Solent Crossing - Calshot to Cowes

Grid Refs
Cowes (Egypt Point) SZ 488 966
Calshot SU 483 015

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The Route
The main advantage of this route is that the prospect of meeting any large shipping is significantly reduced as there is only one infrequently used shipping lane to cross. The usual Solent tidal issues apply, but care needs to be taken on the Cowes side as the rates of flow can be up to three knots. Help yourself by getting up tide on the Calshot side, but only when the tide is heading east, ie two hours before low water to two hours before highwater approx. If the tide is setting the other way, you have no choice but to crab across as being uptide would put you directly in the shipping lane.

Two gauge your progress there is a useful transit to observe. Look at the centre of Cowes and a pair of chimneys can be seen in the background (an old powerstation). At Calshot, the dominating presence of Fawley Chimney provides the other point. Imagine a line between the two and see which side of the line you are on. Don't underestimate the tide at Cowes. The north cardinal mark Gurnard Ledge will lean in the direction of the tide quite noticeably, but once inside the rate of flow drops away quite quickly to a back eddy running against the main flow of tide.

Access / Put-ins:
Calshot has parking at the top of the beach. I'm not sure whether this free or not.
On the Isle of Wight, access can be had at Egypt Point though no parking is apparent.

Nature:
None apparent.

History:
None apparent.

Waterside Pubs:
Not on this route, though several in Cowes itself.

Hazards:
The bulk of commercial shipping leaves Southampton via the eastern Solent. The channel between Southampton Water and Cowes has a large dog leg in it which can make it look as though a ship is heading straight for you. It will probably turn away from you, but be aware - some ships do leave via the western Solent. Keep a sharp look out.

Strong tides mentioned above.