Walking and running

Lace up those trainers and head out around Portsmouth to enjoy all there is to see on foot. Not only are we a coastal city with great sea views, Portsea Island is incredibly flat – making it super easy to rack up the miles without even realising! From ambles around parkland to promenades down along the beach, there are so many beautiful walks that you’ll be spoilt for choice.

It's for these reasons why Portsmouth is also a runner’s paradise. There’s a strong running community here, from official running clubs to those who just head out under their own steam. Join in one of the weekly events such as Parkrun or Great Run Local, or organise your trip to coincide with the Great South Run, where tens of thousands of runners and spectators head to Southsea for the world’s premier 10-mile running event. For variety, you’ll also find triathlons and duathlons organised throughout the year, offering the chance to test yourself across a range of disciplines and distances.

The listings below showcase all there is to enjoy on foot in Portsmouth, covering everything from bustling seafront areas to historic walks and big running events – not to mention a few local secrets hidden just off the beaten track.