Directions For P&DCC Start Locations

OK, so we all get a little lost and need help.  Hopefully these directions will help you to find where we are on the day.   The names used for the starts are those listed in the annual programme but it is always worth clarifying with the leader of the trip when you inform them you wish to join the trip.  If you know of better ways then please let us know.  A good website for maps etc is www.Multimap.com, so if you need a map of the area then check it out.  Actual maps and charts can be purchased on-line from the Ordnance Survey, Admiralty Charts, Imray.  A number of good mapping packages exist for the PC.  www.memory-map.co.uk is one such system

Arun     TQ025083 GPS50^o51.9’N 0^o32.6’W     Back to top 
Follow the A27 East from Portsmouth, past Chichester.  Just before Arundel the road becomes single-carriageway.
At the second roundabout take a LEFT for Arundel Town Centre, just over the bridge turn Right.
Continue down this winding road past Swanbourne Lake and the official car-park on the right.
Suddenly on the right will be a field, drive into here and the water is in front of you.
If you get to the pub at the end of the road you have gone about 100 metres too far.

Eastney     SZ685995 GPS50^o47.5’N 1^o1.6’W    Back to top
From A27 take the A2030 [Drayton, Portsmouth] exit and follow signs for Portsmouth.
You will very soon cross a bridge onto Portsea Island and have the water on your left.
The Speed Limit will drop to 40MPH.  Obey it!   Police like people here!
It will drop again to 30MPH, again OBEY IT!
Get in the left lane after the Good Companion pub (on your left)
At the next set of lights lights and turn left with Milton Road [Fratton] - You may see signs for Hayling Ferry.
You'll pass the White House pub on your right then a pedestrian crossing.
At the next lights turn Left into Bransbury Road, past Bransbury Park on your left.
You will see a sign in red for DERA Fraser, also posted [Fort Cumberland and Hayling Ferry].
Drive past Southsea Marina on your left and immediatley after you will see a gap on your right.
Take this gap just before the yachts of Eastney Cruising Association and follow it around to the left.
It will then bear right and you will see a height restriction, go under here and park on the shingle on the left.

Eaststoke Point    SZ750987  GPS50^o47.0’N 0^o56.0’W    Back to top
From Portsmouth/Southampton take M27 East which feeds into the A27.
Take the exit for A3023 for Hayling Island.
At the first roundabout take left for Sandy Point / Eastsotke.
After the second Zebra crossing take a left into Selsmore Road for Sandy Point.
You will come to a Ford Car Dealer, turn Left into Southwood Road.
Follow this to the end of the road.
At the junction with Bosmere Road turn left.  There are toilets here on the right.
At the junction with Sandy Point Road turn Right.
Soon on your left will be the turning for Bracklesham Road.
Follow this to almost the end.  Parking can be very tricky here.

Ferry Boat Inn        SZ689998  GPS50^o47.5’N 1^o4.3’W    Back to top
From Portsmouth/Southampton take M27 East which feeds into the A27.
Take the exit for A3023 for Hayling Island.
At the first roundabout take straight over for Sinah Warren.
Next Roundabout go Right for Ferry Point / Sinah Warren.
You will soon pass Beachlands Car Park area.
Follow the road right to the end, there is a car park area just before the Ferry Boat Inn on the left.
This is a Pay & Display car park prices £1 for 2 hrs, £2 per day March - April.
But there are toilets here too and they at least are free. 
A BIG bonus is that the Ferry Boat Inn lets people enter in wetsuits IF they use the door on the slipway side.

Hayling Golf Course    SZ700988 GPS50^o47.0’N 1^o0.5’W  Back to top
From Portsmouth/Southampton take M27 East which feeds into the A27.
Take the exit for A3023 for Hayling Island.
At the first roundabout take straight over for Sinah Warren.
Next Roundabout go Right for Ferry Point / Sinah Warren.
You will soon pass Staunton Avenue on your Right.
Soon after is the left turn into Beachlands Car Park area.
Pass the loo block on your right.
At the end turn right so the Inn on The Beach is on your left (the loos and follow the track to the end.
This is a Pay & Display car park prices £1 for 2 hrs, £2 per day March - April.

