Monday 9th March 2026

Today’s planned walk was again starting in Gosport but this time heading in the opposite direction. We got there by means of (1) Car, (2) Train (Hedge End – Fareham) and (3) Bus to Gosport. Our 2nd day’s experience of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system – very slick!

Gosport has attractive marinas and a rich Naval heritage, some of the architecture is magnificent. Like yesterday, we had foggy views over Porstmouth Harbour, giving it a somewhat aethereal feel. We enjoyed the peacefulness of the quiet streets, bracing ourselves for the busy roads ahead.

And soon enough we hit those noisy roads. It was going to be one of those ‘just had to be done days’ when unfortunately the coastal path is nothing like a coastal path. On days like this I just have to think of the ‘physical benefits’ – the burning off of calories and achieving a ‘half marathon’ … (just no medal)!

However, after a couple of hours of said grimness, the well signposted path led us to “Bath Lane Recreation Ground,’ which was a green waterside area and from thereon, for about the next 2 hours we circumnavigated Fareham Creek and it really was quite pleasant. And to make it even better, the fog started to lift and the sun popped out from time to time – what a difference that makes. About 8 miles in, we found a bench under a pretty blossom tree and enjoyed our pork and apple sandwiches in what looked like a snowstorm … a gentle fluttering of white petals.

At 12 miles we reached the spectacle that is Porchester Castle. We had seen it recently on Antiques Roadshow and were looking forward to visiting it … no Fiona Bruce or her camera crew or antique specialists here today though. Of course we were too busy rambling to take a deeper look inside its Roman and Norman history, but it still felt special to walk along its vast majestic castle walls. And to stop for a quick refreshment break, soaking up the atmosphere.

I was already feeling weary at this point when Steve dropped in the fact that we now were about to face 4 miles of roadside walking to get to our end point in Hillsea. But off we trotted. Just beyond the castle grounds, the path signs led us through an industrial estate where there were some humungous wheel type things – we have no idea what they were, but would love to know.

These last 4 miles were pretty torturous I have to admit, endlessly boring trudging along noisy roads – I confess to becoming increasingly glum! Finally reached Hillsea Railway Station to find we’d just missed a train and now had almost an hour to wait for the next one. At least there was a bench – but sitting made my legs seize up and so it was I hobbled on and off the train and in fact, for the rest of the day.

16 miles of walking today – shame about the roads because the middle bit was fabulous. But 30 miles over the last two days has made me feel incredibly old – and I’m definitely resting up tomorrow. This ‘Rose’ has temporarily wilted!