• The nearly 52 mile continuous walking route takes you from Calshot to Portsmouth via Gosport.
• The Calshot to Gosport stretch and the Gosport to Portsmouth stretch are the first complete sections of the England Coast Path in Hampshire to open.
• These new sections, the 21 and 22 to open, will form part of the 2,700 mile long England Coast Path, which will become the longest walking route in the world.

Summer is here and there is a new trail for Hampshire residents and visitors to enjoy. The newest sections of the England Coast Path will help connect people with nature and provide a wealth of health and wellbeing opportunities.

This easy to follow walking route along the Solent coast, with its unspoiled countryside, busy marinas, industrial heritage, historic castles and wildlife conservation sites. Has been opened by Natural England today.

This route will eventually help connect the country’s entire coastline into one long National Trail. The walk will take people through some of the finest landscapes in England. As well as the many coastal towns, cities and ports which have shaped this island nation.

Excitingly for the first time in the history of public access, legal rights of public access will be secured to typical coastal land. This includes beaches, dune and cliffs, allowing walkers to access places they’ve never been before.

Allison Potts, Natural England Area Manager, said:

This new trail covers a wealth of unique environments. It includes the unspoiled countryside with its abundance of wildlife. The industrial and bustling maritime Solent and beside 1 of the most densely populated areas on the south coast of England.

At a time when the benefits of connecting with nature are clearer than ever. It is fabulous that we are opening up this nearly 52 mile walking route on the banks of the Solent for people to enjoy.

Calshot to Gosport

This route starts at Calshot Spit, a popular beach and water sports location. It is also a natural shelter to the Calshot Nature Reserve where birds like oyster catchers and ringed plover can be seen.

Heading northwest towards Hythe, you have sight of the areas industrial heritage – the decommissioned Fawley Power Station and the Fawley Oil Refinery. Once at Hythe waterfront, a short hop on the Hythe Ferry will take you across to Southampton Town Quay, a busy international port with many historic sites.

Once you cross the River Itchen, you carry on the route through Woolston and Netley, where you might glimpse a 16th century castle and ruins of the 13th century Abbey. You then pass the Royal Victoria Country Park, which was once the home of the biggest military hospital in the Victorian Empire and a popular tourist attraction.

Continuing on to Hamble-le-Rice and through Hamble Common, there are more sites of historical and archaeological interest. There are remains of the 16th century St Andrews Castle, a 19th century gun battery and a second world war anti-aircraft gun emplacement.

A short ride on the Hamble-Warsash Ferry (also known as the ‘Pink Ferry’) takes you across the River Hamble. Then along the shore through the Hook-with-Warsash Local Nature Reserve. Many species of wading birds and wildfowl can be spotted here, including turnstones, linnets and skylarks. In the shingle you can also see plant species such as sea kale, sea beet and yellow thorned poppy.

The final part of the stretch takes you along the clifftop coast path to Meon Shore and Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve. Then down to the shoreline at Lee-on-the-Solent.

Gosport to Portsmouth

From Lee-on-the-Solent you pass through Stokes Bay, and inland around Browndown Military Training Area before heading to Gilkicker Point. This area includes the Browndown Site of Scientific Special Interest (SSSI) and the Gilkicker Lagoon SSSI. Although the lagoons saltiness creates a harsh environment where species have to adapt to survive, 5 species of mollusc of national rarity live in the lagoons.

The route then heads inland around Fort Monckton and back to the coast around Clayhall before reaching the Gosport Ferry. You pass the perimeter of the historic Royal Clarence Yard and Royal Naval Hospital. Then carrying on over Millennium Bridge, past Gosport Waterfront then on to Fareham, passing the marina and creek.

The path continues around the headland with views of Pewit Island Nature Reserve, where the whole of Portsmouth Harbour and its iconic Spinnaker Tower can be seen. These impressive sights continue up to Portchester Castle.

You pass through Port Solent Marina and eventually follow the seawall using the Pilgrims’ trail with views of Whale Island. Home to HMS Excellent, the oldest shore training establishment within the Royal Navy, and its headquarters. The route continues past the Continental Ferry Port and beside HMS Nelson.

