Seven eager members met this morning at Parc Pale car park just behind Boltons Bench ready to stretch our legs and appreciate the fresh air. 

Crossing the Beaulieu road and then through a rather imposing wooden gate we plunged into the trees and within 5 minutes we were almost surrounded by a sea of bluebells.    We were lucky as we thought we may have been too late to see them at their best.    Carrying on there were a couple of other patches of them to be admired before we came upon a wood carving of the Bisterne Dragon which we’d seen a couple of times on prior walks.   

Following a smell of burning wood we soon came upon the forest charcoal burners who were pleased to explain the process to us; from the cut ash branches to a bag of black charcoal all produced in a most ecological way in sealed ovens.  What we assumed was smoke is actually steam from the new wood but it still made your eyes water as the breeze wafted it around.    A lot of the final product is sold to upmarket hotels, etc, but it can be bought direct from a few other outlets for your own bar-b-ques.    Apparently it’s top quality with no additives and you can be ready to cook  in about 10minutes from first firing. 

Another quarter mile of walking and we were back at the entrance gate  and across the road to the parking area.    Then it was cheery goodbyes and a big thank you to Ingrid and Brian for arranging the morning.

Ken. 

 Eight of us arrive at The Rapids car park all ready for a walk around Romsey.  A quarter mile walk into the town centre and we were soon strolling along The Hundred passing the Corn Exchange swinging right onto Church street where we saw St John’s House which has been temporarily blocked off to visitors due to a very recent fire in its basement.    It’s likely to be closed for the rest of this year for extensive repairs. 

Continuing to Mill lane we walked to a bridge over the R. Test ( time for a quick go at Poohsticks - but only me!) and made our way to the end where we looped back to reach the bridge again and took a back lane alongside the water.  There were plenty of expensive-looking houses to admire with gardens running down the river bank. 

Upon reaching The Meads we turned toward and entered the Memorial Park which we circuited anti-clockwise before exiting on to the road again and continued it past an old mill beside the river where it narrowed to a lane which eventually led us to the bypass via a track called “Causeway”.

Turning left we diverted along Middlebridge street for a couple of hundred yards then we proceeded to the right through some modern flats and back to the A27.    To reach the car park took us past the entrance to Broadlands to traffic lights which allowed us to cross safely and reach our destination.   

I found it to be a most interesting route seeing parts of old and new Romsey I had not ventured to before so a big ‘thank you’ to Ingrid and Brian for organising it for us. 

Ken. 

 Following yesterday’s inclement weather of snow and bitter wind we were not expecting bright sunshine this morning (22nd) as 6 members met at 10am near the quay in sight of the bandstand.      Spot on time we set off in the wake of our guide (Ingrid) along Bath road passing Berthon Boatyard which has been established there since the 16thC.    But it was the small cottage at no. 10 which was of interest being originally an inn and, reputedly, being the HQ of the Press Gang in the 1800’s.  The thought of that gave us something to ponder. 

Continuing and taking a left turn into Nelson Place we were hugging the walls of the houses as the pavement almost petered out at times to allow room for vehicles to drive down the narrow street, eventually reaching Grove Gardens, formerly the site of Grove House, home of Dennis Wheatley and which was demolished in1969.  Following its perimeter and turning right into Church lane we came across the wavy wall which Wheatley had had constructed.    Apparently, the serpentine shape gives extra strength to a single brick wall and saves on bricks.    He probably took the idea from Elm Grove House a neighbouring building a few yards beyond and on the left where a similar original wall was built about 1900. 

The lane continues to meet St Thomas Street opposite the parish church of St Thomas.  On our left was Monmouth House built toward the end of the 17thC and believed to be the oldest complete domestic house in the town.  Making our way around the back of the church and  across its graveyard we soon came upon the St Barbe Museum for some quick and welcome hot liquid refreshment.

