Hythes' Secret…
the Waterfront
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?
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.
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.
Walk back up the garden of The Grove; this fine old house now houses the Parish Council and provides office space to several charities.
