About

The Shipwrights Way is a 50-mile, long-distance path that links cities, towns and villages of East Hampshire with the region's beautiful countryside.

Starting at Alice Holt Forest, the route runs over the South Downs to the sea, finishing at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. As much as possible, the routes are off-road, using rights of way and permissive paths.

The Shipwright's Way has been divided into 12 sections, with the final stretch being a five-mile route running from the Hayling Ferry terminal to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

At its start the section passes several boatyards around Eastney before joining the seafront, which offers views across to the Isle of Wight. Looking out across the route you can see the Spinnaker Tower, which is very close to the whole route's final destination.

Points of interest and places to visit along this part of Section 12 include the Rose Gardens, Canoe Lake, Southsea Castle, The D-Day Story and Blue Reef Aquarium.

Following the long seafront stretch, the route then turns inwards, heading through Southsea Common (along the path known as the 'Ladies Mile'). It continues through Old Portsmouth, passing the cathedral and following the Millennium Promenade for a short while.

Next is Gunwharf Quays, home to many outlet shops, plus bars, restaurants and the Spinnaker Tower.

The route concludes with the short final walk to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, among others. It's also where you will find the last of the 20 specially designed sculptures along the route, a shipwright's toolbag (earlier in the walk, at the Rose Gardens, is sculpture 19, a cockleshell). Please note that the toolbag statue is within the dockyard compound, so to view it you will need a valid entry ticket (it is accessible with the free Heritage Quarter Pass - just ask at the Visitor Centre).

 

Section 12 of the Shipwright's Way is open to walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and pushchairs - being entirely flat and mosly paved.

Note that ongoing Southsea Coastal Scheme sea defence works may slightly alter the route.