With a perfect location of being both right on the coast and at the edge of the South Downs National Park, Portsmouth and its surrounding towns have a whole host of fantastic walks to enjoy this spring.
Here are just some of our favourites:
5. West Walk, Forest of Bere
Often called 100 acres because of its location off Hundred Acres Road in Wickham, this walk is a firm family favourite with the woods to explore, paths to follow and a play area with a sand pit for the children to enjoy. There are also take away cafe facilities and toilets on site. Photo: Google Streetview
6. Queen Elizabeth Park and Butser Hill
Perfect all year round, Queen Elizabeth Country Park has it all with woods to explore, a park, an assault course, bike trails, a cafe and even a dog wash for your four-legged friends. And Butser Hill is always worth the climb for its stunning views across both the South Downs on one side and the Solent on the other. Oh, and there is a takeaway cafe there too! Picture: Sam Moore/SDNPA Photo: Sam Moore/SDNPA
7. Hayling Billy Trail
The five-mile mile off-off round trip starts at the car park to the rear of the garage at North Hayling Halt, Havant Road, Hayling and leads down to West Town, following the route of the former Hayling Billy railway. Taking in the shoreline, the trail is an accessible footpath, cycle route and bridleway and is popular with bird and nature watchers, cyclists, runners and mobility vehicle users. Pictured: A view of the remains of the old train bridge from the trail by Mike Fooks Photo: -
8. Old Portsmouth to Southsea seafront
The three-mile stretch from Old Portsmouth to Eastney along Southsea seafront makes it to perfect walk for everyone as whether you take in the whole walk or just some of it there is plenty for you to enjoy. The walk includes Long Curtain Moat - but at the moment you are unable to stroll at the back of Southsea Castle as the sea defence work is still ongoing. You can still, however, walk around the front.Picture: Sarah Standing (160223-5520) Photo: Sarah Standing