Exploring the Bournemouth Coast Path

The Solent Way now runs even closer to the coast between Keyhaven and Lymington. Just after passing in front of Creek Cottage at Moses Dock, the path joins a lane to run through a tunnel of trees. But where the way becomes metalled the Solent Way now turns right. There is a new kissing gate. Follow the path and at a junction go left to walk along the high bank dividing Eight Acre Pond from the sea. At the far end keep forward. The old route described in the guide is still valid but the new route is an improvement as it avoids contact with car traffic. See Walk 7 pages 81 and 82.

The IMAX cinema building next to Bournemouth Pier has been voted the second ugliest in Britain. The new edition of the Bournemouth Coast Path guide had to drop the drawing of the town’s seafront entrance because the low rise swimming bath building had been replaced by the controversial cinema which blocks the view. The IMAX, which has now closed, was voted into second place by angry television viewers in a nationwide poll run by the Channel 4 programme Demolition. Former Ramblers’ Association President Janet Street-Porter, who expressed her horror at the building’s design and location, interviewed the former Council Leader who backed the planning application a decade ago. The coast path runs past the southern side of the hated building.

The Crow’s Nest cafe, above Chewton Bunny and at the end of Highcliffe, was destroyed by fire in 1990. Now yet another design for the replacement is to be considered. The new plan, by architect Darren Crain, would replace the existing toilets with new facilities and provide indoor and outdoor seating for diners. At present the only refreshment at this spot is ice cream from an occasional van.