Europe Remembers on Tour! | Follow the footsteps of our liberators

In 2019 and 2020, we will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. The Second World War is now far behind us, and the number of people who personally experienced the war is becoming ever smaller. It is now even more important to commemorate this history, remember their stories, and to celebrate their accomplishments. With Europe Remembers on Tour we follow the footsteps of our Liberators.

The Europe Remembers 1944 – 1945 campaign has been created to publicize these commemorative events during these two anniversary years. Europe Remembers is a project of the organization the Liberation Route Europe Foundation (LREF), and its key partners. The foundation, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2018, promotes the Liberation Route Europe. This freedom trail crosses nine countries and helps create mutual understanding through education and shared experiences. This international memorial route forms a link between European regions and remembrance sites along the path taken by the allies from England to the beaches of Normandy, the Belgian Ardennes, Brabant, Arnhem, Nijmegen, the Hurtgen forest and Berlin. The route makes its way across western and central Europe.

In cooperation with numerous hiking associations in our partner countries, the LREF has established a network of hiking specialists and historians in order to develop a trail stretching from London to Berlin. As part of Europe Remembers’ promotional activities, we will walk along the commemorative route that the Allies took in 1944 and 1945, to actively bring it to the attention of the public. Interviews will be held with veterans, young people, politicians, historians and prominent figures of society, who will walk part of the Liberation Route with us. From May 2019 until May 2020, the LRE team will travel for a part with a special van, the Europe Remembers Express along the commemorative route that the Allies took in 1944 and 1945. You can follow our journey and special live events on our social media accounts (@EuropeRemembers), Facebook, and by following the #EuropeRemembers.

The first leg of this “On Tour!” initiative will take place in the UK, starting in London on May 20 and ending in Portsmouth on May 24. The walk consists of three days from Alton to Portsmouth, we follow with this walk the footsteps of the liberators on their way to D-Day in Normandy. If you love the outdoors, making a difference, and love history, then this is the experience for you! Through the walk you will meet new people and remembering those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom!

Itinerary Map of the trail May 21-May 24 (EN – PDF)

Route 20 to 24 May 2019

• Day 1 – May 21th Hangers Way – Alton to Petersfield | 16 miles/ 25.74 km

  Theme: Friendly invasion’ and the cohabitation between foreign troops and locals
  By the time the D-Day invasion was launched in June 1944, the south of England had spent months filled with soldiers preparing for war. The arrival of hundreds of thousands of Americans and Canadians left many Britons feeling as if their own country had been occupied, even if it was by a largely friendly force. It was a strange period, both exciting and unsettling.

  Route
  The Hangers Way begins at Alton Railway Station. This main-line station is also used by the Mid-Hants Railway (Watercress Line), which runs restored steam trains. Alton lies on the main road from Winchester to London, which has been in use since Roman times. From Alton out into the lush Hampshire countryside, along a series of steep-sided wooded hills, known as “The Hangers”, through the pretty market town of Petersfield to finish at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. The Way has been divided into eight sections. These eight sections with detailed information can be found on the website.

  Start route: Alton Station, Station Road, Hampshire, Alton, GU34 2PZ. From the station, turn right onto Paper Mill Ln and follow the map. Further information and a detailed route description are available on the website: Hangersway

  Parking cars
  South West Trains, Alton Station, Station Road, Hampshire, Alton, GU34 2PZ. You can park at Alton station. The costs £ 8,00 for a whole day.

  Return by public transport from Petersfield to Alton
  Station Petersfield platform 1: South Western Railway to London Waterloo – Woking station.
  Station Woking platform 5: South Western Railway to Alton.

