The Walk: This walk goes along the beach on the Southern shore of Hayling Island, starting at West Beachlands, and going around the Sandy Point 'peninsula' (aka Black Point).
Map
NB The map shows my GPS track, with various diversions and excursions which you may not wish to follow precisely.
Why do it: Out of season, when all the seaside attractions are closed, you will have the shingly beach largely to yourself. The path around the Sandy Point 'peninsula' skirts a nature reserve, and the Point is also home to the Hayling Island Sailing Club. There are great views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, and across Chichester Harbour to West Wittering and East Head, and in the distance, the South Downs.
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| Close to the elements |
Distance: 6 miles
Logistics: Park at West Beachlands Car Park (charge). Walk to Sandy Point and around the 'headland' then follow roads for a short distance (see map) to bus stop for the 31 bus back, alighting at the Staunton Avenue bus stop, a short walk away from your start. (You could try a short excursion to Sparkes Marina, where you will find the Drift Restaurant - check web for details.)
Challenges: Hayling beach is mainly shingle, so quite heavy going. The alternative is to walk along the sea front paths and grass. In season, there will be crowds enjoying the beach. Sandy Point is best at low tide when more of the sandy beach is exposed.
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| Shingle - lots of it |
Refreshments: Several cafes, kiosks etc along the sea front in season. John's cafe and the Inn on the Beach at West Beachlands seem to be open all year, and the Isla Bay Cafe (see map) was welcoming. There is also the Drift Restaurant at Sparkes Marina if you fancy something a bit more fancy (check web for details).
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| Isla Bay Cafe |
Nearby Walks
To The West: Hayling Island (West Shore), including a circuit of the Sinah Peninsula from West Beachlands Car Park.
To the North: Hayling Island (East Shore)
To The East: West Wittering to Itchenor
For a map showing all of my coastal walks, see here.
Photos
November, sunny but blustery (aka Force 8 gale)
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| Rough day at the Inn |
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| White Horses |
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| Hayling sea front |
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| Breakers |
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| Funland |
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| Foam |
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| Weeeee..! |
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| Obelisk |
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| The East end of the beach has breakwaters |
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| On the prom |
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| Play park |
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| Shingle banked up to provide protection |
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| Looking back from atop the banked shingle |
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| The 'prom' |
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| Rock revetments |
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| The track out to Sandy Point |
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| Beach towards Sandy Point |
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| Approaching Hayling island Sailing Club |
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| Looking back |
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| Ever closer to Hayling Island Sailing Club |
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| Dog |
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| Rounding Sandy point |
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| The 'bay' inside Sandy Point |
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| Inside Sandy Point |
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| Sandy Point lives up to its name |
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| 'Inner' beach at Sandy Point |
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| Heading back down the inner beach |
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| The inner bay - Sparkes Marina to the left, Sailing Club to the right |
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| Drift restaurant at Sparkes Marina (closed when I was there) |
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| Sparkes Marina |
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