A bit overcast this morning so what’s best to wear for the walk today? Last minute decisions were being made prior to leaving home. Suitably attired, 6 members plus a neighbour and a dog, arrived in good time at the cricket pitch at Bolton’s Bench. Spot on 10am we were off making our way over the ridge and dropping down towards, and across, the Beaulieu road then through a gate as we plunged into the forest on a cycle track. After a couple of hundred yards it was turn right onto a forest track leading through an environmental area. Soon the first bluebell was spotted, then another two and gradually larger and larger clumps before reaching areas of almost sea blue. We admired their beauty, but lacking the sunshine they could have looked more outstanding and spectacular. Still glad to have had the opportunity to see them though. Continuing on the trail we eventually came out onto another cycle track. And so we progressed using trails and tracks in turn passing areas where trees were newly planted and also where they had been cut and felled under forest management. It, too, was interesting to walk alongside stretches of wattle fencing (presumably of hazel wood) used to separate conservation from general accessible areas. Chatting along the way, with the sun eventually showing its face, we were soon back through the entrance gate and over the road as we returned to the car park at the Bench and then home having walked 3 to 4 miles in about 75 minutes. Happy faces all round and big thank yous to Ingrid and Brian for another good and varied outing. Ken.

What a lovely morning for a walk.   Well, nine of us thought so as we met this morning at Deerleap car park. 

It was quite a straightforward and well worn track mostly on gravel and we soon settled into a steady pace and able to maintain easy chatting whilst enjoying the heathland and the birds twittering in the trees above us.    Luckily, due to the gorgeous sunny weather we have had lately, the odd areas of marshy ground were easy to negotiate. 

We plodded onwards exchanging cheery hellos with passing walkers and 70 minutes and just over 2 miles later we were back at the car park and goodbye time again.   Thanks to all of you that came along. 

We’ll set up another walk in about 6 weeks so look forward to that. 

Ken & Charmian

Members (and friends) are invited to join Charmian and me for walk on THURSDAY - yes THURSDAY- 24th March.  We’ll meet at Dearleap car park at 10.00am.    The entrance is almost opposite the New Forest Wildlife Park.   It’s a popular walking area so allow time to find space for parking. 

The greater majority of the walk is on gravel cycle tracks with one small muddy patch so stout footwear is recommended.  It should take about 75 minutes.    We look forward to seeing you there.     Ken

Woke up this morning and the rain was hissing down.   That’s the walk for today gone for a Burton, I thought.  However, by 10 o’clock the sun was shining brightly when six of us met at Eling Mill for Michael Page’s last scheduled walk.     

Just for a change it was decided to do the walk anti-clockwise so off we started at a good pace.   Stopping at a bridge to look back over the water we spotted an egret.   Carrying on we traversed the cemetery chatting all the way.   Then we pressed on towards Goatee Beach (and that’s a misnomer)  winding our way back via St Mary’s church and back across the causeway to the mill and the cars.   

Big thank yous were  expressed to Mike for keeping us all exercised for so long.   We’ve appreciated his efforts for some years for his monthly walks.   They will continue in the future but not on a monthly basis.   Charmian  and I will probably arrange two or three a year but maybe there are some members out there who may be willing to introduce us to some of their favourite walks.   Just one here or there would be good, think about it.

See you all at the Wednesday meeting.    Ken. 

 Hi everyone

 

I do wish all of you a good Christmas and all the best for 2022

 

The next “short walk” will take place on Friday 7^th January starting at 10 am from Eling Tidal Mill.

 

Look forward to seeing you there

 I for my part have finally decided that  I need to change  something as my life moves on, so I wish to tell you all that the next Short Walk(Friday  7^th January) from Eling Tidal Mill  will have to be the last one I lead for our wonderful Totton U3A.

 

 I am sure that there is someone who can  take over and so carry on our wonderful one hour walks,  please keep me posted.

 

All the very best to your all, and look forward to seeing you all at our next branch meeting on Wednesday 12^th January 2022 !!!

