Southampton walking opportunities
Health walks
We work with Sustrans to support the following walks across Southampton.
All events can be found on our Events pages. No booking is required but if you are coming for the first time please arrive 10 minutes before the start time to register.
City Centre Walks:
*Happening on alternate dates - please use contact details below to find out more*
Monday at 10.30am. Meet inside the Central Library near the Macmillan section. Come and enjoy a gentle walk in good company around the Parks around the City Centre. New people should arrive 10 minutes before the start to register. (Gentle pace 45 minute 'Walk and Talk')
Common Walks:
Mondays at 10am from the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre on the Common. Join us for a moderate wellbeing walk on the good paths across and around the Common. New people should arrive 10 minutes before the start to register. (Moderate one hour ‘Keep Fit’ walk)
Tuesdays at 2.00pm from the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre on Southampton Common. Join us for a moderate wellbeing walk on the paths across and around the Common often using the rougher paths. New people should arrive 10 minutes before the start to register. (Moderate one hour 'keep fit' walk)
Thursdays at 10.30am from the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre on Southampton Common. Join us for a moderate wellbeing walk on the good paths across and around the Common. New people should arrive 10 minutes before the start to register. (Moderate one hour ‘Keep Fit’ walk)
Weston Shore Walks:
Thursdays at 11am from the cafe at Weston Parade. A walk that lasts about 50 minutes, including a 5 minute break, along Weston Shore to admire the view. Going at a gentle pace (or slightly faster), this walk is designed for people just beginning to use walking as a way to improve their health. We'll stay on pavements and paths, and can adjust the route to suit the participants. Some of us stay for refreshments and a chat at the café after the walk. New people should arrive 10 minutes before the start of the session to meet the leader and register. (Mixed pace 50 minute 'Get Fit' walk)
Riverside Park walks:
Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 10.30am at Riverside Park car park at Woodmill Lane. A gentle walk in good company along the river towards Mansbridge and back. Suitable for adults. New people should arrive 10 minutes before the start to meet the leader and register (Gentle 45 min Walk and Talk.)
If you have any questions, please contact activetravel@myjourneysouthampton.com or on 02380 83 4765 for more information.
Walking groups
Please see below information about walking groups and opportunities in and around Southampton.
** We recommend visiting the websites listed below for details of changes to individual walking programmes as a result of Covid-19. **
- Southampton Ramblers - They run regular sessions across Hampshire. Some are shorter walks of 5-6 miles so check their website for an up-to-date calendar of walks.
- Southampton Orienteers - A group that runs regular sessions across South Hampshire.
- Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery - Led walks on the Common’s Old Cemetery focusing on both conservation and heritage, as well as information about the area. Check their website for a programme of walks.
- NCT – If you are looking for a buggy walk or a chance to meet other parents, check their website. They have some walks and may well have members who are interested in starting small groups.
- Capable Creatures (Facebook page) – This group has started a peer support dog walk for people with mental health issues.
- Monthly central parks walk - A guided walk to look at the central parks in more detail, including the plants, trees, monuments and flowers. This one hour walk runs on the last Wednesday of every month from March to October. Meet at the Civic Centre fountain at 12.30pm - no need to book.
Other resources for walking in Southampton
Hampshire and IoW Wildlife Trust - Find events and walks in your local nature reserves.
Visit Southampton - For information on local walks and tours.
Friends of Weston Shore - For information, events and updates about Weston Shore.
Friends of Riverside Park - For information, events and updates about Riverside Park.
Maps
Map of public rights of way in Southampton
Recommended places to walk
Accessible Trail Map - From Parks to Port! - Accessible Map of Southampton City Centre developed by See Southampton.
Southampton Old Town - Follow England's well-preserved, third longest stretch of medieval town walling and step back in time to find out more about Southampton's Old Town.
QE2 Mile - The QE2 Mile is the pedestrian route that runs through the heart of the city from the Cenotaph down to the waterfront at Town Quay. It links the city’s parks, new cultural quarter, shopping high street, old town and our waterfront. It is the most visited part of the city and has many historical features, the Cenotaph, Titanic memorial, Holy Rood church and the famous Bargate. The QE2 mile is at the economic heart of the city, with more businesses along its route than anywhere else in Southampton.
Titanic Trail - The trail takes you around some of the memorials and locations associated with Titanic.
Southampton to Hamble-le-Rice - A 7 mile walk starting from Town Quay, heading across Itchen Bridge and following the coast all the way to Hamble-le-Rice, passing through Royal Victoria Country park en route.
Chessel Bay Nature Reserve - A natural shoreline on the eastern bank of the River Itchen, south of Northam Bridge - home to an abundance of birds and wildlife.
Go Jauntly - The Go Jauntly walking app has an inspiring collection of beautiful walks to help you discover the benefits of walking and explore more of your local area on foot. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store or click here to find out more.
Downloads:
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Woodmill Walk Flyer
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