The Hamble offers a very sheltered paddle and two distinct sceneries, spanning 7.5 miles. The lower river (below the M27 bridge) is highly populated with leisure boats, several marinas and thousands of moorings. The upper river is a picturesque tree-lined tidal section, with several inviting landing spots. The river can be easily be managed in one session, or split into two pleasant evening paddles. For more general information about the harbour, view the harbour authority website.
The Lower River
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
This can be paddled at all states of the tide. On springs, the run can reach several knots and needs to be considered when yachts are maneuvering nearby.
Access / Put-ins:
On the eastern side, there are two put-ins both, accessible at all states of the tide, with adjacent free public parking. Warsash public hard to the south and Swanwick Shore further north, easily reached directly from the A27 at the Hamble road bridge. On the western side, options are more limited. Whilst there are several yacht marinas with slip ways, there is likely to be a charge. At Hamble, launching would be easy however public parking is at a premium.
Features:
The Lower Hamble is densely populated with cruising craft. At the mouth of the river, the training lifeboats of the Warsash School of Navigation are very conspicuous. Heading north, a series of marinas follow on the western shore, followed by two on the eastern side.
Nature:
The eastern side of the lower river is mostly laid to salt marshes, protected by a coastal footpath embankment. Many sea birds are to be seen along this stretch.
History:
The Warsash hard was one of the disembarkation points for the D-Day landings. A memorial exists on the hard, although no other evidence remains.
Waterside Pubs:
The Rising Sun, Warsash. At the public hard, with good bar meals.
Hazards:
Strong currents can be present on spring ebbs, especially around the entrace. Keep any eye astern for gin palaces.
The Upper River
The upper reaches are only accessible around two hours either side of high water. Check the tides.
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
Features:
Once north of the M27, the river quickly becomes a relaxed tree-lined gentle passage with reed beds and lunch stops becoming apparent on both sides of the river. At the fork in the river, the western arm leads to Botley with the Upper Hamble Canoe Club at the upper reach of navigation. Their club house and store is an old mill house. Also on this stretch is a youth outdoor centre, marked by the conspicuous climbing wall and steep slip-way.
The eastern arm quickly brings you to The Horse and Jockey pub which has a small wooden jetty.
Nature:
The upper reaches are a haven for wild fowl. I have seen several kingfishers on the river bank, biding their time waiting for a catch. It is hard to believe you are only a few miles from the sea.
History:
Nothing that you can see. Deep in the mud and only visible at the lowest springs, are the remains of Grace Dieu, part of Henry VIII's fleet which included the Mary Rose.
Waterside Pubs:
The Horse and Jockey, Curbridge. Accessible two hours either side of HW.
Hazards:
Getting cut off by the tide, which may leave you caught in a pool in the upper reaches.
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