Sandy Point
On this walk, children will enjoy climbing on the rocks, playing on the sand and possibly watching a lifeboat crew training.
The Basics
Time: 40 mins
Distance: 2.12 km
Terrain: Paved promenade, shingle beach, pavements, all flat
Pushchair: The shingle is mainly firm apart from one small section but a good all terrain pushchair should handle it. The rest of the walk is pushchair friendly.
Dogs: Yes and they are allowed on the beach here
Refreshments: There is a picnic bench overlooking the beach by the lifeboat station and there are a couple of cafes and a fish and chip shop along Creek Road near the start of the walk.
Toilets: At Creek Road car park
Parking: From Eastoke Corner, drive to the end of Southwood Road and park for free on the side of the road or use the pay and display park at the junction with Creek Road (Postcode: PO11 9FD - W3W: besotted/lakes/happy).
As the name suggests, this is a little sandy corner of Hayling Island’s coastline where the sea defences have created a series of sandy ‘bays’. This is an easy walk around it with pleasing views of Chichester Harbour across to West Wittering Beach. It is also home to the lifeboat station and if you are lucky you might see a practice launch.
The Route
Just before the end of Southwood Road opposite the junction with Nutbourne Road, there is a gap between the houses with a ramp up to the promenade. This end of the beach is backed by private residences and tends to be much quieter than further along. Turn left here and walk along the beach or the promenade. You will soon find some large rocks that form part of the coastal defence - they are also good fun for kids to climb on!
Follow the promenade east and soon the houses end and give way to Sandy Point Nature Reserve on your left. This is closed to the public as it is an important wildlife habitat, but it still makes a good back drop to the walk with wild flowers in spring/summer.
Follow the shingle path to its furthest point where the view opens up to the entrance to Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here you can watch the boats coming in and out the harbour and spot the beach huts of West Wittering just across the water.
Turn left and follow the coastline. Here the shingle turns to silver sand and the water calms. You will soon see the lifeboat station on your left. Time your walk on a Wednesday evening or Sunday morning and children might be able to see them heading out for a practice launch.
Walk up the slipway and head west, going around the back of the lifeboat building. Walk across the grass of the overflow car park, heading back the way you came. Just before a wooden fence and a sign warning you of the dangers of bathing, you will see a footpath on your right leading through trees. This path will come out on the other side of the nature reserve on Sandy Point Road.
Turn left along the road and walk along the pavement until a junction with Bosmere Road. Turn left here to re-join Southwood Road.
There is a small children’s play area opposite Creek Road car park.
The area is known for strong currents and bathing or paddling is not recommend.
Did you know?
The fragile habitat of Sandy Point Nature Reserve offers a glimpse into how Hayling Island’s entire southern foreshore would have once looked. To protect its delicate nature Sandy Point Nature Reserve is closed to the public.
