Best Beaches in the Solent?

[benc]

Hi Guys,

Summer is coming, and I am going to spend time getting the boat ready to enjoy some family days out...

What sandy beaches are around in the solent, which I can either beach the boat, or anchor+swim/dinghy in?

Thanks

Ben

[Andy Moore]

Colwell Bay

[benc]

Anything to worry about on the beach there?

[Andy Moore]

Originally Posted by benc

Anything to worry about on the beach there?

There are a few lumps of rock, if I remember correctly.

[Limey Linda]

Check out Shellbay/Studland beaches. S. side of Poole harbour. Warning there is a nudist beach at the Studland end. While there you can also visit Sandbanks, Poole harbour, Brownsea etc. On the way there you could visit Bournmouth beach, which is very nice. Just google Shellbay Poole.

[LURCHER]

Not strictly Solent but East Head in Chichester Harbour is really nice but very crowded at weekends , You can anchor off the western point and almost step ashore unless the winter gales have changed the shape . I notice that the Winner has moved again .It does have a very strong tidal flow on the point but easier towards the eastern end .

[Scoobysnax]

If going into Chichester harbour keep a close eye on your speed. I believe the speed limit is 6 knots and there are frequent patrols to catch the speedsters...with accompanying large fines

[Jeremy]

Priory Bay just South of Seaview on Isle of Wight - but don't tell anyone.

[Nasher]

Originally Posted by Jeremy

Priory Bay just South of Seaview on Isle of Wight - but don't tell anyone.

Mmm.
Last time we were there every man, his dog, and his mates had been told.

Actually its quite nice, but beware how little water there is a surprising distance off the beach.

Nasher.

[timboli]

Ryde is sandy,by the marina,high tide only,you can moor off the beach in good weather but there can be a cross tide or you can moor in the marina and walk to the beach but watch the time as it all drys out!

[Pete7]

If its flat calm then there is one just round the Needles called Scratchells, which can't be accessed easily except by boat. There is a cave to swim in and teh sun reflecting off the white cliffs really does make this a sun trap, but be aware of a large rock just below the surface to the south of the beach. Since there are at least 2 shipwrecks on the Needles its worth checking the beach for pieces of eight that might have washed up in the winter storms.

Pete

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

There are a few lumps of rock, if I remember correctly.

At least your beaches aren't mined

[MarkWildey]

Agree with Pete7.

The bay next to the Needles is great and the cave at the east end of the bay is quite interesting.

Cheers

Mark

[Peter J]

I like studland bay and Swanage but they are not strictly speaking in the Solent. Priory bay has been mentioned but I heard the sand has gone. Is that right? Where are the Jackeens, they will tell you.

Alum Bay is nice but not sandy.

[benc]

Thanks for the responses guys, I will have to go have a look around, and check the places out that have been mentioned!