Back to the High street we had a short detour to see Bellevue House (b. 1765) once the home of wealthy Charles St Barbe - five times mayor of the town - and now the home of a solicitor’s practise.  Descending the High St. we passed the gold-painted post box in recognition of Sir Ben Ainsley before crossing the road to the well-known cobbled Quay Hill leading to the Town Quay itself where the IOW ferry terminal is based just over the river.   

Then it was back past the Berthon Boatyard to our parking point.    All agreed it had been worth doing and a different and most enjoyable experience for our walking group.  Big “thank yous” to Ingrid who set it up and ably guided us around. 

We’ll try and find a suitable walk for us to do in January.   

Ken

 Awoke to bright sunshine and no wind.    Ideal for our walk through the Tall Trees this morning. 

Making our way to the meeting point at Brock Hill we admired many reds and golds in the trees and hedgerows as we drove toward the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.  9 of us having arrived by 10am we struck off by crossing the road to take the path of the circular walk in a clockwise direction.  The trees are quite a height and dense so not a lot of sunshine filtered through but it was still generally warm as we strode along passing an old bomb crater and reading some information boards and generally chatting and laughing along our way.    Oh, and greeting other walkers as we approached them.  Because the majority of the trees are deciduous  there was not much autumnal colours in them but the low lying bushes and particularly the ferns were sporting a yellowish hue.  All too soon we had reached the furthest point of our walk at the lower car park with some of us making use of the comfort facilities there.    (You really wanted to know that, didn’t you?)

There was now time to extend the walk into the nearby arboretum which was a little more open to sunlight and had specimen trees - with names - to admire and also several interesting large wooden sculptures of acorns and fir cones. 

Back on the track we wended our way towards the car park but not without stopping to admire the tallest trees in the forest: Canadian redwoods planted in the 1800s and currently weighing an estimated 105+ tonnes each.    The mind boggles. 

We reached our car park about 11.15am so cheery “goodbyes” and “see you soons” we made our way homeward ready and refreshed to enjoy the weekend. 

There’s sure to be another walk in November, venue and date yet to be decided, so do join us then for another pleasant outing.   

Ken and Charmian.   

 Surprisingly, despite a light drizzle in the air, 8 eager walkers arrived at Deerleap this morning (27th) in defiance of the weather.

Setting off at a goodly pace we had hardly covered the first 2/300 yds before the rain in the air ceased.    We seemed to be a set of active walkers as we kept up this easy-going stroll throughout but still able to catch up with each other’s news - chattering and laughing whilst avoiding a myriad of water-filled potholes in the mostly gravelled paths along the way.   

45 minutes from the start found us back in the car park, all of us having enjoyed our exercise and taking the fresh air.  

We’ll be walking again next month, and details will probably appear in the next newsletter.  Whatever happens , we’ll keep you up to date.   It will be another short one of about an hour.    Why not come along too?.

Ken & Charmian

 What a change in the weather today after yesterday’s rain.    We met at 10am in the car park in Blackhill road, near Wellow, which we now know is named Half Moon Common.    I was expecting the ground to be a lot more soft and claggy after last night’s downpour but it was surprisingly solid underfoot for the majority of the walk.  It was mainly a meander covering a large oval shape of the common itself over grass, a couple of small bridges and some woodland.    It appeared to be a popular place for walking so we met a few dogs plus cattle and ponies. 

There seemed to be 7 fairly fit walkers today and the circuit was 9/10ths completed in just under 45 minutes, but we knew there was a coffee stop scheduled into the morning and so we stopped at a Farm Shop for the welcome drink and a good natter around a table outside which passed an amiable half hour before walking the last 500 yards or so to our parked vehicles.    Last minute chats and farewells before making our homeward journeys.      It was sunshine all the way but slightly blustery on the outward leg but the breeze was in out favour on the return.    A most pleasant and relaxing morning.   

I’m sure we’ll sort out another short walk somewhere for September so if it isn’t decided by the time of publication of the Newsletter keep an eye on your emails for information.