Approaching Portsmouth you pass by the Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose Museum. Then through Gunwharf Quays, a vibrant waterside shopping and dining location. The route passes the impressive Round Tower site at the mouth of the Harbour. Originally ordered to be built in wood by Henry V in 1418, the tower was rebuilt in stone by Henry VIII. The route concludes at the Historic Old Portsmouth home to a small fishing fleet and fish market at Camber docks.

Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Rural Affairs at Hampshire County Council, said:

The completion of this stretch of the England Coast Path is really great news for local residents and visitors to the area.

It will provide easier access to Hampshire’s spectacular and diverse coastline, helping to connect people with nature.

We are delighted that it will provide an uninterrupted link for the first time between a number of fantastic outdoor attractions managed by the county council. Including Royal Victoria Country Park, Calshot and Hook with Warsash Nature Reserve.

Councillor Lisa Mitchell, Cabinet Member for Housing and the Green Environment at Southampton City Council, said:

We’re honoured to be part of this national quest to make England’s coastline more accessible.

Southampton has a fantastic mix of coastline, green spaces and the city centre, so forming part of the national England Coast Path project is something we’re very proud of.

We look forward to welcoming more people to enjoy the path and explore Southampton at the same time.

Councillor Lynne Stagg, Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation at Portsmouth City Council, said:

We fully support this great way of encouraging more people to explore our coastline on foot, and we welcome the new walkers this will bring to our city.

Portsmouth is a fantastic city to walk around or explore however you can, with streets full of history, and surprises round every corner. It’s also mostly flat, so good for people of all abilities.

Professor Gavin Parker, Chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, said:

We’re pleased to have played a part in the establishment of this landmark route along the outstanding coast of the New Forest.

Particularly by ensuring the signs in the National Park are all made with sustainably harvested New Forest oak and were installed by local contractors.

Many thanks to the landowners and other stakeholders who have helped make this happen.

Further information

You can find images for sections of the stretch here. Please credit Natural England.

The nearly 52 mile (83.5 kilometre) route will become part of the England Coast Path. The 2,700 mile long distance walking route and England’s newest National Trail currently being developed around the entire English coast by Natural England.

Our proposals for the Calshot to Gosport stretch (23.3 miles / 37.5 kilometres) were submitted to government in November 2019 and were approved in November 2021.

Our proposals for the Gosport to Portsmouth stretch (28.69 miles / 46.7 kilometres) were submitted to government in June 2019 and were approved in March 2022.

Natural England worked on the 2 stretches, which form a continuous walking route, with a wide range of partners and landowners. The Calshot to Gosport stretch: New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA), Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council. The Gosport to Portsmouth stretch: Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council.

The route is easily accessed via public transport and there are plenty of locations along the trail for refreshments and with accommodation.

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long-distance walking trail around the open coast of England. This together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy.

Natural England is working on the entire coastal route. See the map showing a timetable for the work.

As well as new sections of the trail, there are improvements to existing access along the coastline which:

• identify a clear and continuous way marked walking route along this part of the coast. Bringing some sections of the existing coastal footpath closer to the sea and linking some places together for the first time.

• allow the route to ‘roll back’ if the coastline erodes, shifts or slips, solving the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along the coast.

See more information and www.nationaltrail.co.uk.

The CountrysideCode recently updated, is the official guide on how to enjoy nature and treat both it, and the people who live and work there, with respect.

Find out more about the this stretch of the England Coast Path and Natural England on our social media channels: twitter.com/naturalengland

The first contract awarded as part of the Programme and Project Partners new goods and services agreement will see key connections installed between existing and new facilities at Sellafield.

Ansaldo Nuclear, based in Wolverhampton, has been selected to develop the key ‘tie-in’ connections that will support the flow of effluent treatment streams between the Sellafield site’s existing Site Ion Exchange Effluent Plant (SIXEP) facility and the new SIXEP Continuity Plant being delivered by the Programme and Project Partners at Sellafield.

Together the 2 facilities will act as the ‘kidneys’ of the Sellafield site filtering out nuclear material before being safely discharged to sea.

Andrea Basso, managing director at Ansaldo Nuclear, said:

Ansaldo is delighted to have been awarded the SIXEP tie-in trials contract. This endorsement by the Programme and Project Partners in our ability to deliver this critical development activity for Sellafield is most welcome.

This work provides another platform for us to continue our successful relationship with Sellafield Ltd and to further develop our Cumbrian presence and supply chain.

