Coastal & Village Walk: Lepe to Exbury Village

Join me for a scenic and varied 10km (6.2mi) circular walk starting from Lepe Country Park. This beautiful hike will take us along the foreshore of the Coastal Nature Reserve, which is part of the North Solent Site of Special Scientific Interest. As we walk, we’ll have the opportunity to observe and listen for a wide variety of wading birds feeding on the mudflats – an ideal setting for birdwatchers!
Our route will lead us towards Exbury village, nestled on the southern edge of the New Forest and just a mile from the Solent coast. Exbury is a tranquil and picturesque village with rich history, including significant wartime connections with Lepe and the D-Day preparations. If the tide is high, we’ll take a small detour to ensure we stay on track.

At the end of the walk, for those who wish to stay, can enjoy something to eat/drink at the Lookout Cafe' or in the picnic area and why not, a well deserved ice cream. Hut beckons with the promise of creamy ice cream.

A bit of history:
On 6 June 1944 thousands of troops with their vehicles and supplies left Britain via locations such as Lepe Beach in the New Forest for the beaches of Normandy. This was D-Day, the start of the great campaign to liberate Europe and to bring the Second World War to its end. Today at Lepe you can still see plenty of evidence of wartime activity.

Exbury Estate was bought by the eminent banker Lionel Nathan de Rothschild in 1919. He remodelled Exbury House and built the 200 acre gardens now famous for their collections of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.

There will be a small charge of £2.00 (cash) per head per person for this walk on the day.

Meet: at Lepe Country Park, SO45 1AD at 09:45 ready to leave at 10:00
what3words.com///police.captures.unwraps

Parking: Lepe Country Park, SO45 1AD. Parking fees are up to 4 hours £5.50, full day £7. Please consider car sharing as in the summer months, parking can get pretty full.

Terrain: Mix of hiking path, sand and cobbles and farmland, woodland tracks, and country road with some part of the path which can be muddy. Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear and clothing for this walk.

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leads at all times.

Note: Please note walks maybe cancelled due to poor weather, please check before leaving.

Please go to the the 'About' section to remember the full disclaimer and T&Cs.
By clicking 'attend' and becoming an attendee, you agree to the conditions found here.

Hope to see you there.