Solent Crossing

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Southsea SZ 657 982
Nettlestone Point SZ 630 917
Priory Bay SZ 635 901

This route across the Solent is from Southsea (Portsmouth) to Nettlestone Point near Seaview, Isle of Wight.

Southsea

Southsea sea front is a long shingle beach extending for several miles between Portsmouth and Langstone Harbours. I selected a starting point just east of South Parade Pier, where the road (with on street pay & display parking) passes close to the water edge.

The Route

The route follows a line of submerged blocks (a sea defence for Portsmouth Harbour) south to Horse Sand Fort, a large disused circular fort still in the ownership of the Ministry of Defence. The blocks are a charted hazard to all shipping, both commercial and pleasure so afford good protection for paddlers over this two mile stretch of the route. From here, the route turns south west across the main shipping channel that carries shipping to Portsmouth and Southampton docks, to No Mans Land Fort, a similar fortress but converted in to an elaborate residence with tennis court,swimming pool and heli-pad. Reaching this fort marks the other side of the shipping channel and relative safety.

The Isle of Wight Coast

Continuing broadly south west takes you to Nettlestone Point, a rocky outcrop at the small village of Seaview. West of this point is two miles of sandy beach leading to Ryde. East of the headland leads to Seagrove Bay and further south east, Priory Bay and Bembridge Harbour.
Priory Bay is a beautiful sandy beach at the foot of a tree lined bank, making it very sheltered in a soutwesterly wind. The headlands at either end are rocky.

Bembridge Harbour is a picturesque haven for pleasure boats, with water side cafes either side of the harbour entrance.

Seaview is an attractive small coastal village with a waterfront cafe at the centre of Seagrive Bay.

Access / Put-ins:
The promenade at Southsea mostly follows the coast closely, with on street pay & display parking.

On the Isle of Wight, access can be had at Bembridge, Seaview and Ryde.

Nature:
In the summer months, dolphins are being sighted mroe frequently.

History:
The sea forts, dating from the 1860s onwards are the most significant historical feature at this end of the Solent. There are four, and this route passes by two of them and offers views of the smallest, St Helens Fort.


Waterside Pubs:
Waterside cafes at Bembridge Harbour, Seaview and at Southsea near the pier.

Hazards:
At 4.5 nautical miles, this route is possibly amongst the longest to cross the Solent and as such has a few hazard spots, but lots of relatively safe water.
Paddlers should allow for the set and strength of the tide and bear in mind that it flows at a faster rate in the shipping channel and on the Island side. The wind strength and direction can have a large effect too, on different sides of the Solent.
The tidal streams in the immediate vacinity of the sea forts are unusual, with distinct eddies and these areas can have very confused winds and sea.
Shipping is an obvious hazard, but bear mind that it will take at least 15 minutes in good conditions to cross the shipping channel and a lot of ships have a limited view directly ahead of them, are deceptively fast and restricted by their draft. If in doubt, stay near one of the forts for safety.
Also, a small change in the weather can have a dramatic effect on the sea conditions, especially in an easterly wind.