15 – Portsmouth and Southsea to Portsmouth Harbour

Description

The Hills to Harbour Trail is a series of self-guided walking routes that link the stations along the railway between Guildford and Portsmouth. You can walk between any pair of stations.

Walk 15 is 3.4 miles long. It takes you from Portsmouth and Southsea to Portsmouth Harbour railway station and is wheelchair accessible. Walk back in time to the Cathedral and historic docks. Finish at the ultra-modern Gunwharf Quays and Spinnaker Tower. If you still have some energy, there is HMS Victory and the Mary Rose to explore at the Navel Dockyard close by.

There are many refreshment opportunities along the route from food kiosks and cafes, to pubs and restaurants. A cafe near the start of the walk is marked on the map together with the general areas where you will find a place to enjoy a break.

Start and End

Portsmouth and Southsea/
Portsmouth Harbour

Distance

3.4 miles

Time

1 hour 45 mins

Grade

1/10 - Flat and paved throughout.

Accessibility

Push/wheelchair accessible

Route Map
Download GPX File

Upload the GPX file to your walking app

Walk Instructions

  1. There are a couple of exits from Portsmouth and Southsea Station. Whichever one you come out of, head for the trees at the end of the carpark. Cross at the light-controlled crossing heading towards the building marked Catherine House.
  2. Once across the road, turn left towards the rail bridge but do not go under it. Just before the bridge, turn right along the path signed to Victoria Park.
  3. At the junction of paths, bear right to cross the park, passing the aviary on your left.
    (Victoria Park opened in 1878 making it the first public park in Portsmouth. There is more to see in the park than may first meet the eye. See the notes in the introduction for more details.)
  4. Exit to the right of the cafe on the far side of the park. Cross straight ahead at the light-controlled junction and continue forward into the 20mph zone along Queen Street. (The road name is not signed but the traffic sign indicates ‘Historic Dockyard’.)
  5. Turn first left into Lion Terrace. (Signed as a walking route to the Registry Office.)
  6. Continue forward through the fringes of the University of Portsmouth (first beside a road with cars parked, then through a broad, paved area.) At the end of the paved area, continue forward along Burnaby Road (un-signed).
  7. Pass under the railway bridge and continue forward along Burnaby Road at the crossroads.
  8. At the T-junction with Cambridge Road (un-signed), bear right to cross the road and then through the tunnel under the building. This takes you into the grounds of the University of Portsmouth. Bear slightly left, away from the road, to follow the path.
  9. Keep generally right as you pass through the grounds. At the cross paths, turn right to the exit from the University grounds onto Museum Road.
  10. Turn left along Museum Road (unsigned.)
    (As you emerge from the University grounds, Portsmouth Museum faces you on the other side of the road. Entry is free. Check the website for opening times. There are exhibits charting the history of Portsmouth, an art gallery, and a cafe in the Museum.)
  11. At the roundabout, turn right along King’s Terrace (unsigned).
  12. Bear first right along Victoria Avenue (unsigned).
  13. Pass the Holiday Inn on your right then bear right along Pembroke Road (unsigned).
  14. Continue forward to the High Street. Turn left.
    (On the other side of the road, Portsmouth Cathedral is open to visitors when the building is not otherwise in use and there are a number of pubs along the High Street.)
  15. Turn first left through the cobbled area of Grand Parade.
  16. At the far side of Grand Parade, turn right towards the ramparts. A ramp provides access to the ramparts.
    (We will return to the bottom of the ramp to continue the walk so there is no obligation to climb the slope. At the top, there are seats and a fine view of the sea.)
  17. Return down the ramp.
    (‘Millennium Promenade’ runs along the ramparts but there are steps at various points, some of them quite steep. If you wish to continue at this high level, follow the special paving that marks the route until you descend the steps to Tower Alley. )
  18. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left and along Battery Row (un-signed) keeping the ramparts to your left.
  19. Continue forward keeping the ramparts to your left until you come into an area with a cafe and shops occupying the arches under the ramparts. Pass round the right-hand end of the shops and turn left and immediately left again into Tower Alley. (There is a telephone box on the corner, but you may not see this until you are right next to it.)
  20. At the end of Tower Alley, turn right along Tower Street.
  21. Continue to follow the paving marking the Millennium Promenade through the narrow back streets of Old Portsmouth. At the point, pause to take in the excellent view of the harbour and the Spinnaker Tower. Go around the point to continue along the Millennium Promenade as it doubles back along the other side of the peninsular.
  22. Look out for the Public Footpath sign directing you left into Feltham Row.
  23. At the end of Fetham Row, turn left.
  24. Cross the entrance to the Isle of Wight vehicle ferry and continue forward for another 70 yards to the exit from the ferry. Cross the exit road and turn immediately left to follow the pavement on the far side of the exit road. There is a small, round, stone tower projecting over the pavement on the corner.
    Continue towards the ferry building following the Millennium Trail through a wrought iron gate to your right.
  25. As you round the corner, the shops of Gunwharf Quay come into view. Turn left over the bridge. Ultimately you need to find the pedestrian exit at the end of the main avenue (Vernon Avenue – unsigned) that takes you out towards Portsmouth Harbour Station.
    (You are free to explore! You will find many places to eat and drink. )
  26. The exit from Gunwharf Quays is via a pedestrian tunnel under the railway. Go through the tunnel and turn left.
  27. In about 50 yards, turn left through the pedestrian area keeping the bus station to your right. This will take you to the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour Station.

Safe Walking

Walking is a sociable activity so travel with someone else if you can. It’s also best for safety. Follow the usual walking guidelines about clothing, footwear, drinks, food, and first aid kit. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back

Refreshments

Many stations have opportunities nearby for refreshments when you arrive. The towns have cafes and pubs, and there are some along the route as well. They may have more restricted opening than those in London, particularly for serving food, so check websites for opening times when planning.

Reporting footpath issues

The Hills to Harbour Trail crosses three counties, all of which have good, on-line facilities for reporting rights of way issues. If you find something that needs fixing, please report it on the appropriate webpage.

Search for “report rights of way” followed by the county name.