A much-loved coastal path in Hampshire will be closed to the public throughout the summer months to prevent it from falling into the sea. The Langstone Coastal Path, located behind Farlington Marshes near Portsmouth, is a popular walking and cycling trail that winds through scenic natural areas and charming coastal towns. It follows the shoreline, passing several waterside pubs, cafés, and some of the best birdwatching spots in the country. The path runs through the same area as the newly opened King Charles III England Coast Path National Trail, the world's longest coastal path, which debuted in March.
Closure Details and Reasons
Staycationers will not have access to this particular Hampshire footpath during the hottest months of the year while work is carried out to repair damage caused by coastal erosion. The nature-packed hiking trail, which offers a 23-kilometre route looping around Langstone Harbour, will be closed from May 26 until September. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, and officials say the closure is necessary to protect wildlife. Katarina Saradinova, head of scheme delivery for the South East region, told The Portsmouth News: 'This is a beautiful location, and our work will help protect the coastline, wildlife and surrounding environment for future generations.'
Responsible Authorities and Access
The closure has been implemented by National Highways, which owns the land, while much-needed repairs to the sea wall are completed. Walkers will still be able to access Farlington Marshes from the western entrance, but the stretch between Farlington Marshes car park and Chalk Dock lake car park will be inaccessible. Efforts have been made to schedule the work in a way that minimises disruption to wildlife habitats as much as possible. The path and surrounding area are part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area under the Birds Directive, the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation under the Habitats Directive, a candidate Special Area for Conservation, and a Ramsar Site for internationally important wetlands.
Other Coastal Closures
Langstone is not the only area facing closures. The Osbourne Steps footpath in Shanklin, on the Isle of Wight, has been closed since 2020 due to a cliff collapse. The six-year disruption has caused problems for local businesses that relied on tourists using the path to walk from the clifftop to the seafront. Former Shanklin mayor Chris Quirk warned that a lack of investment was 'damaging the visitor economy.' In North Wales, the coastal footpath in Gwynedd has been affected by a series of landslides. Part of the headland route between Porthdinllaen and the RNLI station, near Morfa Nefyn, has been temporarily shut since late March due to safety concerns.
Alternative Walks Nearby
Fortunately, Hampshire is home to some 230 miles of coastline, with plenty of other scenic footpaths to enjoy. Starting at Lepe Country Park, the Lepe Loop is a five-mile circular route that takes walkers past unique habitats like Haxland Pits, once used by farmers to extract marl for their fields. For a longer walk, the Solent Way starts at Milford-on-sea, spanning 60 miles to Emsworth, weaving through Hampshire's naval attractions, marshlands, and pubs. Hayling Island, between Langstone and Chichester harbours, offers several picturesque walks, including the Billy trail, a flat 7.5-mile route following a disused railway line with views of the harbour and oyster beds, recommended for birdwatchers and nature walkers. The Solent Way and Billy trail both pass through the Langstone area, allowing visitors to stay close to home while exploring more of Hampshire.
