Maps of Southbourne Beach Access Points
The vast majority of people who fish Southbourne Beach will navigate to Warren Edge, or more recently called SOBO Beach. This is a fantastic place to fish, of course, but can get busy due to the popularity of the venue. There are actually six different access points between Boscombe Pier and the end of the prom. All of which I fish regularly with great success.
I have found fishing quieter stretches of the beach, away from everyone else, is nearly always more productive. Quite simply, you are not sharing the fish with anyone else!
It is worth pointing out the eastern most access (Harbour Road/End of Prom) is by far the easiest access point, so if you are less physically able, then this is a great spot for you. The further West you go, the steeper the cliff becomes and the worse the zigzags become!
The following maps work from west to east.
First up we have Manor Steps Zigzag. Parking is on Boscombe Overcliff Drive, opposite Grovely Avenue. Postcode BH5 1FH will get you there. This section is only 4 groyne bays to the east of Boscombe pier.
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Next up is Portman Ravine. Parking here is on Boscombe Overcliff Drive opposite Ravine Road. Postcode BH5 2DW will get you there. This is one of the three main areas I fish as it's usually very quiet. Possibly because of the severity of the zigzag! You have been warned!
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Fisherman's Walk. Again, parking is on Boscombe Overcliff Drive, although at this point it changes to Southbourne Overcliff Drive! Look for Cafe Riva, this is the start of the zigzag. Postcode BH5 2EL will get you there.
The best named location of the lot of them, surely? Oddly not one I fish that often. I'm not entirely sure why, but I seem to end up either side at Portman or Gordon's more often than here! The zigzag is long, but a gentler gradient than the two either side.
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Gordon's ZigZag is another steep access with lots of turns! Parking is on Southbourne Overcliff Drive opposite Clifton Road. Postcode BH6 3NL will get you there.
This is one of my favourite spots, despite the zigzag! It's my first port of call if Warren Edge is busy, or I just fancy somewhere a little quieter.
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Warren Edge, or more recently named SOBO Beach by younger trendier people than me! Although there is a large car park here, the parking on the road above the car park is free!
Definitely the most famous part of Southbourne Beach and where I spend a lot of time, along with many others! Access is pretty easy, a shortish and relatively gently single slope down to the beach from the centre of the car park, or at the eastern end of the car park a short slope and a few steps down.
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Parking on Harbour Road gives you access to the end of prom section and Solent Meads. Postcode BH6 4DD will get you there. The road is free to park after 7pm between 1st May and 30th September, and free 24/7 outside of these dates.
A short walk straight down the slope infront of Harbour Rd, or slightly to your left a few short steps. This is definitely the best access point for those who require a short walk and easy access.