The team at Runner’s Alley recommends a 7.5 mile run starting from their store and looping out to the island of New Castle. Mainly following Rt. 1A and 1B, the route includes beaches, bridges, and a lovely wooded area before returning to the center of town. Noteworthy views include Wentworth-by-the-Sea and the Portsmouth Lighthouse. PRO TIP: During the holiday season, downtown Portsmouth features 3 miles of holiday lights, and the paths around the Strawberry Banke Museum area are lit by lanterns. Combine with a skate on Puddle Duck Pond!
Start in downtown Portsmouth and enjoy the grounds of the Strawberry Banke Museum & waterside Prescott Park. Then take Marcy St. south, then LEFT on Route 1B for the scenic route out to Newcastle Island, crossing several bridges. There’s a decent sidewalk/shoulder. It’s ~2.5 miles around Newcastle, following 1B, with some sections near the water. Follow 1B off the southern side of Newcastle and then take Rt. 1A/Sagamore Ave. for 2 miles south to Portsmouth. It’s a main road, but runnable and fairly scenic. Note: Some of the roads do not have sidewalks, use caution in high season.
The team at Runner’s Alley recommends a 7.5 mile run starting from their store and looping out to the island of New Castle. Mainly following Rt. 1A and 1B, the route includes beaches, bridges, and a lovely wooded area before returning to the center of town. Noteworthy views include Wentworth-by-the-Sea and the Portsmouth Lighthouse. PRO TIP: During the holiday season, downtown Portsmouth features 3 miles of holiday lights, and the paths around the Strawberry Banke Museum area are lit by lanterns. Combine with a skate on Puddle Duck Pond!
Start in downtown Portsmouth and enjoy the grounds of the Strawberry Banke Museum & waterside Prescott Park. Then take Marcy St. south, then LEFT on Route 1B for the scenic route out to Newcastle Island, crossing several bridges. There’s a decent sidewalk/shoulder. It’s ~2.5 miles around Newcastle, following 1B, with some sections near the water. Follow 1B off the southern side of Newcastle and then take Rt. 1A/Sagamore Ave. for 2 miles south to Portsmouth. It’s a main road, but runnable and fairly scenic. Note: Some of the roads do not have sidewalks, use caution in high season.
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