The Viano has a new battery, roaring into life at 5:30 am, bound for Portsmouth Harbour. Luxury sleeping accommodation awaits.
Due to the closure of the Hythe ferry and the walk from Southampton to Lymington being entirely along roads, I’m taking an alternative route via the Isle of Wight. I’ll return to Southampton when everything re-opens, including the historical places of interest.
Leaving the car next to the ferry, I catch a train back to Emsworth for a pretty walk to Langstone Bridge.
The bridge to Hayling Island allows me to follow the Billy Trail, a beautiful path along the old railway line, last used in 1963.
It’s time for my first ferry, a tiny one to carry me across Langstone Harbour.
The long walk through Southsea is grim, but things pick up on reaching Old Portsmouth, with its attractive winding lanes and fortifications.
There’s a fine view of the harbour from the ferry to Fishbourne.
The ferry is surprisingly efficient. I planned to spend the night at Yarmouth, but having arrived so quickly, I’ll try and catch the sunset at The Needles.
The sun is beaming down, so I stop at The Highdown Inn, nestled under Tennyson Down, for a pint of Andwell’s King John. Refreshed, I walk up the headland, past two military batteries guarding the approach to the Solent. It is early evening and this popular tourist spot is almost deserted.
I reach a tiny platform on the cliff edge. Birds silently glide and soar. Black silhouettes. The only sound is the waves gently rolling up on the shore far below. The view is breathtaking.
The sun disappears behind the low cloud, and the temperature drops rapidly, so I swiftly head back to the car for a warm sleeping bag.
Walk distance: 14 miles.
Total distance: 319 miles.
Ah yes the mainland is pretty industrial around Southampton, it’s not a great bit of coast. Glad to see the Hayling Island to Portsmouth ferry is running again. That has been intermittently shut down over the last few years. I’m a bit confused on your route to the Isle of Wight. Did you continue walking all the way from Fishbourne to the Needles or did you drive there. If the former that’s a hell of a distance in a day!
If you have time the south coast of the Isle of Wight especially is stunning (especially Freshwater to Ventnor).
Yes, that would be pushing it a bit! I had planned to drive to Yarmouth and walk to The Needles the next day but wanted to view the sunset, so I drove to The Needles. The next day I drove to Yarmouth and walked back to The Needles, which was a gorgeous walk, but still to post. I would love to go back and do the South coast.