Cycling in Gosport

Routes, cycle paths, and getting around on two wheels

Gosport is well suited to cycling. The borough is flat, compact, and has a growing network of cycle paths and shared-use routes that make it possible to get around without needing a car for many journeys.

The most significant cycling route is the path along the old Gosport to Fareham railway line. This traffic-free shared-use path runs from the town centre up through the borough to Fareham, covering about five miles. It is surfaced and well maintained, and because it follows the old railway route, it is almost entirely flat. Commuters, school children, and leisure cyclists all use it. The path connects to Fareham station, making it a practical route for rail commuters who cycle from Gosport. In the mornings and afternoons, the path is busy with regular users.

Along the waterfront, a cycle route runs from the ferry terminal through Haslar and along to Stokes Bay. This is one of the most scenic routes in the borough, passing the Royal Navy submarine museum, Haslar Marina, and the Stokes Bay seafront. Continuing along the coast towards Lee-on-the-Solent extends the ride further, with the route passing through the open spaces along the seafront. The views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight make this a popular leisure ride, particularly at weekends.

Alver Valley Country Park and Browndown provide off-road cycling opportunities on bridleways and tracks. The terrain here is rougher than the tarmac paths elsewhere and is better suited to mountain bikes or hybrids. The open heathland and woodland at Browndown give a different character to cycling in the borough, away from the urban streets.

Within the town itself, some roads have cycle lanes, though provision is patchy and not always continuous. The main roads such as Forton Road and Fareham Road can be busy with traffic, and cycling on these requires confidence. Quieter residential streets offer alternative routes through the borough, and local cyclists quickly learn the back ways that avoid the busiest junctions.

Cycle parking is available at the ferry terminal, the bus station, and at various points around the town centre. The ferry accepts bicycles, which opens up Portsmouth as a destination for Gosport cyclists. Crossing by ferry and cycling around Southsea, Old Portsmouth, or along the seafront to Eastney is a popular day out.

There is no dedicated cycle hire scheme in Gosport, though bikes can be hired from shops in the wider area. Electric bikes have become more common, and the flat terrain means a standard bike is perfectly adequate for most journeys.

Half-term and holiday periods see more families cycling, particularly along the seafront and through Alver Valley. The quieter paths away from the roads are well suited to children learning to ride or families cycling together.

Gosport Cycling Club and informal group rides provide options for more serious cyclists. Road riding out through Lee-on-the-Solent and into the Hampshire countryside offers longer routes for those who want more distance. The peninsula geography means you do have to retrace some routes or head north through Fareham to reach the wider road network.

Overall, Gosport is one of the better boroughs in Hampshire for everyday cycling, thanks to the flat terrain and the railway path. The main limitations are the incomplete on-road cycle infrastructure and the congestion on the A32 corridor, which can make northbound cycling less pleasant during rush hour.