Exbury Gardens and Lepe Country Park
Recommended by
Our view
"Combine a delightful walk walk along the Solent foreshore with a visit to a magnificent woodland garden on the banks of the Beaulieu River."
Walk directions
Walk west from the shore car park along the road. Keep left along the path above the foreshore, and pass the Watch House. Then, at a small white lighthouse, turn right, going up the slope to meet the lane. Turn left then, as the road curves left, go through a kissing gate on the right. Walk along the field edge then bear left through a gate and over a bridge.
Keep alongside the fence to a kissing gate and proceed straight across the field. Briefly pass beside some woodland and follow the path to a gap in the hedge near a telegraph pole. Follow the path across the next large field and into the woodland ahead. Continue through the trees, bearing right after crossing a footbridge, then right with a waymarker post to join a fenced bridleway arrowed to the left.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Fields, woodland and foreshore paths, some roads, 3 stiles
Landscape
- Coastline and farmland dotted with woodland
Dog friendliness
- Keep dogs under control at all times
Parking
- Pay-on-exit car park at Lepe Country Park
Toilets en route
- Lepe Country Park
About the walk
With its shingle beaches, wild natural habitats and clumps of pine trees, Lepe Country Park is a perfect place to begin exploring one of the remote and most beautiful stretches of the Hampshire coast. It affords superb views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and provides an excellent vantage...
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Walking in Safety
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Hampshire’s varied landscape of hills and heaths, downlands and forests, valleys and coast are without rival in southern England. Hike across the chalk downland of the north Hampshire ‘highlands’, meander along peaceful paths through unspoilt river valleys of the Test, Itchen, Avon and Meon, or explore the lonely salt marshes and the beautiful medieval forest and heathland of the New Forest.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Duke of York Inn
The Duke of York , a very welcoming family-run inn for many years. Ideally located only a short walk from the chain ferry & Cowes boating community & close to the centre. Comfortable en...
Master Builder's House
The tranquil Beaulieu River, on the Beaulieu estate, is the setting for the Master Builder's House, that dates from when many naval ships were built in Buckler’s Hard. The main house be...
Waverley Park Holiday Centre
A very well situated family park offering some extremely good sea views. Tiered grounds offering very good locations for enjoying the surrounding area....
The Montagu Arms Hotel
Situated at the heart of a charming village and surrounded by glorious New Forest scenery, The Montagu Arms Hotel dates back to 1742, and still retains the character of a traditional co...
Quarters Hamble
Quarters Hamble is tucked away in a quiet close near the river and yacht clubs, making it a particularly popular place for keen sailors. A short walk from the village with its restauran...
Quarters Hamble
Quarters Hamble is tucked away in a quiet close near the river and yacht clubs, making it a particularly popular place for keen sailors. A short walk from the village with its restauran...
The Prince Consort
The Prince Consort is just five minutes' walk from the seafront, and enjoys a friendly atmosphere. Food is available every evening in the spacious bar and restaurant. Bedrooms are conte...
Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat
This luxury park is located on the north-east shore of the Isle of Wight near Wootton Bridge – the setting is absolutely fabulous and the sloping terrain offers lovely views over the So...
Places to eat nearby View all
