On day forty we started the next of our mini four day Coastal Road Trips, this time from Worthing in West Sussex to Plymouth in Devon. Today we are heading as far as Highcliffe in Dorset, and the weather looks super for the end of October.
Photo of the day
Dappled sunlight along the coastal country lane between Buckler’s Hard and Lymington.
Bognor Regis
We tried to make Elmer, west of Worthing, our first stop of the day, but we couldn’t find a way to the beach (seemed private access only). So we continued passed the local Butlins to Bognor Regis Beach, with views west towards its pier.Further along Bognor Regis Beach, and the view towards Pagham.
Selsey
We then drove down the Manhood Peninsula towards Selsey Bill. Doesn’t the beach look familiar? To be honest many of the beaches along the West Sussex coastline seemed quite similar, nothing wrong with that, but just made the photos look quite similar too!An interesting tower above what turned out to be a care-home, overlooking the most southerly point of Selsey’s Beach.
East Whitering
Catching our first glimpse of Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower in the distance as we looked west along the coast from East Whitering’s Bracklesham Bay.
Chichester
Dropping in for a quick coffee with Julian’s sister and brother-in-law in the county town of Chichester. We ended up with a bit of a family day as we stayed with Julian’s parents in the evening, and also popped into visit one of his brother’s and his family.
Hayling
Hayling Island’s seafront, with the Funland Amusement Park just further down the beach.Yay, more beach huts to add to our beach-hut-photo-collection 😉
Eastney
Plenty of Seaguls at Eastney Beach.A pair of legs enjoying the October sunshine!The Yomper Statue outside the now closed Royal Marines Museum (which will be moving to Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard).
Southsea
Southsea Castle from the 16th century, and its lighthouse from the 1820s, overlooking the Solent.The Portsmouth Naval Memorial on the front of Southsea Common as we entered Portsmouth.
Portsmouth
The Solent and the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour were bustling with activity, with all kinds of boats, ships, yachts, ferries…… and hovercraft, sailing off in all directions.Spitbank Fort sitting in the Solent, now a luxury hotel and venue. We checked the price for a night stay, it was a little on the high side…. but afternoon tea is a little more reasonable 😉One of Portsmouth’s latest landmarks, the Spinnaker Tower that was opened in 2005. We then drove past Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard. There seemed to be a lot to see and do, so we’ll be back when we have more time to explore properly.
Calshot
We then skirted around the Southampton Water, past Hamble, Southampton and Hythe and back down to Calshot Castle at the end of a spit overlooking The Solent.The views of Fawley Refinery, reminding us of Day 2’s view from Pembroke to Milford Haven.Calshot Castle was a great vantage point for viewing the busy Solent.
Lepe
Our next stop at the Lepe Country Park. The views across the Solent to Cowes on the Isle of Wight (and into the sun, hence the glow!).Lepe Lighthouse (AKA Beaulieu River Millennium Beacon) sticking out above the trees, just after Lepe Country Park.
Beaulieu
Crossing over the Beaulieu River, we stopped to take pictures across the Mill Dam at Beaulieu.
Buckler’s Hard
Buckler’s Hard on the west side of the Beaulieu River.Continuing on the coastal road from Buckler’s Hard, there were beautiful views across the fields near St Leonards Grange.Loved the soft sun-rays, and the dappled light on the country lane as we continued to Lymington.
Lymington
As we continued into the New Forest, we arrived at the major yachting harbour and marinas at Lymington, home to several world famous sailing regattas.The cobbled Quay Street.
Keyhaven
We stopped by Keyhaven near Milford on Sea, as we were curious if we could see Hurst Castle in the distance (we couldn’t). The ferry to Hurst Castle leaves from Keyhaven, but we had missed the last one of the day.
Milford on Sea
Jarno filming from the top of the cliffs at Milford on Sea, towards Hengistbury Head and Swanage.
Barton on Sea
As the sun set, we made our final stop of the day at Barton on Sea, before continuing to Highcliffe for the night.
