Emsworth to Langstone
Children will enjoy playing along the shoreline, looking our for boats and getting an ice-cream to take away on this walk.
The Basics
Time: One hour each way
Distance: 3km each way
Terrain: Flat paths, some rocky shoreline, meadows. The shoreline sections of this walk are only possible at LOW TIDE - please check tide times here.
Pushchair: Not all the way, but we have managed a pushchair as far as Nore Barn Woods from Emsworth and as far as the meadow from Langstone
Dogs: Yes
Refreshments: Ice-creams from Flintstones Tea Room in Emsworth or two pubs half way at Langstone, The Royal Oak or The Ship Inn
Toilets: At the car park in Emsworth and adjacent to The Ship Inn in Langstone
Parking: Pay and Display car park on South Street, Emsworth (Postcode: PO10 7EG - W3W: sun/pots/pillow). You could also park at Langstone Harbour for free and walk the other direction.
This coastal walk connects two of the most picture postcard harbours in Hampshire. With options for pubs along the way and plenty of opportunities for seashore explorations, this is a delightful family walk.
The Route
Exit the car park and head down South Street towards the quay. Follow the causeway around the millpond, with the harbour on your left. There are some good crabbing opportunities here.
After the causeway bends right, pass by the yacht club on your left and then continue on the narrow path above the shoreline passing by a series of residential properties with large gardens on your right.
Pass by the point where Beach Road ends at the shore (another possible free parking place to note). Then, where a stream enters the sea continue on the same path, passing by an area with picnic benches.
At this point the path splits. If the tide is right out, you can walk to the left of the woods and soon down onto the shoreline. Only attempt this if the tide is a long way out as at some points it is not possible to exit from the shoreline, meaning there is potential to become stranded. If you do take this route, after rounding a corner the black mill of Langstone will come into view and you can continue along the shore towards your target.
If you chose to take the right path through the woods, you should keep on the same path until you spot a small iron gate to your right. Go through the gate and then over a stream, before going through another gate into a field. Keep to the field’s left edge and head towards the other side. You may catch a glimpse of Warblington Tower here. Go through the gate and cross a tarmac track before entering Warblington Cemetery on the other side. You will see footpath signs for The Solent Way and you should follow these through the graveyard, passing the church.
On the opposite side of the cemetery, you will find a gate into a field. Go through the gate and the path will take you diagonally across the field towards the shore. Turn right at the coast and follow the path around to Langstone where you can see the big, black mill. Again, this section of path is not passable during high tide. You will pass the mill pond on your right before arriving at the mill, pubs and quayside.
Retrace your steps either along the shore, or through the cemetery and woods to return.
We recommend viewing the map as a ‘Trails Map’ to ensure all the paths are visible:
Did you know?
Langstone mill is now a private residence, but was a working mill up until World War One. The black tower, covered in tar to protect it from the harsh sea elements, was once a windmill. The rest of the building would have had two huge wheels, powered by the creek and tide behind. Barges would come up to the mill and carry the goods away to the coast.