Ken

8 members made their way to the Beaulieu Motor Museum car park this morning all geared up for a walk to Bucklers Hard.    Heading out to the road and skirting the mill pond we made our way into and through the village and then took a path to the left of the Montague Arms hotel which led us to a gate giving access to the gravelled track leading towards our destination. 

It was an extremely hot day but luckily the route was about 50/50 sun and shade and included two short diversions (named North Loop and South Loop) which led us nearer the river by way of board walks and through the cooling shade of woodland.

After about an hour’s trek we reached the Hard with its famous single street of two rows of facing dwellings.    It was straight into Henry’s pub for some necessary liquid refreshment which we carried into the garden for a bit of a sit down. 

Twenty minutes later it was time to face the hike back which none of us looked forward to but, surprisingly, once we’d got our legs and knees into gear it didn’t seem so far as the outward journey nor take as long.

However, we were all glad to reach the car park where we all collapsed into our vehicles, hot, sweaty but happy that we’d done it.    An estimated 6.25 miles.    Then it was cheery  goodbyes and thank yous to our leaders before heading back home to flake out on the sofa.

There’s a less strenuous get together next Wednesday with a coffee morning arranged at the Broadlands Lakes cafe from about 10.30am.    If the sun stays shining it should be really pleasant sitting on the outside decking there.    To find the cafe proceed to the Calmore roundabout and then continue past the football ground.    Take the first road on the right (Hill Street) and follow it about half a mile and the entrance is on your right, immediately BEFORE the road crosses the motorway.      Weather permitting or not, a good time with friends is assured.  Enjoy. 

Ken

 A blustery morning for us as we stepped out for our walk which had been postponed for a fortnight due to bad weather.  It wasn’t too long before the sun shone on us which made it a lot more pleasant.    Chatting between ourselves, and with cheery greetings to oncoming fellow walkers and dogs, we made our way around the enclosure on gravel paths with fewer muddy patches than we expected.    That being so, we found ourselves back closer to the car park earlier than anticipated so branched off to a path that led down to a river which was quite fast-flowing due to the massive amounts of rain we’ve experienced in the last few weeks.    Retracing our steps and then  moving onto a grass track, we made our way back to our cars about 75 minutes from when we started, having put the world to rights in our conversations throughout the walk.   

With lungs full of fresh air we were all ready to face the rest of the day and enjoy the weekend ahead.    Come and join us next time, date and place not yet decided, for a morning of conviviality- guaranteed!

Charmian and Ken

 A bright, sunny but blustery morning saw 9 members meeting near Brockenhurst on Friday last for the first main walk of 2024.

Striking off from the Beachern car park area across the grass and a road, avoiding some rather large puddles, we made our way down a gravel road by some imposing houses with gardens sporting many daffodils and other spring flowers.    Skipping away from an approaching dust cart we continued to the end of the lane which brought us to Burley road and close to St Saviours church.    Continuing past the Brockenhurst ford we made our way to Meerut road and across Butts Lawn and Black Knowl by way of a long straight footpath of several hundred yards to  Bolderford Bridge and time to play Pooh sticks in the fast flowing river.  One or two of us were lucky to catch sight of a kingfisher darting along the water.    Going back slightly we struck right to Ober Corner where we picked up the road which led us back to the car park.  There were quite a few muddy patches to negotiate but puddles gave good opportunities to wash it off our wellies.

Two hours of steady walking and a lot of happy conversation provided an enjoyable morning spent with friends.    Thanks to Ingrid and Brian for organising it for us.

Driving back towards Brock it was sad to see that The Cloud Hotel (where we had enjoyed some U3A Christmas dinners) was now being converted into housing.    Life goes on.

Expect a short walk towards the end of March.  Details to follow.        Ken.

