The Solent is the stretch of water running between the Hampshire coast and the Isle of Wight. A mecca for sailing enthusiasts it is usual to see many white sails of different sizes making best use of the wind.

Lymington is a port at the western end of the Solent and a popular stopping off point for yachts before they sail into the English Channel. The Isle of Wight ferry runs across the Solent from Lymington to Yarmouth and is the starting point for another of our runs.

The Solent Run starts in front of the Lymington Town Sailing Club which offers a range of sailing opportunities for novices and experienced sailors. The Club occupies the old town bath house and is adjacent to the oldest open air salt water swimming pool in the Country.

Using local lanes and footpaths the first part of the run is a little inland. After 3 miles we join the ancient highway an historic route linking the village of Keyhaven with Lymington. The route skirts Keyhaven harbour and brings us up on to the top of Hurst Spit.

The Spit is a mile long shingle bank which protects Keyhaven from storms that blow up the Channel. It was breached in the 1990’s causing severe flooding and is now maintained regularly. From the Spit there are great views along the Hampshire coast to Milford on Sea and across Christchurch Bay to the impressive Needles, a series of chalk pillars.

At the end of Hurst Spit is Hurst Castle. Built by Henry VIII at Hurst Narrows to protect the Solent and the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth from invading French fleets. Charles I was held in the Castle for a while before his execution.

The route back to Keyhaven is by sea. Rather than tackling the shingle bank again we hop onto a small ferry for the 10 minute ride back to Keyhaven quay.

Back on dry land the route follows the sea wall all the way back to Lymington. The Solent on the right and the old saltmarshes, now a wildlife reserve on the left. 

The final stretch passes to through Lymington Yacht Haven before finishing at the Sailing Club where lunch will be served whilst enjoying a stunning view over the Solent towards the Isle of Wight.