Shipwrights Way - Alice Holt Forest to Cradle Lane

A short history of The Shipwrights Way

The Shipwrights Way is a long-distance route linking villages and towns in east Hampshire through some beautiful countryside. Starting at Alice Holt Forest near Farnham across the South Downs to Portsmouth. The route is open to walkers and cyclists and, where possible, horse-riders and people with disabilities.

Relevant information for this leg of the Way

At Alice Holt Forest centre there is pay and display parking. The centrer also has a café, toilets (including disabled), an aerial adventure course and cycle hire (phone 01420 521297). Adapted cycles are available for those with mobility or vision difficulties but you will need to book in advance.

Activities and events on offer at the Forest or phone 0300 067 4622

Key

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    • Route
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    • Temporarily closed
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    • Restricted use

Directions

This section is 3 miles long. The path winds through mature woodland on wide gravel tracks, with occasional views beyond. The last mile uses an ancient trackway and includes a river crossing with a ford and footbridge.

This section is open to walkers, dogs, cyclists and horse-riders, and provides a good route for pushchairs and mobility vehicles. The route is all on wide, well-surfaced gravel tracks with no stiles or gates. Take care at the two minor road crossings and at the ford. The route is not hilly but is undulating. Be aware that you may see motorcycles on both Hardings Ride (the start of this section) and Cradle Lane (the end of this section).

Partnership working between East Hampshire District Council, Hampshire County Council, the Forestry Commission and the South Downs National Park Authority provided the route.