Lepe to Warsash

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Lepe SZ 454 985
Calshot SU 488 024
Warsash SU 489 060

Lepe is a handy start point for a trip up the Beaulieu River, or passages along the coast in either direction. Parking at the waterfront is £3 for 4 hours. In stronger winds / tides, the sea along this coast can be very confused, disturbed by several shallow spits jutting out several hundred yards from the shore line. This can present difficult launching / landing conditions.

Access / Put-ins:
Lepe beach has two large car parks - bring money for the pay and display.
Calshot beach will offer shelter from any wind, however I am not certain about road access to the end of this spit. There are two public car parks at the landward end of the spit. Access is directly into deep water. Warsash offers a (free) long and short stay car park at the public hard.

All three places offer access at all states of the tide which is a bonus.



On the beach at Lepe, preparing for breakfast. Griff (yellow Prijon Kodiak) & Gav (red Easky 15)

Features:
This is a fairly exposed stretch of coast line, that does not offer much shelter. The paddler is either in deep water competing with shipping or in shallow breaking water.
The stretch from Lepe to Calshot is largly desolate, which in itself makes a pleasant change in an otherwise busy Solent.

Nature:
Some bird life, but nothing to write home about.

History:
This stretch of coast is deserted for a reason. The remains of concrete ramps are clearly visibile along the beach, a reminder that this was an embarkation beach for Operation Overlord. It is worth pausing for a moment as you paddle past. How many men left this beach never to return is a humbling question.

Waterside Pubs:
The Rising Sun at Warsash. Opposite the car park and hard. A perfect end / lunch stop.

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. Crossing the shipping channel from Calshot to Warsash brings obvious hazards. Don't underestimate the wake generated by the Red Funnel fast-cats. They do not slow down at all.