  You can plan your train trip using the journey planner of the South Western Railway.
  https://www.southwesternrailway.com/  
  Travel time: 1 hour

  Hotels Alton
  Overnight accommodation is possible in Alton. Book overnight accommodation via Booking.com

• Day 2 – May 22th Shipwrights Way – Petersfield to Staunton Country Park | 14 miles/ 22.53 km

  Theme: Preparations for D-Day
  D-Day is one of the most remembered campaigns of the Second World War. The operation involved troops from Britain, the United States, Canada and several other countries. Planning the invasion (codenamed Operation Overlord) was a mammoth task. A vast army of workers toiled on various elements of the campaign, from providing safe harbors for the travelling fleet to ensuring that fuel would be in plentiful supply. An array of sites linked to the planning, preparation and implementation of D-Day were located across Britain. Specialist ships were designed and built – Artificial Harbors prefabricated – Railway wagons, locos and track were stockpiled ready to move to France to get the rail system up and running for logistics reasons – an oil pipeline was designed and made ready for running under the sea to Normandy so petrol would be available in enough quantity.

  Route
  This route starts at Petersfield, a lively market town with much to see and do, including the Flora Twort Gallery (textiles and art) and the Petersfield Museum (social history). Leaving behind the higgledy- piggledy terraced cottages of Sheep Street, look for the wool bale sculpture and then use a path over the river to join estate roads and finally the ‘Causeway’ (road). After this you will arrive at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, you walk over on gravel tracks through the woodland where you finally arrive Finchdean. From Finchdean the route continues down the lane into Rowlands Castle. In 1944 at the height of the Second World War, the station at Rowlands Castle was chosen as one of the de-training stations for allied troops, who camped in nearby forests, in preparation for the D-Day landings in Normandy. Troops would arrive from all parts of the County de-train and in lorry convoys move into camps. This route finishes at Sir George Staunton Country Park & Gardens, well worth a visit with its ornamental farm, Victorian glasshouse and extensive parkland with follies and a fishing lake.

  Adress start route: Tilmore Road to Station Road Petersfield and follow the map. Further information and a detailed route description are available on
  the website.

  Parking cars
  Station Petersfield GU32 3EE. Parking near Petersfield Station is easy. With over hundreds of spaces within a stone’s throw of the station you find and pay for the perfect available spot in seconds. With prices starting at £3 per day. From the station it is approximately a 5-minute walk to the starting location.

  Return by public transport from Staunton Country Park to Petersfield
  Bus 21 Havant from Staunton Park: busstop Wakefords Way (S-Bound). The bus stops at Havant Railway Station. Havant railway station east bound platform 1: South Western Railway to Petersfield
  Travel Time: 40 minutes

  You can plan your train trip using the journey planner of the South Western Railway.
  https://www.southwesternrailway.com/

  Hotels Havant and red Hill
  Overnight accommodation is possible in Havant and red Hill. Book overnight accommodation via Booking.com.

• Day 3 – May 23th Shipwrights Way – Staunton Country Park – Portsmouth – 12 miles/ 20.92 km

  Theme: Embarkation D-Day
  D-Day planning involved massive staging operations of thousands of troops. During the first week of May 1944, massive troop movements occurred throughout Great Britain. From England itself as well as Scotland, Wales, the Midlands, and Northern Ireland, regiments, divisions, and corps were assembled in pre-invasion staging areas for D-Day. Troops camped in the woods to the north and east of Portsmouth. The troops were sealed into their camps on May 26 so that the final briefings could begin. Portsmouth was the headquarters and main departure point for the military and naval units destined for Sword Beach on the Normandy coast. Then as D-Day approached, the men began to embark for the cross-channel assault from Southsea beach, the naval dockyard, Gosport, Stokes Bay and numerous other points along the south coast.