Peter Hogg, Programme and Project Partners, head of supply chain added:

I’m delighted that we’ve been able to award the first contract as part of the goods and services agreement framework to Ansaldo Nuclear.

This framework has been established to enable our projects to make quicker contract awards by removing some elements of a typical procurement exercise. This award proves that the model works, and I look forward to the projects placing more contracts in the near future.

The Programme and Project Partners appointed its first goods and services agreement framework suppliers earlier this year.

NIS Ltd, Hyde Group, Ansaldo Nuclear, James Fisher Nuclear, Carr’s Group, West Cumberland Engineering and NWEC Alliance were selected to deliver fabricated and manufactured equipment packages for the projects, a framework agreement for an initial 3 years, worth up to £20 million.

It’s been procured under a new multi project procurement model which encourages long-term collaboration throughout the supply chain, enhanced project delivery, and paves the way for greater economic and social impact in the West Cumbria region.

• The nearly 52 mile continuous walking route takes you from Calshot to Portsmouth via Gosport.
• The Calshot to Gosport stretch and the Gosport to Portsmouth stretch are the first complete sections of the England Coast Path in Hampshire to open.
• These new sections, the 21 and 22 to open, will form part of the 2,700 mile long England Coast Path, which will become the longest walking route in the world.

Summer is here and there is a new trail for Hampshire residents and visitors to enjoy. The newest sections of the England Coast Path will help connect people with nature and provide a wealth of health and wellbeing opportunities.

This easy to follow walking route along the Solent coast, with its unspoiled countryside, busy marinas, industrial heritage, historic castles and wildlife conservation sites. Has been opened by Natural England today.

This route will eventually help connect the country’s entire coastline into one long National Trail. The walk will take people through some of the finest landscapes in England. As well as the many coastal towns, cities and ports which have shaped this island nation.

Excitingly for the first time in the history of public access, legal rights of public access will be secured to typical coastal land. This includes beaches, dune and cliffs, allowing walkers to access places they’ve never been before.

Allison Potts, Natural England Area Manager, said:

This new trail covers a wealth of unique environments. It includes the unspoiled countryside with its abundance of wildlife. The industrial and bustling maritime Solent and beside 1 of the most densely populated areas on the south coast of England.

At a time when the benefits of connecting with nature are clearer than ever. It is fabulous that we are opening up this nearly 52 mile walking route on the banks of the Solent for people to enjoy.

Calshot to Gosport

This route starts at Calshot Spit, a popular beach and water sports location. It is also a natural shelter to the Calshot Nature Reserve where birds like oyster catchers and ringed plover can be seen.

Heading northwest towards Hythe, you have sight of the areas industrial heritage – the decommissioned Fawley Power Station and the Fawley Oil Refinery. Once at Hythe waterfront, a short hop on the Hythe Ferry will take you across to Southampton Town Quay, a busy international port with many historic sites.

Once you cross the River Itchen, you carry on the route through Woolston and Netley, where you might glimpse a 16th century castle and ruins of the 13th century Abbey. You then pass the Royal Victoria Country Park, which was once the home of the biggest military hospital in the Victorian Empire and a popular tourist attraction.

Continuing on to Hamble-le-Rice and through Hamble Common, there are more sites of historical and archaeological interest. There are remains of the 16th century St Andrews Castle, a 19th century gun battery and a second world war anti-aircraft gun emplacement.

A short ride on the Hamble-Warsash Ferry (also known as the ‘Pink Ferry’) takes you across the River Hamble. Then along the shore through the Hook-with-Warsash Local Nature Reserve. Many species of wading birds and wildfowl can be spotted here, including turnstones, linnets and skylarks. In the shingle you can also see plant species such as sea kale, sea beet and yellow thorned poppy.

The final part of the stretch takes you along the clifftop coast path to Meon Shore and Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve. Then down to the shoreline at Lee-on-the-Solent.

Gosport to Portsmouth

From Lee-on-the-Solent you pass through Stokes Bay, and inland around Browndown Military Training Area before heading to Gilkicker Point. This area includes the Browndown Site of Scientific Special Interest (SSSI) and the Gilkicker Lagoon SSSI. Although the lagoons saltiness creates a harsh environment where species have to adapt to survive, 5 species of mollusc of national rarity live in the lagoons.

