Portsmouth is a port city and naval base on England’s south coast, mostly spread across Portsea Island. There’s some excellent waterfront running in Portsmouth, with options to extend in some nice parks & commons.
Portsmouth Harbour Waterfront. A terrific waterfront run on the west side of Portsmouth, extending from the Spinnaker Tower for 4.4 miles to Southsea. Great water views the whole way on this dedicated path. Run around the marina, pass the 15th-century Round Tower Fort, and continue along the water, adjacent to Southsea Common. The path — Clarence Esplanade, Eastney Esplanade — turns east, to the end of Eastney Beach (beach isn’t great for running). The full out and back is 8.8 miles.
Add-Ons: Additional paths in Southsea Common.
Farlington Marshes. CC: N Chadwick
East Side: Milton Lake, Common, Marsh Tour. On the east side of Portsea Island, there are numerous options. A dedicated path follows right along Milton Lake, with nice water views. The waterfront path then continues off Portsea Island for a 3-mile loop around the Farlington Marshes — really pretty, with great views. Note: Some of the path is a grass surface. So the full route including the Marsh Loop is nearly 9 miles.
Add-Ons: Additional paths in Milton Common (adjacent to waterfront path) and the Great Salterns Recreation Ground.
Hayling Island: Just east of Portsmouth is Hayling Island, popular for its beach, amusement park, and nature preserve. There’s a very nice run on the Hayling Billy Walking Trail, which goes for 2.5 miles between the Langston Bridge south to near the waterfront. Nice views of the water and the surrounding marshes. It’s worth the extra mile to run on the bridge for nice views.
Portsmouth is a port city and naval base on England’s south coast, mostly spread across Portsea Island. There’s some excellent waterfront running in Portsmouth, with options to extend in some nice parks & commons.
Portsmouth Harbour Waterfront. A terrific waterfront run on the west side of Portsmouth, extending from the Spinnaker Tower for 4.4 miles to Southsea. Great water views the whole way on this dedicated path. Run around the marina, pass the 15th-century Round Tower Fort, and continue along the water, adjacent to Southsea Common. The path — Clarence Esplanade, Eastney Esplanade — turns east, to the end of Eastney Beach (beach isn’t great for running). The full out and back is 8.8 miles.
Add-Ons: Additional paths in Southsea Common.
Farlington Marshes. CC: N Chadwick
East Side: Milton Lake, Common, Marsh Tour. On the east side of Portsea Island, there are numerous options. A dedicated path follows right along Milton Lake, with nice water views. The waterfront path then continues off Portsea Island for a 3-mile loop around the Farlington Marshes — really pretty, with great views. Note: Some of the path is a grass surface. So the full route including the Marsh Loop is nearly 9 miles.
Add-Ons: Additional paths in Milton Common (adjacent to waterfront path) and the Great Salterns Recreation Ground.
Hayling Island: Just east of Portsmouth is Hayling Island, popular for its beach, amusement park, and nature preserve. There’s a very nice run on the Hayling Billy Walking Trail, which goes for 2.5 miles between the Langston Bridge south to near the waterfront. Nice views of the water and the surrounding marshes. It’s worth the extra mile to run on the bridge for nice views.
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Essentials
Portsmouth Harbour Route: up to 4.4 miles one-way; Milton Lake & Marsh Loop: Full route is 9 miles; Hayling Island is 3.7 miles one-way (incl. bridge)
The signature run in Southampton is a tour of its gorgeous parks, including Palmerston Park and the impressive Southampton Common. Another good spot is Itchen Valley Country Park, with several miles of lovely woodland & meadow trails.
A lovely run in Weston, on the east side of the Solent from Southampton. Includes a 'butterfly walk', the Weston Shore Promenade to Netley Abbey, and additional options to explore Royal Victoria Country Park and the Westwood Nature Reserve.
A gem of a run in Prinsted, located near Southbourne. A clear path along the water follows the beach and passes by fields of flowers and lovely beach homes. Up to 4 miles, with longer options during low tide.
A nice 5-mile 'Runseeing Tour' of the historic small city of Winchester highlighting High St., the Cathedral/Castle Grounds, paths along the River Itchen, and a jaunt up to St. Catherine's Hill.
A gorgeous run in Milford-On-Sea, including waterfront paths to the Hurst Castle at the end of a dramatic spit, and the option to explore ~4 miles of paths around the Keyhaven Marshes.
Fantastic running options in this 71,000 acre park, known for its heathland, forest trails, and quiet villages. Some top recommendations from among their waymarked walking trails and 100+ miles of woodland cycle paths.
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Essentials
Portsmouth Harbour Route: up to 4.4 miles one-way; Milton Lake & Marsh Loop: Full route is 9 miles; Hayling Island is 3.7 miles one-way (incl. bridge)
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!