About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
Key Facts
- Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
- Size: > 2454ha
- High point: 153m
- Map: OS Explorer OL3
Home to the waterfront city of Portsmouth, this island vividly chronicles 800 years of British naval history through its historic dockyard, King Henry VIII’s ship the Mary Rose and a wide variety of fascinating military museums and historic buildings. Portsea is the most populated island in Britain; it is separated from the mainland by the narrow tidal Ports Creek. Surrounded by Portsmouth and Langstone Harbours, with the Spithead area of The Solent to the south, it is a very popular spot for sailing and water sports and was recently endorsed by Ben Ainslie by making it his British Racing headquarters.
Portsea is an island for the good times too, with a string of summer festivals, sporting events, great food and drink and plenty of space on its beaches for everyone. Some of the best views on the South Coast can be seen from the top of the iconic Spinnaker Tower.. The island is connected to the mainland by three main road bridges and a foot and cycle bridge; it also has four railway stations. Ferry services leave Portsea bound for mainland Gosport, Hayling Island, the Isle of Wight, the Channel Islands, France and Spain.
Highlights of Portsea
- The best of Royal Naval History
- Bustling maritime environment
- Tranquil waters of Langstone Harbour
- Plenty of irresistible pitstops
Getting to Portsea Island
Portsmouth is well connected by road, rail and ferry. Check out Visit Portsmouth website for more details.
What to do on Portsea Island
Best things to do on Portsea Island
Portsea Island, a vibrant island off England's south coast, offers a variety of experiences for [...]
Dec
About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
Key Fact
- Location: Hampshire
- Size: 2454 ha
- Terrain: National cycle routes/lanes
- Access: Road bridge
- Height gain: 153 metres
- Map: OS Explorer OL3 Meon Valley
- Starting point: Eastney-Hayling Island Ferry SU 684 000
Portsea Island walk summary
This walk or cycle ride around Portsea Island is full of variety. The island’s south coast, stretching west from Eastney, is lined by the esplanade along Southsea Beach with rows of historic military buildings, museums and memorials in its hinterland. The island’s southern tip is stacked with interest including the D-Day Museum and Southsea Castle before the expanse of Southsea Common leads to the kiss-me-quick style Clarence Pier. Beyond, Old Portsmouth is like stepping back to Medieval times and the maritime interest of the current-day ferry movements and the modern lines of Spinnaker tower on Gunwharf Quay appear in sharp contrast. The route along The Hard leads past ever more significant history including the HMS Warrior and the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard home to the Marie Rose Museum, the national Museum of the Royal Navy and HMS Victory. Much of the west coast of the island is dominated by the modern-day naval base with the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum located just before reaching the Brittany Ferries cross-Channel port. The north coast of Portsea is dominated by an ancient monument – the fortifications, woodland, meadows and lakes of the Hilsea Lines. The return route, down the east coast, follows an easy cycle route between the busy A2030 and the wild and tranquil waters of Langstone Harbour. There are always great contrasts on this fabulous island. This route can be combined with the Hayling Island route – or better still spend a weekend here and explore everything there is on offer.
Portsea Island walk route description
A great cycle ride around Portsea Island in Portsmouth which links to the Hayling Island bike route using National Cycle Roues, 2, 22 and 222. The route starts at the Portsea-Hayling Island ferry point and quickly uses a traffic free path along the Esplanade, passing the major tourist sights to Southsea castle, Clarence Pier to the historic area of the city and the iconic Spinnaker Tower. The route then passes the naval yards and cross-Channel ferry terminals to reach the waters of Portmouth Harbour and Hilsea in the north before heading down the east coast with fine views over Langstone harbour. Download the gpx route for more.