The route then heads inland around Fort Monckton and back to the coast around Clayhall before reaching the Gosport Ferry. You pass the perimeter of the historic Royal Clarence Yard and Royal Naval Hospital. Then carrying on over Millennium Bridge, past Gosport Waterfront then on to Fareham, passing the marina and creek.

The path continues around the headland with views of Pewit Island Nature Reserve, where the whole of Portsmouth Harbour and its iconic Spinnaker Tower can be seen. These impressive sights continue up to Portchester Castle.

You pass through Port Solent Marina and eventually follow the seawall using the Pilgrims’ trail with views of Whale Island. Home to HMS Excellent, the oldest shore training establishment within the Royal Navy, and its headquarters. The route continues past the Continental Ferry Port and beside HMS Nelson.

Approaching Portsmouth you pass by the Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose Museum. Then through Gunwharf Quays, a vibrant waterside shopping and dining location. The route passes the impressive Round Tower site at the mouth of the Harbour. Originally ordered to be built in wood by Henry V in 1418, the tower was rebuilt in stone by Henry VIII. The route concludes at the Historic Old Portsmouth home to a small fishing fleet and fish market at Camber docks.

Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Rural Affairs at Hampshire County Council, said:

The completion of this stretch of the England Coast Path is really great news for local residents and visitors to the area.

It will provide easier access to Hampshire’s spectacular and diverse coastline, helping to connect people with nature.

We are delighted that it will provide an uninterrupted link for the first time between a number of fantastic outdoor attractions managed by the county council. Including Royal Victoria Country Park, Calshot and Hook with Warsash Nature Reserve.

Councillor Lisa Mitchell, Cabinet Member for Housing and the Green Environment at Southampton City Council, said:

We’re honoured to be part of this national quest to make England’s coastline more accessible.

Southampton has a fantastic mix of coastline, green spaces and the city centre, so forming part of the national England Coast Path project is something we’re very proud of.

We look forward to welcoming more people to enjoy the path and explore Southampton at the same time.

Councillor Lynne Stagg, Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation at Portsmouth City Council, said:

We fully support this great way of encouraging more people to explore our coastline on foot, and we welcome the new walkers this will bring to our city.

Portsmouth is a fantastic city to walk around or explore however you can, with streets full of history, and surprises round every corner. It’s also mostly flat, so good for people of all abilities.

Professor Gavin Parker, Chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, said:

We’re pleased to have played a part in the establishment of this landmark route along the outstanding coast of the New Forest.

Particularly by ensuring the signs in the National Park are all made with sustainably harvested New Forest oak and were installed by local contractors.

Many thanks to the landowners and other stakeholders who have helped make this happen.

Further information

You can find images for sections of the stretch here. Please credit Natural England.

The nearly 52 mile (83.5 kilometre) route will become part of the England Coast Path. The 2,700 mile long distance walking route and England’s newest National Trail currently being developed around the entire English coast by Natural England.

Our proposals for the Calshot to Gosport stretch (23.3 miles / 37.5 kilometres) were submitted to government in November 2019 and were approved in November 2021.

Our proposals for the Gosport to Portsmouth stretch (28.69 miles / 46.7 kilometres) were submitted to government in June 2019 and were approved in March 2022.

Natural England worked on the 2 stretches, which form a continuous walking route, with a wide range of partners and landowners. The Calshot to Gosport stretch: New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA), Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council. The Gosport to Portsmouth stretch: Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council.

The route is easily accessed via public transport and there are plenty of locations along the trail for refreshments and with accommodation.

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long-distance walking trail around the open coast of England. This together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy.

Natural England is working on the entire coastal route. See the map showing a timetable for the work.

As well as new sections of the trail, there are improvements to existing access along the coastline which:

• identify a clear and continuous way marked walking route along this part of the coast. Bringing some sections of the existing coastal footpath closer to the sea and linking some places together for the first time.

• allow the route to ‘roll back’ if the coastline erodes, shifts or slips, solving the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along the coast.

See more information and www.nationaltrail.co.uk.

The CountrysideCode recently updated, is the official guide on how to enjoy nature and treat both it, and the people who live and work there, with respect.

