THE final section of a 50-mile path running through the heart of East Hampshire has been completed.

A one-and-a-half mile stretch, connecting Whitehill and Bordon to Liss, is the last link in the chain for the Shipwrights Way.

A joint project between East Hampshire District Council (EHDC), Hampshire County Council (HCC), South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) and the Forestry Commission, which pooled their resources and expertise to complete the project, Shipwrights Way provides a new long-distance path to link villages and towns in some beautiful East Hampshire countryside.

Its name reflects the use of oak grown at Alice Holt Forest for Tudor shipbuilding, linking this site with Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home of the Mary Rose and HMS Victory.

Starting from Bentley Station, the route passes through Alice Holt Forest, Bordon, Liphook, Liss, Petersfield, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Staunton Country Park, Havant, Hayling Island and continues to Portsmouth via the ferry, finishing at the Historic Dockyard – and taking in seven railway stations.

There are 20 stone sculptures along the way, each carved to depict the history or wildlife of its setting.

Shipwrights Way is available for use by walkers, cyclists and, where possible, horse riders, with as much as possible of the route off-road, using rights of way and permissive paths.

Running along the edge of Longmoor Ranges, this latest section was built with funding from the M3 Local Enterprise Partnership and developer contributions, together with funding and help from the Ministry of Defence (MoD)

As well as completing Shipwrights Way this new bridleway provides the perfect access into the South Downs National Park for residents of Whitehill and Bordon.

It will provide a link to the nearest train station, at Liss, while ensuring the continued use of the Longmoor Ranges for training by the MoD.

Shipwrights Way connects seven train stations, three country parks and other places of interest and will support the rural economy, the area’s tourism industry and encourage sustainable transport. It runs in a continuous route through East Hampshire, including a spur to Liphook.

Ken Carter, EHDC’s representative for Shipwrights Way, said: “This route will be the only off-road access for cyclists and horse-riders leading south from Bordon into the South Downs National Park. Not only will people be able to explore and enjoy the countryside but local pubs, shops and tourism businesses will also benefit.”

Andrew Gibson, HCC executive member for Culture, recreation and countryside, said: “Completing Shipwrights Way is excellent news. The route is already very popular, and this final section will no doubt make it even more attractive to residents and visitors, providing access to some of the county’s most beautiful countryside while boosting the local tourism economy.”

Mark Kemp-Gee, Hampshire county councillor for Alton Rural ward, added: “This section of Shipwrights Way represents the last piece in the jigsaw. This easy-to-follow, well-marked path will help people discover the many places of beauty and historic interest in the area.”

To find out more and visit www.shipwrights.org.uk.