 Michael Page

Friday 3rd December A bit of a dull weather morning so not surprised that only 5 of us met together at Bolton’s Bench for a morning’s exercise. We struck out over the grassy plain for a few hundred yards before joining the well trodden path that we’ve walked many times before and avoiding puddles, ponies, and their deposits, as necessary. We carried on walking and chatting until about half an hour had passed and by then the sun had appeared and the air quite mild. Then it was time to turn back and we considered a slightly different route but decided it could be a bit boggy and so retraced our steps to the car park passing approaching walkers with their dogs and children with cheery “good mornings” and “hellos”. There were a couple of infants having a wonderful time jumping and splashing in a very muddy puddle, encouraged by their mother I may add. All too soon it was back in the cars to go home and we were all pleased that Mike had encouraged us out into the fresh air once again. Ken.

 The next 1 hour walk will be on Friday 3^rd December 2021, starting at 10am from Bolton's Bench.

Hope to see a few members

Michael Page

 19th November

A typical November day, overcast but quite mild, when we met together at Beachern wood car park this morning all ready for the long walk.    Striding across some common ground we were soon on to a bridle track/unadopted road leading past a number of large houses and cottages hidden away.    Quite a busy little lane and we had to step aside for 2 or 3 cars and a refuse truck.   The way led us to the road passing St Nicholas church and the Brockenhurst ford.   Made our way back toward Meerut road which we crossed and onto a long straight gravel path over more common land, known as  Black Knoll reaching Bolderwood  Bridge over the Oberwater where it was time to play Poohsticks.   I’m pleased to say that I won: but then I was the only one silly enough to play!

Back through woodland with the footway covered in dead leaves which we crunched  over on our way to Ober corner.  There was time to admire the changing colours of the trees in all their Autumnal glory.   We then followed an arc back to the car park having apparently walked  6.9 kms in total.

We all appreciated Ingrid and Brian leading and for giving us the opportunity for some welcome exercise and a chance to fill our lungs with good fresh air.

Roll on the next one!   Ken

 Good morning all

Feeling fit! Why not join us for a walk of about four and a half miles on Friday 19 November. We will start out from Beechen Wood Car Park at 10am. walking through the village to Ober Water then back via Alderidge Inclosure.

Please come along

Ingrid

 The next short  walk(up to 1 hour)  will take place on Friday 5^th November starting at 10am from Bramble Hill Car Park.

 To get there proceed though Cadnam and then go under the motorway and pick up the Fording ridge road.  At the village of Brook take left fork signposted "Fordingbridge".  After about 1 mile or so you go through a junction & about 1 minute up the road on the right is Bramble Hill Car Park.

 Looking forward to seeing some of you there

 Michael Page

What a brilliant day for an autumn walk in The Forest! 10 of us met up with Mike Page at Bramble Hill car park with the sun shining brightly and almost no wind. Dead on 10am we plunged into the forest area at a steady pace along a grassy way avoiding the many puddles where we could. One or two small streamlets needed to be negotiated too.   

Not a lot of wild life was seen: a couple of large birds overhead but not easily identified due to the sun directly in our eyes. Circling round in an anti-clockwise direction we crossed carefully the Fordingbridge road on to Longcross Common. A helicopter flew lazily above us in the distance which caused us to notice the large number of airplane trails criss-crossing the almost clear blue sky. This gave us an unusual perspective as we reached Longcross pond and saw these smoky trails reflected in the clear lightly rippling water. I should have have brought a camera. Lots of chatting along the way, of course. 

All to soon it was time for another group dash back over the road to the car park within an hour of leaving it.

Cheery goodbyes with us all looking forward to the next walk on December 3rd and hoping the weather will be much the same. Thanks again to Mike for making us stir our stumps and getting us out in the fresh air.   

If you want another reason for a face to face get together I am reminding you that we intend to meet for petanque again on this Monday (7th) at 10.15 am on the pitch behind the library. Let’s see many of you there.

Meantime enjoy your weekend. We will, as we’re at Hanger Farm on Saturday evening and a 6 year old’s birthday party on Sunday.

Take care and stay warm. Ken