16 March 2026
Hurst Beach
Hurst Beach
Hurst Beach is a great location for seaside walk with great facilities, lots of paths and a lovely pub.
This coast walk starts from the historic Keyhaven harbour, used by small boats since at least 1206 when it was used for transporting cattle and sheep from the Isle of Wight to the water meadows on the mainland.
Accessible
Hurst Beach
Route
Accessible Walk
Length
1.75 miles
Duration
1 hour
Walk details
Start/finish
Keyhaven Amenity Car Park. Grid reference SZ 306 914, what3words.com/tenure.mimes.paraded
Ordnance survey map
Explorer OL 22 New Forest
Distance
1.6 miles (2.6km) – 1-2 hours
Local facilities
The car park has four accessible bays, easy access toilets and a pub
Accessibility
The paths on this route are quiet roads, level gravel paths, a wide wooden footbridge with ramp access, and a well-trodden shingle ascent up to the beach (roughly 10m). This shingle portion can be challenging for those using scooters or wheelchairs
Points of interest
Select the points on the map to discover highlights along the route, including scenic views, wildlife spots, and places of local interest.
Directions
Leave the car park and turn left onto Keyhaven Road, heading towards the coast. At The Old Post Office, turn left and follow the short section of road past the yacht club until you reach a waymarked gravel path on your right. Turn onto this path and follow the sea wall. There are plenty of benches along this path with scenic views of the yachting channel and the Isle of Wight.
Continue to follow the footpath as it bends right, keeping the saltmarshes and the Isle of Wight on your left. Once you reach Saltgrass Lane continue straight on until the road bends sharply to the right. Cross the wooden footbridge to arrive at Hurst Beach or simply take in the view from this lovely vantage point.
To complete the route, retrace your steps back along Saltgrass Lane and the gravel footpath. Taking the waymarked gravel footpath on your left, opposite the sailing club will bring you back onto Keyhaven Road and to the car park.
Printable leaflet
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Download our walking app
Our free walking app features points of interest and photographs.
Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.
Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.
Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.
Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.