Itchen Bridge    SU433114 GPS50^o53.9’N 1^o23.1’W   Back to top
From Portsmouth/Southampton take M27 Junction 5.
Follow sign for A33 Southampton / Swathling.
You will enter a 40MPH area and pass a set of traffic lights.
Next light go straight ahead, do NOT take left A335.
Enter 30MPH area.
Pass the Portswood Shopping Centre on your left.
On left you will also pass the Hobbit pub.
Take a right for City Centre.
Sign for Docks A33 turn left.
At traffic lights go Right for Docks A33
Follow the road past Dukes Keep on your right then take the left turn for Woolston via Toll Bridge.
DO NOT go over bridge!
At the mini-roundabout turn left.
Turn right into Elm Terrace then soon take a left into Crosshouse Road.
Follow this road to the end with the car park on the right.
Toliets are open during summer months.

Alternative Route
From Portsmouth/Southampton take M27 Junction 7.
Join A334 (Southampton)
At the roundabout go straight for Southampton, Bitterne A334.  You will see a large radio mast.
Turn right onto A3024 and follow dual carriageway for City Centre.
Cross Northern Bridge with Meridian TV Studios on the right.
You will pass two gas tanks on the right.
At the third set of lights turn left into Brittania Road.
Mini-roundabout go right.
Pass Southampton Football Club on your right.
At the pub on your right (Le Tissier Feet) turn left into Elm Terrace.
You will soon see a left into Crosshouse Road.
Follow this road to the end with the car park on the right.
Toliets are open during summer months.

Keyhaven     SZ306915  GPS50^o43.3’N 1^o33.8’W   Back to top

Langstone Bridge    SU718047  GPS50^o50.4’N 0^o58.6’W   Back to top
From Portsmouth/Southampton take M27 East which feeds into the A27.
Take the exit for A3023 for Hayling Island.
After about 1 mile the Ship Inn pub will appear on your left.
Pull into this car park and you have arrived.
Toilets are available on the left of the car park as you drove in.

Lee on Solent   SU559008  GPS50^o48.3’N 1^o12.4’W   Back to top
Take M27 Junction 11 for Fareham Centre & Gosport A27 (A32).
The road will exit the roundabout as three lanes, get in the centre or right-hand lane.  The left-hand lane will feed off.
You will pass over a bridge and enter a 40 MPH speed limit.  Get in the left of the two lanes, do not get in the lane that appears to left after the bridge.
Follow the road to a roundabout and take the left-turn for Stubbington, Lee on Solent, Gosport  - A32.
You will soon come to a mid-sized roundabout, go straight over it.  Then get in the right lane for B3385 (Stubbington, Lee on Solent). This lane will go up and over the next junction.
At the next roundabout go straight for Lee on Solent, you will soon pass Collingwood Retail Park on your left.
Next small roundabout, again straight for Lee on Solent, you will soon pass McDonalds on your left.
Follow this road for a couple of miles and you will come to yet another roundabout, go straight for Lee on Solent.  You will now enter a derestricted speed area.
Follow this road and you will end up in the 30 mph area after a few minutes with a Total garage soon on your right.  The Bun Penny pub will soon appear on your left.
At the Give Way sign go straight over the junction then get in the right lane.  Turn right at the T-Junction into Marine Parade, you are now finally on the sea-front.
You will see a kiddies play area on your left with some 3 storey flats (Blue) on your right.
There is a small footpath/ramp running parrallel to the beach, you have arrived.
Toilets are also available opposite the flats that you passed as you drove in.
DO NOT CONTINUE TO THE LARGE PARKING AREA OPPOSITE THE HOVERCRAFTS.  This is used by the jet-skiers and they get very possesive.

