Undoubtedly one of the best things about living in Lymington is its close proximity to both the sea and the New Forest. There is no beach worthy of the name at Lymington, but it does have the sea wall, with part of the Solent Walk running along the top.
Running as it does between the Solent and the old salt pans (now an RSPB sanctuary) it is truly one of my favourite places to go. I can’t help but de-stress when we go for a walk down there, regardless of weather. Good views across to the Island (no-one round here calls it the Isle of Wight) on a clear day and the constant procession of boats add to the feel-good factor for me. If you go down just before dusk the Whitelink ferries take on an almost magical quality as they pass each other brightly lit. In fact although it is perfectly pleasant on a hot summer day, standing on the wall with a stiff south westerly blowing and a storm on the way is something to be experienced. In fact there is one point where you can stand and lean into the wind a la Titanic. Best tried in a constant wind as there is a danger of an early bath if the wind suddenly drops.
There may not be a beach, but there is the Lymington Yacht Haven. It’s not paradise, but if you like boats, it’s a great place to dream. With a yacht brokers right next to the moorings for hundreds of gleaming sail and motor boats, you get to realise how much some people have spent to get their small and not so small bits of marine real estate onto the water. Anyone looking to make a yacht-sized tax write-off, I’m in the market.
It’s been quite a strange autumn in the Forest with some trees showing spectacular colours and others not yet turned. I have some photos I took recently and intend to post them with a bit more info soon. So before I run the risk of an English Tourist Board award for promoting the area, I’ll quit whilst still ahead.