If arriving by train, sit back, relax and enjoy the train ride to Brockenhurst where you change for the connection to Lymington Pier. The train practically pulls onto the ferry itself, awaiting your arrival at the end of the pier. As you cross the Solent, consider reading Tennyson’s “Crossing the Bar”, a poem he wrote on the ferry to Yarmouth, and included later in this guidebook. Enjoy a coffee in Yarmouth before setting off alongside the River Yar. Tennyson’s Monument soon comes into view on top of Tennyson Down, giving you a foretaste of what is to come. The route takes you through Freshwater Bay but not before a world class cresting moment revealing the English Channel in front of you and the Solent behind. Pick up a coffee and a snack at The Freshwater Gate Café before heading up on Tennyson Down and the walk along its spine to the Needles view point. There are good short cut options all the way along or the Plan B option of a bus ride back from Alum Bay. As you traverse off Tennyson Down, the hard work has been done and there is a lovely café or the excellent pub ready to welcome you. From there it is a short hop back to Yarmouth, leaving time to reflect on a day well spent.
