Chilling Coastal Area
Children will enjoy the beach on this walk and the little bridge running over a freshwater stream.
The Basics
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 3 km
Terrain: Flat coastal and field paths, sometimes uneven
Pushchair: You may be able to get as far as the beach, but the return path is more uneven. We would recommend returning the way you came. If you do make it as far as the beach, you won’t be able to push it on the shingle
Dogs: Yes, this is a dog friendly beach all year around
Refreshments: None
Toilets: None
Parking: Thatcher’s Copse car park, free (Postcode: PO14 4HH - W3W: hears/swinging/tastes)
Take the easy to follow path, passing woodland and streams, to find a large beach backed by cliffs and excellent coastal walks.
The Route
With your back to the road, take the path on the right hand side of the car park. Follow it through the trees of Thatcher’s Copse and then shortly along the edge of a field. When you reach a barrier and a large track ahead, bear left without going on the track to stay inside a field with the hedge to your right and a fence to your left.
Stick with the same footpath and you will see glimpses of the access track to your right, running parallel. The open field will always be on your left. At Lower Brownwich Farm, you will leave the field and bear right passing some farm buildings. Look for the access track to Sea House and follow the footpath sign down this track.
After passing the gateway for Sea House, you should continue and then arrive at the beach, crossing a little wooden footbridge over stream. The beach here is often quiet as there is no direct vehicle access. The large beach is often windy, making it popular for sports such as kite surfing. Children can have a paddle when the tide is in and we have often found a decent variety of shells here - we have also been told it is possible to find fossils.
After enjoying the beach, cross the wooden footbridge again and then go straight on to follow the coastal path. You will hit the beach again before being directed up onto the small cliffs. Ignore the first permissive path to your left and wait for the second one. This will lead you away from the sea along the edge of a field.
At the top of the field, the path will lead you to a T junction of paths. Turn left and then very quickly turn right into Thatcher’s Copse again. Follow the path through the trees to return to the car park.
We suggest viewing the interactive map as a ‘Trails Map’ to ensure all of the paths are visible:
Did you know?
Thatcher’s Copse is a great place to find bluebells in spring.
If you liked this walk…
…try joining it on to this walk at Titchfield Canal to make a longer walk in the area.
