Coast and Country Canines

Portchester Castle

This walk offers sea views and plenty of opportunities for safe, off lead play. From October to March, you might be lucky enough to see migratory ducks, geese and wading birds along the shore. At low tide, they feed on the mudflats, and at high tide large flocks of brent geese can be seen bobbing along the surface of the water.

The tearoom has a dog-friendly outside area with tables, and if you’d like to add some historical interest to your walk you can explore the castle grounds with your dog while you’re there.

Route details

Postcode: PO16 9QW

What3words:  ///became.rift.puddles

Facilities: Public toilets, cafe
This is an easy route, though some paths are very narrow.
Approximately 40 minutes, not including extra time for play.
Approximately 1.24 miles.

Begin walk

1. Starting point

Walk down the path with the car park on your left and the castle on your right.

A coastal pathway near Portchester Castle

2.

At the bottom of the path turn left and walk past the sailing club. At lower tides during the winter months, you can often see wading birds like oystercatchers and redshanks feeding on the mud. It’s important that they aren’t disturbed – you can help them feel safe by keeping your dog on the pathway at this point.

3.

At this point the path is very narrow but there is a small detour through the trees past the narrowest part. From October to March, look out for dark-bellied brent geese bobbing along the water at high tides.

The coastal path splits in two - one path goes more to the left, the other continues forward.

4.

Follow the path round to the right beside the sea wall.

5.

Keep following the path round to the right beside the sea wall.

6.

Take the left path at the marker post.

7.

You are now in the first open space – keep to the right. All the open, green spaces on this walk are ideal for off-lead play as you’re far away from the sensitive birdlife on the shore.

8.

At the corner take the left path.

9.

Follow the path through the gap in the trees into the second open space.

10.

Follow the path through the green space between the trees.

11.

Go round the gate into the third and largest green space.  You can see the castle at the other side.

12.

You can walk anywhere through this green space.  The next path to take is at the top left corner.

13.

Take the path to the right and follow past the brick building.

14.

The path comes out at a picnic area beside the car park.

15.

If you want to visit the tearoom inside the castle grounds, go through the gate to St Mary’s Church and follow the path round to the right.