A sunny morning yesterday (29th) saw eight walkers meet at Ashlett Creek ready for a brisk walk and a lungful or two of fresh sea air.    The tide was low and looking towards Southampton Water we could see a large oil tanker dispensing its cargo at Fawley quay a few hundred yards away and beyond that sailing yachts making the most of the breeze.    Come the 9.30am deadline and we were off towards the south more or less following the coastline. 

The footpath was easy walking and led us through through narrow divides of brambles, bushes and other flora as well as open areas which afforded good views over the water where a seemingly overloaded container ship was making its way towards open sea.    Also the IOW ferry on its regular crossing to Cowes.      Continuing onwards we approached  a huge ominous-looking hangar surrounded by heavy fencing and coils of razor wire, so pretty secure.    The grounds surrounding it turned out to be a holding area for imported vehicles hence the high security.    Skirting some mighty big puddles and other mud patches we made our way via the pebbled foreshore to our destination at Calshot.  It was, unexpectedly, a fairly warm morning and most topcoats had been removed by then. 

A 10 minute breather and was time to retrace or steps more or less on the same path and reached Ashlett by 11.15am where “goodbyes”, “see you next week”s and “thank yous”  to our leaders were expressed before we dispersed our separate ways.

 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.