Like many coastal and estuary villages, old Hythe turns it's back to the sea and river. Whether this is because our forbears did not like to be reminded of their working day is maybe one reason or perhaps… Who knows?
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| The Grove to the Promenade |
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Now this is changing – Hythe has an enchanting waterfront walk where the visitor can watch the ever-changing panorama of the Solent.
Giant container ships heading out for the Far East, car transporters deep-laden from the Continent and Japan, grain ships from the 'States, tall square-riggers, liners departing for ocean cruises and, of course, the yachts.
And for the bird-watcher on the quiet places of the waterfront can be seen Dunlin, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Redshank, Greenshank, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Curlew and Cormorant.
Also various gulls but mostly the Black-headed Gull and Herring Gull.
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| Sir Christopher Cockerell Memorial |
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So where do we start this walk? How about The Grove in St. John's Street. Park in the car park opposite and take the path at the side of The Grove down to the sea. The development to the right of the path is built on the site of the British Marine Institute and is where Sir Christopher Cockerell undertook development for the hovercraft. The monument shown right is situated on the site of the testing tank. The promenade to the left extends to the boatyard and to the right up to the new development that will eventually comprise houses, shops and restaurants. When complete the walk will extend along the sea-front of the development to a public slipway. Sit quiet on the seats and watch the seabirds or just enjoy.
Larger pictures can be accessed by clicking on any of the images below
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The garden of The Grove,
home
to the Parish Council |
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The promenade up to the
boatyard |
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From the new development
to the boatyard. |
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Left: St Christopher Court |
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