The Hayling Billy Trail follows the old branch line to Hayling, which

operated from 1865 with the last train in 1963.

It is a shared use path from Havant Railway Station to Station Road on-14 Hayling Island.

This secluded off road route provides a level path which is about 4 miles from start to finish with various sites of interest along the way.

1. New Lane replica level crossing gates brings back the feel of the old days when the branch line was operating. The gates have been copied from old photos and taking a mould of an original post.

2. East Street / Town End car park provides access to Havant Museum, Havant Arts Centre, the town centre and Emsworth.

 

3. The Lymbourn Stream runs along the side of the trail providing a relaxing atmosphere.

 

4. A public footpath through the kissing gate across the field comes out at the Mill pond and Langstone High Street. Access to the Solent Way joins the path Here.

5. The Royal Oak Public House with views of Chichester Harbour.

6. Mill Lane to Langstone Bridge is a permissive right of way proposed to be surfaced in 2007/08.

 

7. Public Toilets.

 

8. The Ship Inn with views of Chichester Harbour.

 

9. Langstone Bridge provides views of both Chichester and Langstone Harbours and on the west side the original piers for the branch line bridge can still be seen. The timber bridge was demolished in 1966.

10. The trail follows the eastern shore of Langstone Harbour. This is an internationally important site for its wildfowl and wading birds. Bird watching from the trail is very good. Keep a look out for large flocks of Brent Geese, Oystercatchers and Dunlin in winter.

 

Many migrant birds such as Whitethroat and Willow Warbler live in the hedge- rows during summer. Butterfly species on the trail edge include Common Blue, Gatekeeper and Wall Brown.

12. Ttrail ends at the junction of

Station Road and Sinah Lane in West Town, where you will find the Station Theatre. You can, explore South Hayling and the beach from here, or alternatively you can take your bike on the passenger ferry from the western tip of the Island across to Portsmouth.

13 Hayling passenger ferry to Portsmouth, and the Ferry Boat Inn.

 

14. Beachlands Tourist Information Centre Tourist Centre.

Download the Hayling Billy Cycle Trail Leaflet (Hampshire County Council)