The Portsmouth to South Hayling section of the King Charles III England Coast Path is now officially open - offering visitors and residents alike a 22-mile route that takes in centuries of history, picturesque coastal scenes and rich wildlife habitats.
Natural England has formerly opened this "journey through Hampshire's heritage", which will eventually form a small part of an unbroken pathway circling the entirety of mainland Britain.
A historic start
It will come as no surprise that the Portsmouth section is rich in history and heritage - not least at its very start, next to the 15th century Round Tower that stands sentry over Portsmouth Harbour.
From there the walk heads along the fortifications of Old Portsmouth then onwards to Southsea - where the stunning new promenade offers walkers views across The Solent to one side and Southsea Common on the other.
There are many points of interest to spot along this section as well, among them Southsea Castle, Canoe Lake and Lumps Fort - now home to Southsea Model Village.
Rural walkways and wildlife habitats
After rounding Eastney Point the route heads northwards alongside Langstone Harbour, where the scenery changes from urban to estuarine. It's the first of a number of nationally important bird habitats, with the harbour's mudflats said to be home to as many as 40,000 birds during the winter months. Among these are Shelduck, Dunlin, Plover, Godwit, Redshank and Brent Geese.
Further on the route takes in another rich wildlife habitat - Farlington Marshes Nature Reserve - whose 123-hectares are home to grazing livestock, as well as the famed bird population that includes Avocets, Wigeons, Teals, Short Eared Owls, Redstarts, Spotted Flycatchers and many more besides.
Next up is the somewhat smaller Southmoor Nature Reserve, which has been kitted out with a £500,000 boardwalk as part of Natural England's work, to help improve access. Southmoor's tidal marshes support many species of small birds, including linnets, greenfinches and goldfinches, whilst the wet grassland hosts an abundance of southern marsh orchids.
South through Hayling Island
The coast path then runs south through Hayling Island - crossing the Langstone Bridge and following the much-loved Billy Trail. It passes oyster bed lagoons, as well as a saltmarsh and tidal inlet that forms a sheltered feeding area for the region's bird population.
It concludes on Hayling Island beach, having taken in the area's extensive sand dune system along its final stretch.
Walking the route
Over its 22-mile route the Portsmouth and Hayling Island section of the King Charles III Coast Path is relatively easy to walk, following generally flat trails that take in public footpaths, promenades and pavements. That said, watch out for one trickier section around Langstone Harbour which includes a walk on the shingle beach, which can be wet and muddy during winter months. Alternative routes that don't deviate far from the coast are available if needed.
The pathways also come with plenty to read and discover. Some 19 interpretation panels - with contributions from Bird Aware Solent - line the route, with information on the importance of bird awareness and sensitivity to nature.
Natural England's Graham Horton described the Portsmouth-to-Hayling section as comprising "more than 22 miles of spectacular views boasting some of our region’s most iconic wildlife and landscape."
He added: "It will provide both the local community and visitors from further afield more opportunities to access the coast and connect with nature."
