Owers Lake

This is a real secret, we very rarely see another visitor. Directly under the chimney of Fawley power station, the anchorage is sheltered and accessible to boats up to about 1.5m draft (mid to high tide). Anchor in the middle of the pool. There is a water tap on the small pier which I'm sure the local club members would not begrudge you using.

You can get ashore at all but dead low water (but don't use the pier as it gets locked; and you may need boots). The area is a noted and protected area for all manner of wading and shore birds including Herons and Egrets.

Walk south east from Owers Lake along to Calshot (See the Map below), with it's activity centre, castle and lifeboat station. Don't be put off by the guard at the gate, he's there to stop unruly car parking. The lifeboat members are usually pleased to show you round the station. The activity centre has a cafe in one of the big hangars which you may find open. If that cafe is closed there's another overlooking the beach back toward the village of Calshot. They do a splendid all day breakfast.

Walking north west from Owers takes you across fields to the pub and watermill at Ashlett creek.

Over the years we've noticed that this creek is gradually silting up and it may not be too many years before it becomes too shallow to be convenient. Already a 5ft draft boat will settle into the mud at low water.

Guide price : Free.

The entrance channel to Owers Lake, from the inside, looking out towards Southampton Water.

The view to the north from Owers Lake.

The view to the south from Owers Lake. From the left is Calshot lifeboat station, Calshot Castle and The Calshot activities centre.

Here are a couple of pleasant walks with, if you are lucky, a reward at the end. At the right time of year there are plenty of blackberries to be picked.