SU6206 : View south eastwards down onto the M27 from Portchester Common SSSI

Ports Down (boundary) [Fort Southwick]

123m Elevation
0m Prominence
England Country
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SU6206 : View south eastwards down onto the M27 from Portchester Common SSSI

Basher Eyre Photo source

Explore routes near Ports Down (boundary) [Fort Southwick]

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Wilverley Inclosure Walk, New Forest

5.2 km ~1h 30m Easy

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Devil's Dyke, Newtimber Hill and Fulking Hill walk

11.4 km ~4h Moderate

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Box Hill - Stepping Stones Circuit

3.2 km ~2h Moderate

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Virginia Water Circlular

7 km Easy

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Fort Southwick Circular Walk

A scenic circular walk that takes in the historic sites of Fort Southwick and the surrounding landscape.

5 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Current County/UA Top

Elevation

123m

402 ft

Prominence

0m

Coordinates

50.8582, -1.1114

SU626068

OS Map

196

Explorer: OL3 119

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point and remains of Fort Southwick, a Victorian military fortification that adds a touch of historical interest to your hike.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy and chalky hills with occasional rocky sections and some well-managed pathways.

Ports Down is primarily composed of chalk, a soft limestone that erodes easily but forms stunning cliffs and landscapes. The area is also rich in fossils, making it a delight for geology enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy extensive views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, plus sweeping vistas of Portsmouth and the South Downs.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ports Down' is derived from its historical role as a vantage point overlooking the port of Portsmouth.

Historical Significance

Fort Southwick played a crucial role in the defence of Portsmouth, particularly during the Victorian era. Its strategic location makes it historically significant.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area at Fort Southwick, accessible via Portsdown Hill Road. Be mindful of parking restrictions.

Public Transport

Accessible via local bus services to Fort Southwick; the nearest railway station is Portsmouth Harbour, followed by a short bus ride.

Nearby Facilities

Facilities are limited near the summit, but nearby Cosham offers various cafes, shops, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Occasional steep drops near the summit; stay on marked paths. Be mindful of weather changes as conditions can shift rapidly.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ports Down (boundary) [Fort Southwick]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ports Down (boundary) [Fort Southwick] through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ports Down (boundary) [Fort Southwick]?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ports Down (boundary) [Fort Southwick] search or of course create your own walk for Ports Down (boundary) [Fort Southwick]

Can I organise a walk to Ports Down (boundary) [Fort Southwick]?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ports Down (boundary) [Fort Southwick].

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ports Down (boundary) [Fort Southwick]?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Ports Down (boundary) [Fort Southwick] here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SU626068

View on OpenStreetMap

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