Lepe SZ457986     GPS50^o47.1’N 1^o21.1’W    Back to top
Take M27 Junction 2 and follow signs for Fawley (A326)
At each roundabout go straight (eight in all).
You will arrive in the village of Holbury and will have shops on your right.
At the ninth (next) roundabout take the right exit posted LEPE COUNTRY PARK.
Follow this road, through a set of traffic lights.
You will pass The Langley Tavern on your right.
Finally, right at the end you will see the sea.
The car park is on the left just before the road bears right.

It costs £1.30 for all day parking and is locked at sunset. There is a toilet block here and an ice-cream shop in the summer.

Lymington    SZ334950 map 96 GPS50^o45.3’N 1^o31.6’W   Back to top
M27 to Junction 1
Take A337 signposted for Lyndurst, there will soon be a roundabout with right turn for Lymington.
Follow this road for about 8 miles.  Follow all signs for Lymington.
You will pass through Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst and Boldre.
After Boldre is a 30 MPH speed restriction, followed by a low bridge (4.3M).
Soon after is a roundabout signed I.o.W. Ferry & Beulieu LEFT, take this left.
At two small roundabouts go straight over for Old Town Centre / Old Town Quay.
The road will bear 90 right BUT you must go straight on!  DO not go up the High Street.
This road will now go narrow, bend left and go downhill.  Just follow this road and you will soon arrive at the large open car park on the left.  If you get lost ask for the RNLI lifeboat station.

Netley     SU445096 GPS50^o53.0’N 1^o22.2’W       Back to top
M27 to Junction 8
Follow the road up the hill and at the roundabout take the exit for Tesco (Netley/Hamble).
Follow this road for about 2 miles. At the roundabout turn Right for Netley.
Follow to a T Junction, just past a station. At the T turn Right then after 150 yards turn left into Beech Lane. Opposite Beech Lane is Carfield Road and an Italian Restaurant.
Parking is down Beech Lane on the right and is free. Note there are no toilets here.

Pewsey Wharf    SU161609 GPS50^o20.8’N 1^o46.1’W    Back to top
M27 Junction 2 take the A36 for Salisbury.
Once at Salisbury get on the ring-road and turn right for A36 Bath.
On the ringroad take the A345 for Marlborough.
This will cross over the A303, through Upavon and will pass through Pewsey.
Pewsey Wharf is about 3 - 5 miles on the right and it is the only place where you go over the canal.
If you went over the canal you just went a little too far, oops.
There is a visitor centre on the right where there is a free car park.

Poole Pottery    SZ018900 GPS50^o42.6’N 1^o58.5’W   Back to top

Not actually Poole Pottery, but Baiter Car Park.

Portchester Castle    SU6250547 GPS50^o50.3’N 1^o06.8’W   Back to top
From A27/A3(M) follow A27 Westbound.
After A2030 exit get in left lane and take exit for Cosham.  DO NOT FOLLOW ONTO M27!
At junction for roundabout get into middle lane, take A27 (Portchester).
Follow A27 to junction with traffic lights, go straight for Portchester.
Pass Tesco supermarket on the left.  You will soon also pass water on your left.
At the first roundabout take first exit for Portchester Castle.
Follow Castle Road to the end. The car park is on the left just before the castle itself.   The shoreline is at the end of the footpath.

Portsmouth Outdoor Centre    SU676032 GPS50^o49.4’N 1^o2.4’W   Back to top
M27/A27 to A2030.  This is the Eastern Road and is (oddly enough) on the North-Eastern most end  of Portsea Island.
Take the A2030 signposted for Southsea & Portsmouth (E).
Go over the water onto Portsea Island itself, get in the left lane.
At the traffic lights turn left for Outdoor Education Centre, Tudor Sailing Club and Kendell Bros Wharf.
Follow this road to the end where it bears right onto a dirt track.  Follow this right to the end into a shingle car park.
Please note the speed restrictions in place as there may be courses running.

