The walk is at the northern edge of Portsea island. We will follow the Solent Way footpath around the outer sea wall. Along the unspoilt Marshes at Farlington Nature Reserve, popular for bird watching. The Solent Way path continues on the banks of Langstone Harbour to skirt the edge of Havant before coming to the beautiful village of Langstone. We will take the bridge to Hayling Island, and walk on and around the banks of Chichester Harbour to finish at the town of Emsworth on the Sussex border, the end of the Solent Way. We will stop for a drink in Emsworth before getting the train back to Cosham, where we will enjoy the last remaining 2 miles of the walk, along the Hilsea Lines. A military site surrounding the fortifications of Hilsea Lines ancient monument, this popular walking spot includes woodland, meadows and fresh brackish lakes. It is remarkable that it contains the only area of woodland on Portsea Island.
: Farlington Marsh Car Park. PO6 1UN. Next to the Solent Way
: Driving: The car park can be reached from the eastern Portsmouth A27 roundabout (signed for the A2030). Exit immediately from the roundabout.
Cycle: The Portsmouth to Havant cycleway runs along the northern edge of the reserve on the south side of the A27. There are bike racks at each entrance.
Rail: Hilsea train station is 1½ miles away. Cosham is about 2 miles away. Trains are every 30 minutes.
Bus: The 21 service runs from Portsmouth Harbour to Havant. The closest stop is by Farlington Sainsbury's (north of A27) which is a 15 + min walk to the reserve.
There are three car parks. Parking can sometimes be busy. Alternative parking could be found at the at: 1. Another small car park further south along the Eastern Road and walk. 2. Local residential parking in Farlington. 3. Either train station. 4. Ports Creek Bridge Car Park adjacent to Hilsea ‘Portsbridge’ Roundabout, nearest postcode PO2 9RR with a 1 1/2 mile walk through Hilsea lines. 5. Hilsea lido opposite. 6. The Portsmouth Tax office: Lynx House, 1 Northern Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3XB and take the Hilsea Lines footpath.
Please consider car sharing or allowing time for parking.
We will meet at the third car park, closest to the nature reserve.