Wayfarers Walk - Denmead to Emsworth
A short history of the Wayfarers Walk
The Wayfarers Walk is a 70-mile, long-distance walking route.
The route will take you from its dramatic start, high on the chalk downs at Inkpen to finish at Emsworth Harbour. You will walk over some of the finest chalk turf in Hampshire down to the mud flats and salt marshes along the coast.
The Walk has been divided into six sections, each providing a really good day out.
Choose between high chalk downland with exhilarating views or chalk-stream valleys buzzing with wildlife, peaceful pubs in pretty villages or a busy market town. Or why not have a relaxing seaside picnic while watching the marsh wildlife.
Key
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- Route
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- Temporarily closed
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- Restricted use
Directions
The route continues south through countryside to Southwick before climbing onto Portsdown Hill. The views from this narrow chalk ridge are spectacular. Beyond you can see Spithead and the Isle of Wight.
The Wayfarers Walk now becomes more urban and runs alongside the B2177. It passes Fort Purbrook. This is a massive brick-built polygonal fort built on Portsdown Hill to defend the port against Napoleonic attack.
After crossing the A3(M) the route turns south and joins with the Solent Way. It now runs along the shoreline past the old waterside village of Langstone, with its delightful heritage quayside, pubs and a picturesque millhouse.
Walk past Warblington Castle, with its gruesome tales, and the church with a grave-watcher’s hut. Head across the fields and through the woods to finish at the fishing village of Emsworth. Emsworth is the perfect spot for a relaxing seafood meal.