Ashlett Creek

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Ashlett Creek offers an unusual stopping point on the western side of Southampton Water. It is a compact creek, populated by numerous sailing yachts from Ashlett Sailing Club . Being wedged between, Fawley Power Station and Fawley Oil Refinery, it is surprisingly peaceful – the trees and surroundings effectively screen most of the intrusion out.

Grid Ref SU 466 032 GB

Access / Put-ins:
Best access is probably from the sea, via the small perch lined channel that weaves it’s way to the yacht club and beyond. This can be paddled around 2 hours after LW – expect to scrape the bottom at times, which is very soft mud. Road access can be achieved via the B3053 / A326 from Totton (J2 M27)
This destination is best visited at higher states of tide to take advantage of the pub, either for an evening or lunch time paddle, perhaps from Warsash or Lee on Solent, or maybe westward from Lepe or further.

Features:
The main reason for visiting Ashlett must be the pub. It is quiet hideaway on an otherwise busy stretch of water.

Nature:
Lots of wildfowl, attracted by the deep mud.

History:
The obvious historic aspect to Ashlett Creek is the fine 19th century tide mill house, now the Waterside Club – parent on the Ashlett SC.

Waterside Pubs:
Jolly Sailer: Near to the water – a short walk from Ashlett Mill.
Ashlett Mill: Privately owned bar that should make you welcome if arriving by sea. Shingle hard immediately next to it. Accessible from about LW+3 Mud below the shingle so if a bit early, you could get a bit muddy.

Hazards:
Nothing visible at low tide to cause any problems.