Sturt Pond Walk

Sturt Pond Walk is a 1.1-mile loop from Hurst Road East Amenity Car Park, skirting the tidal pond and reaching the shingle edge of Hurst Spit. Allow about an hour for an easy, low-level walk with waterbirds, open Solent views and a look toward Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight Needles. It suits a relaxed birdwatching stop; loose shingle is the main catch.

From the car park, the route follows a surfaced path and pavement before turning onto a broad dirt-and-shingle track along the pond. It passes two wooden bridges and reaches a short ramp on the shingle bank, where the coast opens toward Hurst Castle. The mapped return loops back toward the same car park. Hurst Spit partly shelters the tidal inlet from onshore winds, and the pond draws geese, ducks and waders, especially in winter. At the ramp, include a little of the shingle bank in front of the Solent so a phone photo shows both shore and water.

Start at Hurst Road East Amenity Car Park, which has nine accessible bays, easy-access toilets and a café. The walk is described as easygoing, but loose gravel and shingle, especially between the bridges, can be difficult for some wheelchair and mobility-scooter users. Dogs are welcome; keep them under control around wintering geese and nesting birds.