Description

Calshot Beach is a long, shingle and sand beach located on the eastern end of the Calshot Spit in Hampshire.

It faces the Solent, a narrow strait separating the Isle of Wight from the mainland, and offers stunning views of the Isle of Wight, the Needles, and passing ships. The beach is approximately 1.5 miles long and is backed by dunes and grassy areas, providing a natural and peaceful setting.

The sand is soft, and the waves are often gentle, making it a popular spot for families with children to paddle in the sea. Calshot Beach is also well known for water sports, particularly windsurfing and kitesurfing, as the location benefits from strong winds that are ideal for these activities.

There is a watersports centre on the beach that provides equipment hire and instruction. The beach has a car park, toilets, and a cafe nearby, making it a convenient spot for a day out.

There are also many walking and cycling trails in the area, including the Solent Way and the New Forest Cycle Network. This lovely walk takes you along the beach itself and then up to Calshot Marsh Nature Reserve, which covers an area of around 120 acres and is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. The nature reserve is a mix of saltmarsh, mudflats, and freshwater ponds, providing a unique and important habitat for a variety of bird species, including waders, wildfowl, and terns.

The area is also home to a number of rare and endangered species, such as the European eel and the marsh harrier. From here, continue north to Seaclose Copse.

After a stroll around this, retrace your steps back to the car park via an ice cream on the beach!