  Route
  This route starts at Staunton Country Park. Leaving the Country Park, the first mile of this section is next to (but not on) the road, using a tarmac walk/cycle route; there is then a section on fairly quiet roads (with pavements), leading to a rail crossing on the edge of the town centre and at the end you will reach Langstone. Langstone is a picturesque waterfront community with an old mill and a row of eighteenth-century thatched cottages. After crossing the bridge, continue along the Hayling Billy – this is a disused rail line. The route is now a wide, well-surfaced track with views across Langstone harbour. Look out for the WWII Mulberry Harbour sitting in the water north of the jetty, built on Hayling to assist the D-day landings. From Jack Cockerill Way, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3ST the guide Frank Baldwin will walk through Portsmouth and explain various historical locations such as the D-Day memorial and various locations that have to do with the embarkation for D-Day. The tour ends by D-Day Story Museum, Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth PO5 3NT. A short closing ceremony will take place at the museum.

  Adress start route: Whichers Gate Rd, Rowland’s Castle PO9 6BB
  50°52’46.9″N 0°57’42.5″W 50.879683, -0.961798/ invitees and participants from the Havant Railway Station
  Further information and a detailed route description are available on
  the website:

  Parking cars
  CP Plus Ltd. Havant Station, North Street, Havant, PO9 1PP. Parking near Havant Station is easy. With over thousands of spaces within a stone’s throw of the station you can find and pay for the perfect available spot in seconds. The costs £ 6,00 for a whole day.

  Return by public transport from Portsmouth to Havant
  D-Day Storymuseum to busstop Southsea Shops (Stop B) 5 minutes walking. Bus 23 Leigh Park 14 min. (11 stops) to City Shops South (Stop D).
  Station Portsmouth & Southsea platform 1: South Western Railway to London Victoria – Havant station.
  Travel time: 40 minutes

  You can plan your train trip using the journey planner of the South Western Railway.
  https://www.southwesternrailway.com/

  Hotels Petersfield
  Overnight accommodation is possible in Portsmouth. Book overnight accommodation via Booking.com.

  Parking cars
  CP Plus Ltd. Havant Station, North Street, Havant, PO9 1PP. Parking near Havant Station is easy. With over thousands of spaces within a stone’s throw of the station you can find and pay for the perfect available spot in seconds. The costs £ 6,00 for a whole day.

  Return by public transport from Portsmouth to Havant
  D-Day Storymuseum to busstop Southsea Shops (Stop B) 5 minutes walking. Bus 23 Leigh Park 14 min. (11 stops) to City Shops South (Stop D).
  Station Portsmouth & Southsea platform 1: South Western Railway to London Victoria – Havant station.
  Travel time: 40 minutes

  You can plan your train trip using the journey planner of the South Western Railway.
  https://www.southwesternrailway.com/

  Hotels Portsmouth
  Overnight accommodation is possible in Portsmouth. Book overnight accommodation via Booking.com.

FAQ

• Where do I get maps and which ones should I use?

  This FAQ does not provide navigation details. The Hangers Way is shown on the following Ordnance Survey maps:
  • Explorer maps at 1:25,000 scale 133
  • Haslemere & Petersfield
  • 120 Chichester

  The route is indicated on these maps with a green diamond and the name of the route (Hangers Way). Further information and a detailed route description are available on
  the web: www.hants.gov.uk/walking/hangers

  The Shipwrights Way is shown on the following Ordnance Survey maps:
  • OS Explorer 133 & 120
  • Landranger 186 & 197

  Further information and a detailed route description are available on
  the The Long Distance Walkers Association website. 

• Will medical support be available along the route?

  We do not have medical support along the way. Everyone must take out travel insurance themselves. In the event of an emergency you can call the numbers below.
  999 is the British national emergency telephone number
  112 is the pan-European number.
  You can call one or the other, it’s the same. There are two large hospitals along the route.

  Petersfield Hospital – Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust
  Swan Street
  Petersfield
  Hampshire
  GU32 3LB

  Spire Portsmouth Hospital
  Bartons Road
  Havant
  Hampshire
  PO9 5NP

• Is there a minimum age for team members?

  We believe that our tours may not be suitable for children under 8 years old however, we will consider individual requests on application. Participants aged 18 and under at the time of travel must be accompanied by an adult, parent or guardian aged over 18 years old.

