A day at Milford on Sea

Tuesday 24th August

We set off by car, around 10 to Milford on Sea, near the Needles’ Eye cafe. We walked into the ‘village’ centre, looking for a toilet - the place is actually decently supplied, in the village and along the shore.

We called in at an art exhibition, then walked further to see another one at the church hall. The church is one of those Hampshire churches with a strange little spire stuck on top of a tower, quite stubby.

Back down to the beach , where we bought a coffee, just beating the rush.

We ate our remaining cake and then walked along the beach westwards to sit and draw a while.

Harry did a very fine  oil pastel sketch of the Needles and lighthouse with sea and clouds.

We bought sandwiches in the local co-op and ate them on the green.

Then up to the churchyard to draw the church itself.

Esther called, and we had a coffee from The Cave. We eventually left some time after 6pm. The Isle of Wight was much clearer now.

 The drive back was good, with no hold-up in Lyndhurst at our late-ish return time.

New Forest Jaunts - 3. Milford on Sea to Hurst Castle

Thursday 22 February. Another brilliantly bright day, with cold winds, but not quite as strong as on Tuesday. Just over four miles altogether.
So - we drove to Milford on Sea once more, but this time we walked along the shingle spit to Hurst Castle. The link shows the situation clearly, and relates the history of the place - from Henry VIII via Charles I and the Napoleonic wars to World War II.  

Lots of swans and Brent geese. 

 Dramatic skies over the Island.

 Great surface for walking?

 William Blake skies

 The lighthouse.

We walked round the castle and back to a sheltered spot in the sun - for coffee, cereal bars and a sketch or two.

Back to the Needles Eye cafe for lunch - outside in the sun and sheltered from the wind.

A rather sad footnote about Hurst Castle - some of it collapsed on February 26th 2021.

More New Forest jaunts - 1 Milford on Sea

A drive to Milford on Tuesday 20 Feb, then a short stroll along the shore path. We decided against continuing to Hurst Castle on this occasion. I didn't fancy walking back into the cold wind. We opted for a coffee and a large scone in the Needles' Eye.

Sunlight on the water, with the Isle of Wight and the Needles.

 Coffee and a scone!

Bright and very breezy

Putting on layers after leaving the warmth of the cafe.