Hampshire Paddleboarding, Hampshire-SUP
Paddleboarding-Calshot Lagoon to Ashlett Creek
Paddleboarding Calshot Lagoon
A rich mix of coastal beauty and military history, this route explores the sheltered waters of Calshot Lagoon before skirting Southampton Water to Ashlett Creek and its historic inn. Protected from the Solent by the 1.5km-long shingle bank of Calshot Spit, the lagoon is a haven of saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats, supporting a wide range of resident and migratory birds.
Launch from the north side of Calshot Spit to enter the lagoon, taking time to explore the waters around Calshot Castle. Built by Henry VIII in 1539, this low, circular stone fortress once mounted heavy guns to defend the vital harbour at Southampton from seaborne attack.
Nearby, the vast hangars of Calshot Activities Centre were originally constructed as part of Calshot Naval Air Station, used for operating flying boats. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Calshot also hosted the prestigious Schneider Trophy – an international seaplane racing competition that played a key role in the development of high-speed aircraft.
Continue north past the perimeter of the former Fawley Power Station to enter Ashlett Creek and the small, picturesque harbour beyond. Here, the Jolly Sailor – a historic smuggler’s inn – offers a warm welcome and open fire, to warm up before returning the same way.
Full route map: www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-calshot-ashlett-creek/
Access: No licence required.
Launch point: Calshot Lagoon beach.
Parking: Calshot Activities Centre (charges), Jack Maynard Road, Fawley, SO45 1BR; Grid ref. SU 487 020; Lat/long 50.81595, -1.30937.
Pitstops: Calshot Activity Centre, basic grub with great views across The Solent https://www.facebook.com/CalshotCafeBar/?locale=en_GB ; The Jolly Sailor, cosy pub for food and drink www.facebook.com/AshlettCreekJollySailor/?locale=en_GB
Camping: Stunning views over the Solent to the Isle of Wight and beachside camping with Calshot Activities Centre (annual Calshot Camping Access pass required for pitch booking – £35). hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/calshot/stay/camping
Getting there: J2 M27, then A326 south towards Fawley. Look out for the brown tourist signs for Calshot Activities Centre.
Special points: During spring tides a double high tide can occur, giving more time to explore within the lagoon. It’s best to enter as soon as the mudbanks are covered, which can be up to 2.5hrs before high water (HW). Be mindful that the lagoon empties quickly, and can catch paddlers out. It’s recommended to exit 1hr after HW or stay within the deeper water around the end of the spit.
OS Map: OS Explorer OL22, New Forest.
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