 A lovely crisp morning with a brisk walk promised ahead of us - it certainly sounded good. Well nine of us (plus a dog) certainly thought so as we met near The Happy Cheese in Ashurst.    Allowing a couple of minutes for latecomers we trooped off along some familiar paths into the Forest.    Once amongst the trees it was noticeably peaceful and quiet and quite warm with just the sound of happy chatter between ourselves as we caught up with each other’s news.    Some of the trees looked stunning displaying their golden leaves and one of us was successful in catching a leaf or two as they swirled around us.  There were quite a few birds flitting around but too quick for us to determine which.  Oh how we miss Stuart who seemed to know them all - even by their sound when they were invisible. 

We plodded on with a friendly nod or a good morning to other passing walkers including the Lyndhurst Healthy Walkers group who tell us that they have a walk together each Friday morning.    After an hour we could tell we were almost back to our destination by the sounds of the trains travelling up and down.    It still took us another 20 minutes or so to reach the car park, via the Ashurst camp site, as a small diversion was necessary to avoid a rather wet and muddy area blocking our path.   

Another successful hour of exercise and conviviality enjoyed by us all ( and the dog seemed pleased too) so thanks to Brian and Ingrid once again.    We’ll arrange another for Jan/Feb next year.

See you soon.  Ken. 

Will it, won’t it?  The forecast was good for today but there were a few threatening dark clouds above (where else would they be?) as 10 of us congregated at Matley car park this morning.  We were pleased to have 2 new companions- one who’s only been on one previous walk and a brand new guy contemplating joining our U3A - so I hope we’ve made a favourable impression. 

10am, almost on the dot, we started off into a woodland area chatting, catching up with individual’s news and getting to know the newbies.    Easy walking ground though there were one or two fallen tree trunks across our way which were easily negotiated

Within 15 minutes we emerged on to open heathland making for distant trees and, just before them, took a sharp left along another track where we admired the heather which was at the point of bursting into blossom.

Then a few spots of rain was felt which developed into a light drizzle but, unperturbed, we continued back to the shelter of Matley Wood.    We didn’t re-enter at the point I had planned and so went slightly adrift but with the aid of a GPS signal and instinct we walked through the camp-site and soon reached our starting point and back into the sunshine. 

Nonetheless, we enjoyed our hour or so of exercise of both legs and jaws, and look forward to the next occasion. 

I hope to see many of you at the lunch on Tuesday and at the next general meeting on the 13th August.    Ken. 

 

Walk From Millyford Bridge – 16/6/23

 

Seven of us met on a hot sunny morning at Millyford Bridge car park at the start of our walk.  As we sorted out rucksacks with water, sun hats etc; a mare & foal wandered by.

We started out along a long gravel track & into the inclosure where we followed tree shaded tracks into woodland going uphill.  There was plenty of conversation & a fair bit of exclaiming over the heat, but we made the most of the shade where we could, even disturbing a few deer who ran past us.  We made our way to Acres Down Tea Rooms – a usual port of call for this walk – but unfortunately it was closed due to the owner’s health issues – the picture below shows disappointed walkers, we could only look over the gate & drink our water while imagining the lovely cake we usually indulge in.

Veering back away from Annie’s Tea Room we cut across open heathland & edged round along the tree border.  One member spotted a buzzard as it launched from a tree nearby & we stopped (in the shade) to watch as it gained height eventually disappearing from sight.

We eventually returned to the starting point after a couple of hours & agreed that it had been a very enjoyable, if rather hot, get together.  Our thanks to Brian & Ingrid for their guidance around the area.

 

 

 A wonderful 10 members came together this morning to enjoy a walk around the Shatterford area of The Forest: more than double my expectation.    Great!

Carefully crossing the railway bridge by the Drift Inn we were soon striding out over the heathland in bright sunshine, chatting and laughing along the way.    A skylark was soon spotted above us trilling away, probably a warning if we were too close to its nest.    Then over a wooden bridge which had a pool of water to one side big enough to contain water lilies.    There were also one or two dragonflies flying lazily backwards and forwards over it. Some of us heard a strange low sound in the area but, despite some hard looking, we couldn’t discover its origin.