Sally Port     SZ631993 GPS50^o47.4’N 1^o6.3’W    Back to top
Take the M275 onto Portsea Island and follow it to the end.
You will join a 40MPH zone.
At the roundabout at the end go straight over following the sign for "I.o.W. Ferries."
Next roundabout go Right.
Next roundabout straight on.
Next roundabout straight on (Naval Dockyard will be on your right). Then get into the right-hand lane.
At the traffic lights turn Right, following the sign for "Gosport Ferries."
The road will bear 90^o left, follow it round and straight over the painted roundabout.
You will come under a railway crossing with traffic lights, take the right fork (almost straight on) at these lights.
The next roundabout go left (right is sign posted I.o.W. Ferries).
Next roundabout go Right.
Now follow the road down to the end and follow it as it bears right.
About 300 meter’s on your left is a gap in the arches. That is where we will be launching from. £4 for all day parking! Toilets can be found at the round tower end of the arches.

If parking is tricky then continue along the road and it will bear right. Follow it round and then go left and left again. There will be a large slipway on your right. Just after the slipway is a car park on your right. There are Toilets at this car park.

Sandy Point    SZ748980  GPS50^o46.6’N 0^o57.0’W  Back to top
From Portsmouth/Southampton take M27 East which feeds into the A27.
Take the exit for A3023 for Hayling Island.
At the first roundabout take left for Sandy Point / Eastsotke.
After the second Zebra crossing take a left into Selsmore Road for Sandy Point.
You will come to a Ford Car Dealer, turn Left into Southwood Road.
Follow this to the end of the road.
When you get to number 206 on the right you will soon find a pathway to the beach area.
Park the car and follow this path to the beach.
There are toilets here.  They can be found behind you on Bosmere Road.

Stokes Bay SZ601982    GPS 50^o46.9’N 1^o8.9’W    Back to top
M27 Junction 11 onto A32. Get in the middle of the three lanes and you will go over the middle of a roundabout.
Follow signs for Gosport (A32).
This lane will bear left under the railway. At the small roundabout straight over, stay in left lane for A32 Gosport.
You will pass a helicopter on your left. At the next roundabout enter in the right lane but go straight on. The next roundabout go right, sign-posted Stokes Bay.
You will pass HMS Sultan on both sides of you.
At the roundabout go straight.
At the roundabout go straight, first exit. This will bring you onto Stokes Bay. The road will bear left on the coast road.
Follow it all the way along to a small roundabout for Eastern Car Park and turn Right. Follow this to the car park at the end. If in doubt ask for GAFIRS (Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service).

Stamshaw     SU645025 GPS50^o49.2’N 1^o5.1’W    Back to top
From M27 take the M275 for Portsmouth get in the Left Lane and take the first exit (signed for the Cross Channel Ferries /North End)
Take the first left onto Twyford Avenue (signed for Stamshaw / Mountbatten Centre).  This is a one way street.
At Knox Road (fifth on left) turn left, Raneleigh Road is just before!  This is also one way street.
Follow down to the end of the road.  At the end of the road will be a large car-park.   At the far end is a ramp that goes under the M275.  This is the slipway into Tipner Lake.  It can be used for 2.5 hours either side of high water.
Sorry there are no toilets here.  Do not forget it is a one way street. So turn left when leaving the car park.

Swanage     SZ032793     GPS 50^o36.7’N 1^o57.2’W      Back to top

Swanwick      SU495095       GPS 50^o52.8’N 1^o18.4’W    Back to top
From Portsmouth M27 Junction 9. At end of slip road (Roundabout) go left then get in Right Lane.
Take right for A27 [Southampton].
You will go straight over a small roundabout.
You'll pass another small roundabout, [Locksheath & Warsash] and soon go down a hill into Lower Swanwick.
Soon after you should see a sign for Public Hard Car Park on the left.
Take this turning and follow it to the car park at the end.

From Southampton
M27 Junction 8. At end of slip road (Roundabout) go right, A3021 Hamble.
Stay in the left lane. At the next roundabout go left, A27 [Park Gate].
Under railway Bridge.
Straight through lights, stop if red!
Soon after the lights take a Right for Swanwick car park.

