Rightly known as a yachting centre, Hamble also boast a historic Common and some fantastic views for walkers

HAMBLE is famous throughout the world as a yachting centre, but the village has another claim to fame. From earliest times the villagers have preserved their beautiful and historic common, claiming their rights to graze cattle and cut gorse for fuel.

The route for this 2.5 mile walk, taken from Anne-Marie Edwards' book Pub Stroll in Hampshire & the New Forest, explores the Common, following well-signed paths beside the river estuary.

1 From the car park on the square, turn left to the narrowest part of the High Street which runs steeply downhill to the waterfront. On your right you pass the 17th century Old House, half-timbered and infilled with herringbone brickwork. Pass the Victory Inn on your left. the narrow street curves right at the foot to the public hard and quay. bear right along the waterfront. Beside a grassy area you will see an anchor and plaque and beyond it a board giving Wartime Memories. This commemorates US naval Forces who built a dock in Hamble for landing craft as part of the preparations for D-Day. A little further on you come to a snack bar.

2 Turn right and walk up a narrow twisting street, Ferry Hill, to Hamble Green. Turn left, following the footpath sign marked to Hamble Common and the coast. This leads into woodland and information boards give details of the wildlife and history you will enjoy on this walk. Follow the circular walk signs and when the path divides take the left-hand path through the woods to emerge on the open Common. then the path bears left to follow the shore round creeks coloured purple in summer with sea asters and sea lavender. Keep to the main path as it curves right under trees once more to a three-way signpost. Turn left, signed Hamble Point via estuary. The path continues beside the estuary then leads up steps. After 50 yards go through a gate on the left to enter woods. Look for another gate on the left and make a detour through this gate to a magnificent viewpoint. Return to the circular route and follow the path over open common land and go through a gate to cross the road to the foreshore at Hamble Point. Now you enjoy fine views of Southampton Water. At low tide you can see the remains of St Andrew's Castle built off the Spit in 1544.

3 Turn right along the shingle to the Second World War Bofors gun. Leave the gun on you left and follow the narrow path along the waterside. when you come to a wide grassy area turn right as directed across he grass, then through woods. Take the left-hand path at a division to a three-way finger post.

4 Keep straight ahead signed Hamble Copse. spot the totem pole. Continue through the copse to a minor road, Hamble Lane. Turn right past the church to return to your car.

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