Portsmouth City Council has installed fresh signage along the Portsmouth section of Shipwright’s Way, a walking and cycling route, to better guide residents and visitors exploring the coastal path this summer.
The council has unveiled enhanced directional signs throughout Portsmouth’s portion of Shipwright’s Way, the extensive trail connecting East Hampshire’s villages and towns via stunning countryside landscapes.
This long-distance path begins near Farnham and winds across the South Downs before reaching Portsmouth, welcoming walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair users alike. The newly erected signs will assist both locals and tourists as they navigate the scenic coastal stretch.
Portsmouth’s section boasts numerous highlights, featuring bespoke sculptures that enrich the experience. When the route launched, twenty stone carvings were created following suggestions from community members, all crafted by sculptor Richard Perry. Portsmouth houses two notable pieces: a cockleshell sculpture at Southsea’s Rose Garden commemorating the ‘Cockleshell Heroes’ – Royal Marines who attacked German shipyards during WWII – and a shipwright’s tool bag at the Historic Dockyard.
Travellers can begin their journey at Eastney’s ferry terminal from Hayling Island, passing numerous boatyards before joining the seafront promenade. The route provides spectacular vistas of the Isle of Wight and Spinnaker Tower whilst traversing Southsea and Old Portsmouth.
Key destinations include Southsea Rose Garden, the seawater-fed Canoe Lake, and Southsea Model Village, alongside various museums and heritage sites. The trail concludes at the Historic Dockyard, housing the Mary Rose, HMS Victory, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
The predominantly level, paved pathway accommodates most users, though certain steps may challenge wheelchair access. Alternative paths exist during these sections. Pedestrians enjoy off-road trails for much of their journey, whilst cyclists benefit from dedicated off-road lanes and pathways.
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Cllr Peter Candlish, Transport Cabinet Member at Portsmouth City Council, commented: “We’re delighted to improve Shipwright’s Way with enhanced signage. This will help residents and visitors better explore our stunning coastal city, discovering numerous attractions whilst walking or cycling the route.”
More information available at https://travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/walking/shipwrights-way/
