Southwick - Wallington River - Portsdown Hill

Sylvia Saunders

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A superb walk for those visiting the Portsmouth area, as not only will you have far-reaching views over Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth Harbour, but you will also learn a little of the local history. The walk starts from The Golden Lion in Southwick. This pub became the unofficial Officers' Mess during the Second World War serving those from Southwick House, General Eisenhower's secret headquarters where Operation Overlord was planned.

The walk takes you past 'Nelson's Monument' - created from subscriptions raised by the officers and men of the Fleet who served under Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. Having passed this noticeable landmark, the route then passes along the back of Fort Nelson. This is not very noticeable at all from the back as it was built to defend Portsmouth from land attacks, but is well worth a visit (see additional information).

There are wonderful views from the top of Portsdown Hill, looking down on Southwick House and miles beyond into the beautiful Hampshire and West Sussex countryside. Those of you with dogs may find it useful to know that my dog, a slim, fit Labrador who cannot jump, managed all the stiles with ease.

England - South England - Hampshire - South Downs

Features

Ancient Monument, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Museum, Pub, Public Transport, River, Wildlife

4/8/2014 - James Wallington-Smith

Walked this yesterday in the pouring rain. Flooding has now subsided. Walk is generally dog friendly but there about two sections, each about a mile, on quiet country roads where I brought the dog in to heel.

4/8/2014 - James Wallington-Smith

5/17/2010 - Carol Clark

October 08 - we extended this walk to start from the Rookesbury Park Caravan Club site - meaning we mised a little bit after the start, and extending it to 12 miles!!! Lovely walk though - At Waymark 17 you have to duck under barbed wire fence (and electric) as there is no stile. Apart from that, fantastic.

5/17/2010 - Angela Parry

07/05/10 Angela Parry Delightful walk with great views. The Golden Lion has now reopened and we enjoyed a delightful lunch at the end of our walk. We noticed the pub has restricted food serving hours so suggest check on internet first to time walk to fit in with this.

11/2/2009 - Adrian Perkins

Mny thanks to Sylvia for updating this walk in November 2009. Adrian (Admin)

9/30/2009 - Harry Cook

Harry Cook 30 Sep 09. Went on this walk on Saturday last. It is a splendid walk of great variety and good views on a clear day. At waypoint 14 it is very easy to miss the track and continue on the wrong side of the hedge. The Golden Lion in Southwick remains under refurbishment but is due to re-open end Oct 09. The Red Lion is open but is limited in the hours it serves food and is closed on Mondays. Notwithstanding that the food is good and reasonably priced.

8/8/2007 - Sylvia Saunders

I've checked the gates at Lodge Farm and they are currently unlocked and open. I suspect that the farmer panicked over the w/e with the breaking news of the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease - and who can blame the farmer as it is a cattle farm? They now have straw and disinfectant in place. However I will keep my eye on those gates. I think Michael must have missed the stile mentioned in Waymark 16 - very easy to walk by - it is right at the beginning of the fence and the last bit of hedge shields it so you have to keep a look out here! I think Michael must have walked the wrong side of the fence. I did notice that the stile is broken and I will report this to the footpath officer. So glad that Michael enjoyed the walk despite the problems! Thank you for letting me know. Happy walking!

8/5/2007 - Michael Channon

just did walk & its a lovely walk but gate facing 1st farm entrance locked. Difficult for elderly people to climb. And at final farm leading to lane there is no stye. Barbed wire fence which has a had people burrowing under as you can see the dip under the fence. Once again difficult for larger people.