Beaulieu River and Lepe

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Beaulieu SU 388 023
Buckler's Hard SU 408 002
Lepe SZ 454 985

The Beaulieu River is a privately owned water way, in the ownership of Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. As such, expect to get stung for harbour dues if you paddle this river. The harbour master is very active, rushing about at high speeds in a number launches. We were lucky...

Unusually, the river is navigable to all manner of craft from the approach channel at Lepe, all the way to Beaulieu village, 5.5 nautical miles up the river. This is due to there being no bridges at all. The banks on both sides are privately owned (imagine the money involved!), except public landing is permitted at Buckler's Hard at the marina. Again, expect to be charged. The Master Builder pub is a good spot for refreshments.
Further up the river, the channel winds it way northwards, leaving the yacht moorings behind until you reach the quay wall on the right side. The bank here is hard shingle and the grass makes for a good picnic spot.



The sluice gate next to the quay marks the head of the navigable river. Just out of sight is the Montagu Arms Hotel, however you won't be able to keep any eye on your kayak, unless you walk up to the car park.

Timing your trip around high water means that you can come up on the flood and return on the ebb. I've done the trip at low water and did not find fighting the flood to be a problem. Allow 4 hours if you are going against the tide or the weather is less than favourable.

Buckler's Hard is approximately half way up the river and provides a convenient stop, or shorter trip for paddlers with less endurance. The river is quite scenic, more so than the other rivers on the north side of the Solent.

Lepe is a handy start point for river trips, or passages along the coast in either direction. Parking at the waterfront is £3 for 4 hours. In stronger winds, the sea in the Lepe approach channel can be very confused, with a three foot swell from several directions at once. Launching or landing could be tricky in these sea states. It was for me!

Lepe at low tide - the start of our trip. The white building on the right is an old coast guard cottage. The car park is behind it.

Lepe, four hours later - after an exciting surf through cross-seas. Gav holds off the beach just out of the surf, so I can get the camera ready!

Access / Put-ins:

Lepe beach has two large car parks - bring money for the pay and display.

Beaulieu village could be a launch point, but parking will be an issue.
would be easy however public parking is at a premium.

Features:

Plenty of shelter for a paddle in foul weather. Many boats and two pubs.

Nature:

I have never seen such an abundance of wading birds. There are many oyster catchers and curlews on the weedy mud banks. Lots of other bird life also present.

History:

Buckler's Hard is an ornamental village. Beaulieu is equally quaint.

Waterside Pubs:
The Master Builder at Buckler's Hard.

The Montagu Arms at Beaulieu.

Hazards:
A dangerous seaway can develop at Lepe. Be prepared if you started there in nice conditions. It can be very different on your return.