How to get there - From junction 3 of the M27, exit onto M271 toward Southampton/The Docks. After 1.8 miles at Redbridge Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A35 ramp to Totton/Lyndhurst/Fawley/A326 for 1.3 miles. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Marchwood Bypass/A326. Go through 2 roundabouts then after 5.1 miles at Roman Rd, take the 5th exit onto Beaulieu Rd/B3054. Continue to follow B3054 for 3.0 miles then turn left at High St/B3054. After 0.2 miles turn left at Hatchet Lane/B3054 then after 2 miles and passing the signs for the Yaught Harbour left following signs to Bucklers Hard Historic Maritime Village.
For those with SatNav the postcode is SO42 7XB.
Get a map with driving directions to
start (enter the postcode of your starting point at A)
Suggested Launch Site - The Harbour Master will let you launch from the slipway at the dinghy park for a fee of £5.00 which will include all day parking. You will need to return your car to the car park after unloading.
General
Description - This is a tidal river so it will be much easier if you launch on a rising tide and return on a falling tide.
Turn left (upriver) and paddle to Beaulieu (about 2.5 miles). Perhaps picnic at the public green to the right of the causeway before returning with the tide.
Bucklers Hard is a well preserved site of one of the 18th century boatyards that built the "wooden walls" of Nelsons Navy. Beaulieu (meaning beautiful clearing) is the location of the National Motor Museum.
