Keyhaven Marshes Nature Reserve
Lymington
Children will enjoy the shoreline, birds to spot, harbour, castle views and tiny beach on this walk.
The spectacular coastal paths are surrounded by water
The Basics
Time: 1 hr 20 mins
Distance: 5.3 km / 3.3 miles
Terrain: Flat gravelled paths.
Pushchair: This route is suitable for pushchairs.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome, but must be restricted from going near the birds, must stay on the paths and cannot go on the marshes.
Refreshments: The Gun Inn, Keyhaven is opposite the car park.
Toilets: There are public toilets in the car park.
Public Transport: The Morebus service 762 runs between Lymington and Keyhaven, trains connect Lymington with Brockenhurst.
Parking: Pay and display car park in Keyhaven (Postcode: SO41 0TP - W3W: ///nest.lyrics.socket)
Views to The Needles and The Isle of Wight
Walk along the sea wall and enjoy stunning views of the marshes and mudflats that make up this nature reserve, which is not only beautiful, but also an internationally important habitat for migratory birds. On this circular walk, you will also have commanding views of Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight.
The Route
There are five walking trails around Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes. Each one is named after migratory birds. We chose The Brent Trail, which was the perfect length for children and makes a neat circle from Keyhaven.
Exit the car park via the footpath on the side opposite to the entrance. This will take you out onto Lower Pennington Lane, where you should walk beside the harbour with the wall, boats and seawater to your right.
At the opposite side of the harbour, you will see the start of the footpath to your right. You should take this, passing the information board and continuing with the water to your right. For the vast majority of the walk, you should remain with this gravelled path that follows the sea wall. There are spectacular views of The Isle of Wight, The Needles and Hurst Castle (you can reach this via a little ferry from Keyhaven). There are also marvellous views across the marshy reserve where you will be able to spot flocks of migratory birds nesting and feeding.
When you reach a jetty and a teeny beach with silver sand, look out for the path leading away from the coast on your left. You should take this to start the circular loop back.
At the top of this section, you will go through a gate and reach a campsite. Follow the path left here and continue along the track in a straight line all the way back to Keyhaven.
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Did you know?
The marshes and mudflats are teeming with fish, which attracts the large populations of birdlife. Look out for wheatear, swallows, terns, black-headed gulls, brent geese, redshank, oystercatchers, grey plover, dunlin, black-tailed godwit, marsh harrier, peregrine falcon and merlin all roosting and feeding in the reserve.
If you enjoyed this walk…
…try this one at Farlington Marshes, a similar coastal nature reserve
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