Author Archives: Leigh Hatts

About Leigh Hatts

Leigh Hatts is an experienced walker and has known the local coastline since childhood. He is the author of many successful walking guides.

Hordle Cliff closed

The Hordle Cliff path has been closed. The one mile between Barton-on-Sea and Milford-on-Sea has suffered further erosion. An inspection from the beach suggests that the path has now been undermined east of Taddiford Gap in addition to other places. … Continue reading

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Victoria’s doctor James Clark lived on Bournemouth coast

In ITV’s Victoria on Sunday night we saw the Queen’s doctor Sir James Clark called in to examine Lady Flora Hastings. The year was 1839 although the drama suggests it was 1838 and at the time of the Coronation. That … Continue reading

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Path closed at Highcliffe Castle

The coast path at Highcliffe has been closed at the point where it leaves the castle grounds to run east along the cliff towards Chewton Bunny. The closure of the castle’s zig-zag path is now expected to be in place … Continue reading

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Bournemouth Air Festival Thursday 2016

Bournemouth Air Festival starts this Thursday 18 August and runs until Sunday. Flying takes places between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers every afternoon. Bournemouth’s East Cliff will be packed but many walkers enjoy watching from further east or west or even from the … Continue reading

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Southbourne has a top fish and chip shop

Ashley’s Fish and Chips shop at Southbourne has been shortlisted for the 2017 Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award. The Southbourne shop one of six in the South and West of England to appear on the judges’ list. The … Continue reading

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Highcliffe beach hut plan shelved

An horrendous plan to build 12 overnight beach huts on concrete rafts along the natural cliff at Highcliffe has been cancelled. The decisive action was taken not by Christchurch Council but Plum Pictures television company. The huts were to have been built … Continue reading

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Bournemouth Coast Path or Cote d’Azur

The coast path is proving a delight to walk this sunny weekend. The path between Flaghead Chine and Branksome Chine suddenly has the feel of the South of France with lush growth, bright sun, blue sky and a little breeze. … Continue reading

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Transfiguration summer fete

This Saturday 6 August is The Transfiguration and the Church of The Transfiguration at Poole Head is having a Summer Fete at 2pm. The church is in Chaddesley Glen off Shore Road. There is a footpath up from the promenade. **The Transfiguration … Continue reading

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Lymington Sea Water Bath is ‘a top lido’

Delighted to see Leamington’s Sea Water Baths listed in The Times as one of  The 20 Best Lidos. “Outdoor pools across the country are having a revival,” says Emily Sargent. She points out that Lymington’s bath is “the oldest of its … Continue reading

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Highcliffe’s TV beach huts: Natural England against plan

Christchurch MP Christopher Chope has revealed that plans for erecting beach huts at Highcliffe as part of ‘George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces’ TV show are unacceptable to Natural England. The MP was speaking in Parliament on Wednesday having secured an adjournment … Continue reading

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