Hamble-le-Rice
Children will enjoy the shoreline, the shops and cafes, the little pink ferry and rope swings on this walk.
The Basics
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 2 miles
Terrain: Flat with some residential roads with pavements and very muddy, marshy paths in winter
Pushchair: No
Dogs: Yes, but you will want them on leads through the town
Refreshments: There are lots of options in Hamble, from pubs to cafes. We picked up Cornish pasties from Pirates Pasties as we passed by or The Beach Hut Cafe on the quay is perfect for river views
Toilets: Public toilets on the quay
Parking: Hamble Point Car Park at the end of School Lane, free (Postcode: SO31 4QG - W3W: jacuzzi/thickened/snipe)
Hamble is a picturesque sailing village with cobbled streets and quaint shops. This walk passes through the village where you will enjoy river views before crossing the heathland of Hamble Common and the shoreline beyond.
The Route
From the Hamble Point car park, take the footpath parallel to the water at the opposite end to the marina. Follow this, with the water to your left. Look out for a footpath to your right where a kissing gate will lead you across across the common. Go straight over the common to the gate on the other side and meet School Lane on the other side.
Cross the road and turn left to take the footpath running parallel to the road on the other side. The path will come back out onto the road again, where you should join the pavement and then turn right to continue along School Lane.
Follow the road until it reaches the High Street. At the junction with this, turn right to head towards the square. Cross the square and walk down the cobbled High Street as it winds its way down to the foreshore and quay. There are lots of options for places to eat from pubs to cafes, as well as benches to enjoy a pasty or chips. You can crab off the harbour wall and if you are feeling adventurous, you can catch the little pink ferry over to Warsash or visit the Maritime Art Gallery.
Walk along the quay and then turn right up Green Lane, opposite The Beach Hut Cafe. As the road winds up hill, you will see a grassy green and on your left a footpath signed for Hamble Common.
The path goes through trees and then curves around with the river mouth to your left. Beside the water you should find a selection of rope swings. After the swings, look out for the left hand turn marked ‘England Coast Path’.
Follow this and go over a series of three little wooden bridges. After the third, the England Coast Path will veer to the left, but we suggest taking the path straight ahead as it is easier and a lot less muddy. This will be a gravel path that runs parallel to school lane and eventually to the car park.
Did you know?
Hamble-le-Rice featured as the setting in the BBC’s 1980s television series Howard’s Way.
