastal town with a rich maritime heritage

PLAN ROUTES
FIND ADVENTURES

Discover ready-made routes nearby or create your own

Open OS Maps

Trains & Ferries

Train stations at Milford-on-Sea, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Emsworth
Ferries at Hythe, Hamble Le Rice and Gosport

If you’re looking for long distance footpath to challenge yourself take a look at our complete list – Long Distance Footpaths in the UK

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EXPLORE THE

OS Shop

We are with you every step of the way. Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.
Go to the shop

The Solent Way – OS Paper Maps

Go to the shop