Warsash SU491061     GPS 50^o51.2’N 1^o18.2’W     Back to top
From Portsmouth
M27 Junction 9. At end of slip road (Roundabout) go left then get in Right Lane.
Take right for A27 [Southampton].  You will go straight over a small roundabout.
An Esso garage will be on your left as you approach another small roundabout, take the left [Locksheath & Warsash] at this roundabout into Brook Lane.
Follow to a roundabout and turn right onto Shore Road.
Follow this road into the one way system, the summer car park will be on your right at the bottom of the hill.  There is a height restriction!  However, the launch point is slightly further on.  So continue round the one way system in the car to a car park with a war memorial (opposite the Rising Sun Pub). You have arrived.

From Southampton
M27 Junction 8. At end of slip road (Roundabout) go right, A3021 Hamble.
Stay in the left lane. At the next roundabout go left, A27 [Park Gate].
Under railway Bridge.
Straight through lights, stop if red! Right after lights is Swanwick car park.
Into Sarisbury follow the road up the hill. Just after Sarisbury take a RIGHT turn into Barnes Lane.
At the T-junction go right into Brook Lane.
Follow to a roundabout and turn right onto Shore Road.
Follow this road into the one way system, the summer car park will be on your right at the bottom of the hill.  There is a height restriction!  However, the launch point is slightly further on.  So continue round the one way system in the car to a car park with a war memorial (opposite the Rising Sun Pub). You have arrived.

The car park at the launch point / slipway allows only 4 hours of parking 1^st April – 20^th September so in the summer (or if too busy) unload in THIS car park and park car in the much larger car park 300 metres further North.  Sadly to get to this one you will need to follow the one way system back up the hill, trun left at the top and come back down it again. There are toilet facilities in this car park all year.

Woodmill    SU439152 GPS50^o56.1’N 1^o22.5’W   Back to top
From Portsmouth/Southampton take M27 Junction 5.
Follow sign for A22 Southampton / Swathling.
You will enter a 40MPH area and pass a set of traffic lights.
Next light go straight ahead, do NOT take left A335.
Enter 30MPH area.
At the second set of traffic lights feed left (McDonalds will be on the right).
Next traffic lights turn left into Woodmill Lane.
The road will narrow and the gates for Woodmill parking will be on the left after the first narrow section.

The Wye Valley Location and Start/Stop points     Back to top

How to get to Bracelands Campsite.
SO552134     GPS 51^o49.2’N 2^o39.2’W       Back to top

Via Gloucester (the free route)

M27 to Junction 4 and take left lane onto M3 North. After Winchester take the A34 exit for Newbury. Follow A34 all the way to the M4 and head West on M4.
Follow M4 West to Junction 15 and follow A419 for Cirencester.
Once you start seeing signs for A417 to Gloucester stay with them.
Continue on A417 (also signed M5 North) you will pick up signs for A40 (Ross).
After joining A40 follow signs for Ross or Huntley.
Soon after Huntley take the A4136 for Monmouth, Coleford, Edge End.
At Edge End DO NOT take the B4028 (left fork) continue along A4136, also signed (A466) Chepstow.
At Five Acres, just after the Nissan dealer turn RIGHT onto B4432 Symonds Yat, Bicknor, Berry Hill, into Park Road.
At cross road with B4228 go STRAIGHT. This will put you into Bracelands Drive, follow it 200 – 300 yds and the reception office is front of you (slightly left). You have arrived at the campsite. Bracelands field is found by following on down the hill (20MPH MAX). Once you enter the field at the bottom take the left fork. Most will be either to the left just as the road then turns right OR carry right the way along and you come to another fence that the road passes through.

