www.shipwrights.org.uk
SECTION 11:
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
SECTION 11 ALTERNATIVE
This is an alternative to give a through route from Havant to
Portsmouth whilst the Hayling-Portamouth ferry is not operating.
It uses good Sustrans cycleways around the weatern side of
Langstone Harbour. Note that the Hayling section of
Shipwrights Way remains open (and is very picturesque) but that
without the ferry there is no way to cross to Portsmouth.
How far? This section is 7 miles long; you can return along the same
route or carry on along section 12 and return by train.
What will I see?
This section starts near the centre of Havant and runs along the northern and then the western side of Langstone
harbour. The harbour is an internationally important site for its wildfowl and wading birds—look out for Black-tailed
Godwits and large flocks of Brent Geese in winter and Oystercatchers. You will pass along the edge of Farlington nature
reserve, which is well worth a visit (leave cycles at the gates). There are far-reaching views across the harbour for nearly
all of this section.
Who can use it?
This section is open to walkers (and dogs) and cyclists and provides a
tarmacced, mostly flat route for pushchairs and mobility vehicles.
Between points A and B, walkers may instead wish to continue
southwards along Shipwrights Way as far as Langstone and then
use the Solent Way along the shoreline as shown on the map,
rejoining the main route at point B (this is not open to cyclists)
What is the path like?
The route is mostly flat and off-road on tarmac cycle lane and has no
steps or stiles; there is traffic noise when next to the motorway but for
the majority of this section the cycle lane is well away from the road.
Oystercatcher
How do I follow this section?
This section is not normally part of Shipwrights Way and so the small
blue signs are not used here. Instead please follow the Sustrans
cycle signage. At point A: leave Shipwrights Way as it passes
under East Street near The Spring (arts centre), and use East
Street; continue on at the crossroads past the church and through
the pedestrianised area. Then use the pedestrian crossings over
the main road, turn south and look out for the cycle route just
before Burger King. Travelling into the alternative from the other
end at Portsmouth (point C): as Shipwrights Way turns away from
the seafront at Eastney stay on the road (do not turn right into the
alleyway as Shipwrights does) until you come to a park on your right;
turn away from the road and across the park on a track which is clearly
signed.
Little Egret
What is the Shipwrights Way?
It is a new long-distance route linking villages and towns in east
Hampshire through some beautiful countryside. Starting at Alice Holt
Forest near Farnham, it runs down across the South Downs to the sea
at Portsmouth. The route is open to walkers and cyclists and, where
possible, horse-riders and people with disabilities.
Why ‘Shipwrights’? The name reflects the journey of oak grown at
Alice Holt to dockyards such as Portsmouth for medieval shipbuilding;
the route finishes at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home of the Mary
Rose and HMS Victory.
Who is providing the route? The project is a partnership between East
Hampshire District Council, Hampshire County Council, the Forestry
All photos are countesy
Commission and the South Downs National Park Authority. We were
of Peter Drury (copyright)
pleased to work closely with Havant Borough Council
Contact: [email protected] 0845 603 5636
and Portsmouth City Council in this area.
www.shipwrights.org.uk