We plodded on along footpaths and grass tracks, through woodland and over more bridges also some dried out (thank goodness) boggy areas before we circled back to reach the car park about an hour and a half from our set-off time.

Thanks to all of you who came along and made it a most enjoyable morning.  I understand that Ingrid is proposing a longer walk on the 16th June incorporating a stop at Annie’s tea rooms near Minstead (Mmmmmm.  Yum yum).    Let’s hope that that thought is an incentive for even greater numbers to join in. 

Ken. 

 Friday, May 26th at 10.00am is the date and time for the next short walk.  We’ll meet at Beaulieu road station in the car park opposite The Drift Inn close by the horse pens.  The walk is a little more taxing than usual at about 2 miles plus but not difficult terrain.    One or two muddy patches so appropriate footwear required.

See you there.    Ken. 

 Short walk 3/3/23

Six of us met in the car park at Rhinefield Ornamental Drive on Friday morning.  We set off along a gravel track that took us away from the usual Tall Trees walk.  Although chilly we were largely protected by the trees soon warming up nicely.

The path then took us along & across various intersections eventually connecting with the Tall Trees walk which we followed.  

Having completed the walk & with all in agreement we added in a stroll around the Arboretum, admiring the various trees & sculptures as we went.

The next short walk will be in May - details later.  We'd love to see some new faces, why not join us?

Charmian

 9 members gathered at the fountain fronting the Art Gallery at 10.30 am to be met by our affable guide Geoff Watts, someone who had been a speaker at one of our monthly meetings. 

Starting by crossing the road into West Marlands park Geoff explained that all the central parks were originally known as Lammas parks which were privately owned and cultivated but had to be open to the public for 6 months of the year.    He then went on to explain about the 2 modern art installations there, one of which is still on loan after 25 years.   I think that nobody wanted it back so Southampton is stuck with it!

Progressing east to the statue of Isaac Watts (no relation, Geoff assured us) it’s origin and its particular siting was explained to us.   Watts was the composer of various hymns including “oh God our help in ages past” which is played daily each 4 hours from 8am to 8pm from the Civic Centre bell tower.

From there it was to the Cenotaph, designed by Lutyens, which commemorates those who died in The Great War and shows 2000 names - one of which appears twice as it was incorrectly spelled originally.    Those who died in WW2 have their names in a book held in the main library archives which can be viewed if requested.

Proceeding across Above Bar we made our way to the Titanic Engineer’s Memorial erected in memorium to those engineers who went down with the ship whilst endeavouring to keep all lights blazing so that the Carpathian would see it should it arrive in time.    The architect of the Titanic - Thomas Andrews - also perished with them after he had warned the captain that the vessel was doomed.   

We were then reminded of the very popular aviary which stood nearby but disappeared overnight on the instructions of a city counsellor causing a public outcry but to no avail.   There appears to be no record of the fate of the birds housed therein. 

We then moved over to another installation called The Queen’s fountain to celebrate 56 years of QE2’s reign without a war.    The actual fountain no longer operates due to vandalism. 

Continuing to the pergola our attention was drawn to a - now defunct - sundial erected to mark the beginning of the reign of Edward VII.

Perambulating through the parks via the avenue of lime trees we crossed New Road into what is called Palmerston park with our guide drawing attention to various areas of historical interest along the way which we would have missed otherwise.    We then gathered before Palmerston’s statue set in the most densely planted area of the park - courtesy of a Victorian benefactor who owned a garden centre and donated £4000 worth of shrubs and other flora.

Palmerston was a burgess of the town who became a Liberal MP and progressed to positions of Foreign and Home Secretaries and Prime Minister twice, dying in office in 1865.

Onwards we went along the avenue and crossed over Pound Tree Round and intoQueens Park passing a children’s playground which was being refurbished or upgraded until, finally, we reached the plinth and column monument which was raised through public subscription commemorating the arrival of gas lighting to the town.

