Hamble–Warsash Ferry
The Hamble–Warsash Ferry is an 'on-demand' passenger ferry service on the River Hamble in Hampshire, England. The ferry operates between Hamble-le-Rice on the west bank of the river and Warsash on the east.
The current service is the latest incarnation of a service that has operated for several centuries; there are records of a ferry across the Hamble is in 1493.[1] It was an important link on the route between the cities of Portsmouth and Southampton. It was also a key link in more than one pilgrimage route. The ferry now provides a link in local, national and international footpaths such as the Solent Way and cycle routes such as National Cycle Route 2.
Although it has previously been operated using rowing boats, the current service is run with two motorised ferries, Claire and Emily. Both ferries carry a maximum of twelve passengers and are painted in a pink livery, having been painted white until a change of ownership in 2002. A water taxi and mooring service are also operated by the ferry company.[2]