Find out more about the this stretch of the England Coast Path and Natural England on our social media channels: twitter.com/naturalengland

• Local civil servants share stories on their transition to the trade profession as the Department for International Trade (DIT) looks for the next generation of Darlington-based trade professionals
• The Department has ambitions to employ over 500 permanent staff members at the government’s Darlington Economic Campus by 2030 as part of the government’s Places for Growth Programme
• It comes as Minister for Exports Andrew Griffith visits the Darlington for the first time since joining DIT in July

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is searching for the next generation of trade professionals to be based at DIT Darlington, part of the government’s Darlington Economic Campus.  

Applicants from an array of backgrounds have been encouraged to apply for a wide range of roles on offer, from Cyber Security Analyst to Multilateral Trade Adviser to Scientific Adviser.  

Local recruitment has been central to the success of the scheme so far, with over 70 staff hired from non-traditional trade backgrounds already transitioning into new careers at the Darlington site, including in trade negotiations, data protection, communications, HR resourcing and change management.  

Sam Micklewright, Negotiation Logistics Lead said:  

Prior to joining the Department for International Trade, I worked as a Store Assistant and later an Operations Manager in the regional distribution centre of a major retailer. When looking for the next step in my career, it was actually my Mum who told me about the Darlington Economic Campus!   

I hadn’t previously considered a role in the Civil Service, but I was pleasantly surprised by how transferrable my skills were and since taking on my new role as Logistics Lead for our Trade Negotiations team, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed putting the skills honed in warehouse distribution to good use, helping to deliver large scale, global projects for DIT. 

For anyone thinking about joining the Civil Service in Darlington my advice would be to do it.  The Darlington Economic Campus provides an opportunity to be part of something new and exciting, with a broad range of roles and career opportunities.  Best of all, it is refreshing to know I no longer need to look beyond the North East to achieve my ambitions in the Civil Service.

Nicola Pearson, Change Adviser, said:  

My career journey to date has been a long way from what you might consider a ‘traditional Civil Service path’, spending the past 14 years in fashion retail.  I hadn’t previously considered a role in the Civil Service, but my old line manager sent me a link to the Civil Service Jobs website and I came across a Change Management role for the Department for International Trade in Darlington.   

Having loved my time delivering work overseas in the past, and being passionate about the area, I’m really enjoying the opportunity to work in an environment that combines both!

I think DIT’s presence in Darlington is brilliant for the area and provides great opportunity for local people like myself to pursue new career paths.  Since joining in May, I have been able to get involved in a number of events with local schools and colleges, supporting the work we’re doing to create the next generation of trade professionals in the North East.

Jo Crellin, Trading Systems Director General, said:  

It is fantastic to have built up this cadre of trade professionals in Darlington – and we look forward to building on this success in the future.  

We have great people doing great things from our Darlington base, including hosting meetings with likeminded countries to talk about trade support to Ukraine, participating in negotiations with India, and supporting companies to explore new markets to trade with.  

I’m proud that we have such a diversity of talent and experience in our new recruits.

In line with the government’s drive to diversify policy making and level-up across the country, DIT will bring more than 500 high-quality, well-paying jobs to Darlington by 2030. 

The Department has also been working with local residents to challenge perceptions surrounding careers in trade and the Civil Service more broadly. Last month, DIT partnered with the Social Mobility Business Partnership to run “Myth-Busting” sessions and career roundtables with 16-18 year old students in Darlington.  

DIT’s Talent Acquisition team are also hosting a series of virtual candidate support sessions for prospective applicants to demonstrate what’s needed in a successful application and to share how best to construct interview responses.  

Newly-appointed Minister for Exports Andrew Griffith visited the Darlington Economic Campus for the first time on Tuesday as part of a visit to the North East. He also met with farmers at Darlington Farmers Auction Market and visited local exporters Roman Showers. 

Exports Minister Andrew Griffith said:  

In 2021 the North East exported £11.6 billion worth of goods globally. It’s been brilliant to meet the DIT team at the Darlington Economic Campus who are helping businesses from the North East and beyond export across the world. 

Increased presence in Darlington will bring DIT closer to the communities and businesses we support day in and day out, whilst driving job creation and growing the economy.

Additional Information:

• You can apply for roles at DIT Darlington here.
• You can register for one of our virtual candidate support sessions here.