Opening of Calshot coastal path first to form part of world’s longest walking route
A COASTAL path from Calshot has been officially opened as part of the world’s longest continuous walking route.
The 52-mile way from Calshot Spit to Portsmouth is the latest section to formally launch on the England Coastal Path covering 2,700 miles.
The route takes walkers past Calshot nature reserve and north-west to Hythe, passing the decommissioned Fawley power station site and the oil refinery.
From Hythe waterfront the ferry will take people across the water to Southampton’s Town Quay.
The next stage brings walkers to Woolston and Hamble-le-Rice before the final stretch along the clifftop coastal path to Lee-on-the Solent.
Blue Funnel director Lee Rayment, whose company runs the Hythe ferry, welcomed the service’s inclusion on the route.
He told the A&T: “This route opening and the inclusion of the Hythe Ferry will allow walkers to take on the whole north Solent.
“And we hope to see many more passengers making the most of the route and using the ferry.”
For the first time, legal rights of public access will be secured to typical coastal land.
This includes beaches, dune and cliffs, allowing walkers to access places they have never been before.
New Forest National Park Authority chair Gavin Parker 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 were all made with sustainably harvested New Forest oak and were installed by local contractors.”
He added: “Many thanks to the landowners and other stakeholders who have helped make this happen.”
Hampshire County Council’s cabinet member for recreation, heritage and rural affairs, Cllr Russell Oppenheimer, said the completion of the first section of the route was “really great news for local residents and visitors to the area”.
He added: “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 Calshot.”