Portsdown Hill circular — 5.6 km Running Route

This 5.5 km circular run explores the rolling chalk landscape below Portsdown Hill, just outside Boarhunt. Underfoot is mostly trail and path, tracking field margins and woodland borders that skirt Stroud Coppice, connected by occasional stretches of quiet road along Portchester Lane and a length of the Allan King Way.

Around 70 metres of climbing features across the circuit, dominated by a single sustained rise that accounts for nearly all the elevation gain, balanced elsewhere by a long, runnable descent. The unpaved paths can become slick and heavy after wet Hampshire weather, but offer firm, continuous running in drier conditions.

A balanced countryside loop mixing woodland fringe, quiet country lanes, and open field tracks.

Some helpful details: Large lay-by by Memorial. Kissing gate to enter, first field has defined path, second field goes diagonally downhill and path can be rough. Left down quiet country road downhill. There is a hidden style in the hedge crossing the next field which often has no path but is a designated public footpath across field. Carry straight on through wooded area and a field which can be boggy at the style. Once you get to the road it is quiet but so beware of fast cars. The road off to the right is much quieter and then take the track to the left which is gated but accessible. Cross another field which is not always defined, but go straight across until you get to bollards. Turn left uphill on a quiet road. The footpath is on the left accessed by steps. Across a field again and a style will take you behind the Royal Armouries and the around a mound, through a kissing gate and back to the lay-by. Keep dogs on a lead at all times.