Over the Seven Bridge (Toll road about £5)

M27 to Junction 4 and take left lane onto M3 North.
After Winchester take the A34 exit for Newbury.
Follow A34 all the way to the M4 and head West on M4.
Follow M4 West to Junction 21 and take M48 for Chepstow.
Take the first exit off as soon as you come off the Severn Bridge (M48 Jtn 2).
Follow A466 for Chepstow, Tintern and Monmouth.
Occasionally you may see the Wye on your right.
After the village of Llandogo you will come to a bridge with traffic lights, once they are green cross the river and take the RIGHT turn UP the hill for Coleford. You will pass the Travellers Rest Pub.
When you get to a T-junction turn RIGHT then immediate LEFT (BAD Visibility). You soon arrive at the next T-junction, turn LEFT past the Orepool Inn.
You now follow this road past signs for Puzzlewood and Clearwell Caves.
After the second set of lights take the turn to the RIGHT for Berry Hill (B4234).
At the Crossroads with the Pike House Tavern go STRAIGHT over. Follow this road for about ¾ mile and the CAMPSITE sign will be on your LEFT. Turn into Bracelands Drive. Follow it 200 – 300 yds and the reception office is front of you (slightly left). You have arrived at the campsite. Bracelands field is found by following on down the hill (20MPH MAX). Once you enter the field at the bottom take the left fork. Most will be either to the left just as the road then turns right OR carry right the way along and you come to another fence that the road passes through.  

From the Campsite to Symonds Yat
SO561161     GPS 51^o50.8’N 2^o38.5’W       Back to top

Go back out of the campsite to the crossroad with the B4432.
At the crossroad turn LEFT, then almost immediately take the LEFT fork past the garage.
Follow the road as it twists and turns then down the 1:5 hill.
Take care here as someone may be coming the other way.
Near the bottom of the hill is a LEFT turn for Symonds Yat (East). WARNING!! It IS very tight left, swing out right first and take it slow!!! You cannot see if someone is coming up it until you are round it.
Once you have made this tight turn follow it all the way down and parking will be on the right (£2 per day) in a compound type area. 3.5 miles from campsite.

From the Campsite to Ross-on-Wye  Back to top
SO596241     GPS 51^o54.9’N 2^o35.3’W

Go back out of the campsite to the crossroad with the B4228 and turn LEFT. DO NOT go left again to Symonds Yat. Follow the B4228 all the way into Monmouth. Once you get to Ross village square turn LEFT (A40 Monmouth) not straight on. Follow the road as it bears right and at the T-junction turn LEFT. Follow the road down the hill and the road will bear right. The green field on your right is where we need to be, so at the base of the hill take the road on the RIGHT (tricky manouver). If you cross the river you have gone too far. Parking can be found on the right in this road BEFORE you get to the houses. If not there is Pay & Display can be found across the road but it has a height restriction of 6’6".

Ross-on-Wye to Monmouth    Back to top
SO514124     GPS 51^o48.6’N 2^o42.4’W

Head back to the road you came down but turn RIGHT to go over the river. At the rounadabout head for A40 Monmouth. Follow it for about 10 miles. You will get to a roundabout, go STRAIGHT on but get in the left lane immediately after the roundabout, if you are not already in it. At the lights turn LEFT. On the RIGHT is a small turning (just after the end of the bridge brick wall) into a piece of land behind the cricket pitch.

It is sometimes possible to use the Monmouth Rowing Club area.  Permission MUST be obtained from them in advance!

Monmouth back to the campsite            Back to top

From the carpark turn RIGHT. As the road bears right take the LEFT turn (A4136). Follow this twisty road through Staunton village, carry straight on at the lights with B4431 for Coleford. At next crossroads turn LEFT, signed Symonds Yat, Bignor (this will put the Pike House Tavern on the right as you pass it). Follow this road for about ¾ mile and the CAMPSITE sign will be on your LEFT. Turn into Bracelands Drive.

Monmouth to Brockweir        
SO538011     GPS 51^o42.4’N 2^o40.1’W      Back to top

From the campsite turn RIGHT follow the road as it bears RIGHT (A466). The river will appear on your right. Eventually you get to a bridge with traffic lights to cross the river, carry on, when the lights are green. You will pass through Llandogo and after about 2 miles the road will straighten and the layby will be on the RIGHT.

IF the water is high then it may be possible to use a get-out at the Tintern Abbey visitor centre.  This can be VERY muddy!

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