Walking Routes from Cosham

Walks on Portsdown Hill and beyond

Cosham is better placed for walking than almost any other district in Portsmouth, thanks to the presence of Portsdown Hill immediately to the north. The chalk ridge offers miles of walking along its crest, with panoramic views across the city, the harbour, the Solent and the Isle of Wight. The walk along the ridge from Fort Widley to Fort Southwick is one of the most popular routes, taking in several viewpoints and passing through chalk grassland rich in wildflowers during the spring and summer months.

The climb from central Cosham to the top of Portsdown Hill takes roughly twenty to thirty minutes on foot, depending on fitness and the route chosen. Several paths and roads lead up from the built-up area to the open ground on the ridge. Southwick Hill Road, Northern Road and various footpaths all provide access. Once on the top, the walking is easy along well-trodden paths with gentle gradients.

To the east, walkers can reach Farlington Marshes, a nature reserve managed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust on the shores of Langstone Harbour. The marshes are a haven for wading birds and wildfowl, and the circular walk around the reserve is about three miles on level ground. The reserve is accessible from the A27 or via footpaths from the Drayton area.

South from Cosham, the bridge across to Portsea Island provides access to the harbourside paths and the walks around the northern shore of the island. These routes are flat and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs in most conditions.

For longer walks, the South Downs Way national trail is accessible from the northern side of Portsdown Hill, providing routes into the heart of the South Downs National Park. The downs offer rolling chalk grassland, ancient woodland and quiet villages, with walking options ranging from a few miles to multi-day treks.