By Katie Isham.
In the midst of a cold, dark winter, any bright, sunny days are heralded like the returning hero after a battle; the second coming of a messiah. Any appearance of the sun from behind the great, grey shroud we currently live under, and we must make haste to the waves of Southampton Water. Any coast line will do but Weston Shore is a glory site for many of us.
Pushchairs prepped, runners on their blocks, scooter wheels greased, dogs chomping at the lead; the tiniest hint of that bright ball in the sky and we are there, wandering and apricating ‘til the clouds come home.
Next time the sun appears (who knows when?), be ready. Head down the length of Weston Lane and (if you can find space amongst the migratory hordes of sun worshippers) start this particular sojourn by the On the Water Cafe. There’s a small car park on the meandering bend of Weston Lane with the cafe and toilet block attached. Empty bladders or fill cups as required, then it’s time for a little shoreline safari.
Go past the car park and upstream towards Southampton. There’s a narrow walkway before it opens up into a massive green space a stone’s throw from the water. This may look like just a big field, but it’s the greatest playground around for so many doggy friends. The grass is crisscrossed by paws, slow and fast; some bounding around, some trotting nonchalantly; there are runners and circlers; some chase birds and some find the best scents in the postcode; some want to start a scrap and some come sniffing around wanting to befriend everyone. If you have a dog, take it here. If you love dogs, take yourself here for a canine sensory overload.
There’s even a boardwalk at the back of the field with a built-up bench to paws and survey the scene. When ready, take the new route through the field. Running alongside the wall that divides the open space from the housing estate, a new runway of trees has taken root. Walk the path running parallel to the wall; a mix of leafed lovelies starting their journeys flank your passage. It has a wonderful perspective to it, both in the symmetrical nature of the lines and being in on the ground floor of a new addition to the Southampton landscape.
At the end of tree avenue there are a few choices to make: turn right into a tunnel of more established trees to join the end of Shoreburs Greenway; hook a short right to continue the path Woolston-bound; or make waves towards the actual shore of Weston Shore. Re-join the paved path and swing left to walk back along the field but this time with the sea on your right. Greet the water and at the sights on and across it. The towers and ferries are always busily doing their thing.
A longer pause can be taken at the seating areas along the promenade. Admire the poetry etched into the benches and the silhouette sculptures of people enjoying the leisure area. I dare you to recreate the poses.
Or you can really go off piste and scramble down the bank for a sit on the stones to take in the atmosphere. Pocket a few nuggets of sea glass, find a good skimmer or just enjoy the lapping of the waves. As the seemingly billions of people cycling, running, walking or scooting past will attest to, there’s nowhere better to be in Southampton when the sun is shining. Even if it is rather chilly still.
Cost: Free to walk and free parking (if you can find a space). Cost incurred if you partake in café or golfing activities.
Accessibility: Weston Shore is confusingly on the eastern side of the city, just south of Woolston and easily reached by many bus routes passing through. The paths are paved or shingled. The beach is reached by a steep step or a pathway by the café.
Facilities: The corner car park contains the café and toilet block. If you’re feeling particularly sporty, you can try your hand at Pitch and Putt when the course is open. More facilities can be found with a short walk to nearby Woolston to the west or a longer walk to Netley to the east.
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