Safe walking route from Portsmouth to Oxford

Q. I wonder if you can put me in touch with someone who can advise a safe walking route from Portsmouth to Oxford, ideally off-road, or failing that, roads with a footpath alongside?

In 2010, I intend to walk from the house where I now live, in the French Pyrenees, to the house where I was born, in Blackpool. The walk to be done in 70 days, to arrive 70 years to the day after I was born.

I can find a safe route through France, then will catch the ferry from Caen to Portsmouth. I am very concerned about the amount of traffic on British roads, and yet, because of my time constraints I need to keep, as near as possible, to the straight-line route.

From Oxford onwards, I will use canal banks for most of the way. After that I am in territory very familiar to me, so can find a safe route. But I am stuck for advice regarding Portsmouth to Oxford, so I hope you will be able to put me in touch with someone who can help.

Thank you

Regards

Vic Heaney, Puivert, France

Add your answer to THIS question | Ask a NEW question

Return to the main list of Walking and Hiking Questions

Search for an existing Walking and Hiking Question or Answer