Many thanks to Geoff for his deep knowledge and interesting words throughout and to Christine for making the walk possible.    We all learned a great deal.   It is hoped to organise a further historical walk sometime soon.   

I’ve bored you long enough with my ramblings so time to close.   Ken. 

 Our next short walk will be on  Friday 23rd  September from Bolderwood car park starting at 10am as usual.

There are several routes there the two main ones both being from Lyndhurst towards Bournemouth.    For the first you turn right on to Swan Green and continue to the New Forest  Inn where turn left, signposted “Bolderwood 3 miles, and continue past Millyford Bridge and on to Bolderwood.   
The second route is to continue on the A35 beyond Swan Green as far as the Tall Trees walk cross roads where you make a right turn (again signposted to Bolderwood) and follow that road for approximately 2 miles until you reach Bolderwood car park.
We will be following the longest of the suggested waymarked walks of approx 2 miles keeping to the bicycle trails and should take us about an hour.   See you there.   Ken & Charmian.

On Friday 19 August starting at 10am we will be walking from the Oak Inn at Bank, it is a circular walk of just under 5 miles through the forest. If anyone wants a drink or lunch the Oak has a nice garden.

Please park on arrival on the road in front of the pub, not in the pub car park.

Look forward to seeing you there

Ingrid

 8 members gathered at Clay Hill Heath car park this morning eager to do the short walk.   It was quite cool compared with recent weather and ideal for our foray.   Straight from the cars and immediately through a gate into an enclosure and along a woodland path chatting all the way.    Soon it was over a low stile, across a cycle track and back into another enclosure and we all managed the hazard of the fallen tree easily.   Not a “whoops“ from any of us.   On route a deer was spotted in the undergrowth and not long after another was observed quite close on a track to our left.

 Moving onto rougher ground we followed the signs for the circular walk which soon led us on to a more pleasant woodland track.    We passed wattle fencing, an area of replanting and also a very boggy area set aside for conservation.    Emerging on to another cycle track we crossed to a break in ferns and brush to find what we were looking for - the Bisterne dragon of fable fame (go on, Google it).    It was a carving of a dragon head on a fallen tree trunk, quite cleverly executed and varnished over to preserve it.    Time for a photograph or two which I hope to be able to publish soon.

Back on the track and soon another deer loped across about 30 yards ahead of us.   The final stretch of our morning was along a further woodland path with a couple more carvings to see, one of a torso in a pair of trunks and an impressive one of an owl before retracing part of our steps to the car park.

It had taken us about an hour and a half to cover not more than 2 miles so more of a stroll really.    We all enjoyed ourselves which is the whole object of the exercise. 

We’ll arrange another one soon on an ad hoc basis maybe in September.    Should anyone have a favourite and/or interesting shortish walk in easy reach which they would like to share please set it up or bring it to our attention.    We’re all in this together.

Ken and Charmian.

 The next short walk will be on  22nd July at 10.00am from Clay Hill Heath car park which is on the Lyndhurst to  Brockenhurst road (A337).

From Lyndhurst, proceed beyond Foxlease and the Crown Stirrup pub and over the hill, continue past the speed de-restriction sign and the entrance to Car park is about 200 yards beyond that on the left hand side and is slightly hidden by the bend in the road.   It’s almost opposite a rough sandy lay-by on the right which has now been shut off by posts.  If you overshoot you will need to drive on for a third of a mile to New Park before you can turn around.

Our route takes us mostly on woodland paths and cycle tracks over undulating ground: nothing too strenuous and covers about 2 to 2.5 miles and should take around an hour and a bit.  There is a small stile, about knee high, and a fallen tree to negotiate which is about crotch high.   Whoops!!   Depending on the weather it may be a tad muddy in places so please don suitable footwear.   If this heatwave continues we will still have the pleasure of the shade of the trees for most of the way.

If the weather is fair we should enjoy a good morning.     Charmian and Ken will see you there.