• Can we book a hotel via Liberation Route Europe?

  For the tour you can book a hotel or any other overnight staying yourself. We can however recommend several hotels near pickup / start locations.

• Do I have to wear boots of walking shoes for the tour?

  Walking is a part of the program. Sometimes we have to walk field and dirt roads, so proper shoeing is advisable. However, it is important that your boots are comfortable and well worn-in and not brand new. Many people prefer to trek in tennis shoes but extra care should be taken since they do not support the ankle. We do not recommend trekking in sandals or using new boots or hiring boots prior to the trek. Make sure the shoes are sturdy enough for the duration of the trek and will not fall apart

• Can I use trekking poles / walking sticks?

  Many people like to hike with trekking poles or walking sticks. This is fine as long as the poles will not cause damage to the stone paving along the route. If the trekking poles have metal spikes then these must be protected by rubber tips. We recommend bringing some spare rubber tips with you.

• Do I need to wear special clothing?

  We are outdoors the entire day. So, if it’s cold, dress warm. If it’s hot, dress cool and don’t forget sun tan and head protection. If it’s rainy, bring a rain coat. This goes especially if you are joining a walking tour! Other than that, just wear what makes you feel comfortable for a trip outdoors.

• What arrangements are made for lunch and dinner?

  The tour come through places where you can buy lunch. But bringing your own food and beverages is also possible. Please keep in mind that we do not provide lunch and water. Do take your own water bottle, etc.

• Does Liberation Route Europe provide transport?

  You will have to provide transport yourself. The tour details include a route planner that you can use for using public transport.

• What happens with bad weather?

  Our tours run rain or shine! We don’t cancel due to inclement weather. During the Second World War, the soldiers also had to fight under terrible weather conditions. The organization looks closely at the weather reports, if the safety of the participants is compromised then the tour will be canceled.

• Participate at your own initiative and risk

  You participate at your own risk and you must take responsibility for your own safety. We therefore advise everyone to arrange travel insurance. Liberation Route Europe does not assume any responsibility for accidents that are caused by its participants or can be traced to their own actions or are caused by factors outside of human control. We use landscaped hiking trails and long-distance routes, we therefore advise everyone to follow these routes and use the desired paths.

• Do we fundraise?

  During the campaign, a there will be an online crowdfunding platform will be launched with the aim to obtain a target amount for the realization of the Hiking Trail. In cooperation with the Dutch hiking organization Wandelnet, the LREF has established a network of hiking specialists and historians in order to develop a detailed route, based on existing trails including WWII remembrance sites (museums, cemeteries, memorials, fortifications etc.) and connected to stories among others personal ones. You can share the online crowdfunding platform link through various media channels. Facebook can be a powerful place to help people engage their communities and give to the causes they care about.

• What happens on the day, and what should I bring?

  The route will run past historic sites that concentrate on D-Day and the Second World War. Along the way there will be a number of historical breaks with historians discussing the location in combination with the day theme of the tour. Along the way you can also you’re your stories about the Second World War. A camera team comes along to make a report at the end of the day. This can be seen on social media and online.

• What is the registration fee?

  There is no registration fee. You can register without obligation to walk along. You do participate in the tour at your own risk.

• Social media, website links and suggest hashtags

  Use the power of social media to create awareness about participating in the Europe remembers walk! Connecting with friends and family through social media will broaden our reach and help deliver our message. You can connect through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to find and share motivating stories, impactful graphics and more. During your online updates you can use #europeremembers

• Contact details/inquiry email

  For contact about the tour:

  Joël Stoppels
  Projectmanager
  A Lucasbolwerk 10 │ 3512 EH UTRECHT
  T +31 (0) 30 200 6834
  M +31 (0) 6 36 33 53 70
  E j.stoppels@liberationroute.com 
  I www.liberationroute.com

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