January Walk 2010

Wednesday's walk is cancelled.

Dave decided that conditions in the Forest are very icy now and as it will not improve the walk is called off.



'Please note the Forest is still extremely wet, boggy, muddy and slippery.
About 1/3 of this walk is not on gravel tracks so perhaps in two or three places, single file on the identified firmer ground might be advisable. There is one smallish stream to cross with no bridge. Regards Dave.'

December 1st

Only 21 of us today with four dogs enjoyed a dry and mild start to the walk although three quarters through it did rain slightly, most unusual for Dave's well organized walks. It was as expected very boggy with all the recent rain after we left the defined track and this gave us some laughs and a warning that you have to be very careful in these conditions. But no harm apart from muddied clothes.

December Walk

note for the walking group webpage : 'The Forest is extremely saturated and underfoot conditions are very wet, muddy and slippery. So for the December walk wellies or waterproof footwear is highly recommended!'

November's walk from Bolten's Bench Lyndhurst

36 and 3 dogs gathered at the top car park Bolten's Bench for an excellent walk that encompassed heathland and woodland. Of note was the beech? tree with its many woodpecker holes. We also went by the plaque celebrating the planting of 900 Sessile Oaks in Williams Copse.

From Brian & Pat
Someone asked me about the Fly Agaric mushroom, the bright red cap with white specs, It is well known to be poisonous and hallucinogenic, but rarely fatal.. the white wavy edged fungi in the photo looks like the white Domecap, which is very poisonous and can cause genetic damage. This is according to our field guide to mushrooms.

November Walk

October walk at Fritham

30 and a dog enjoyed the walk a mild and cloudy morning until the end of the walk when it came on to rain.

October Walk

September Winchester walk

Another nice day for our walk on the wild side of Winchester. This is a group picture of all those who went. The dog was impatient to keep going.
Slippery crumbling chalk paths bordering the river. Narrow bramble encroaching single track lanes with delicious blackberries to temp many a walker and sloes for those who like to make their own drinks. Our encounter with a bull and his harem of cows and calves added to our adventure. Mike was brave in shooing them away. 26 and one dog enjoyed the walk very much

September Walk

August walk - Anderwood car park

Only eighteen turned up for a walk this morning and despite the threat of rain it remained dry. Only once did we don waterproofs but soon took them off again. The walk was very muddy but most of us had wellingtons happily plodded through although we did almost lose one member who got stuck in a glue like bog and had to be helped along. One person used ingenuity to cross a small stream and to stay dry.

Pickett Post New Forest walk

Not so muggy or as hot as recent days for our walk although rain threatened it remained dry.Nice view from the car park of up to seven horizen levels (6 ridges)but we crossed the road and went the other way before circling back. Some interest was taken of the small butterfly (pictured)

3rd July

June 3rd Walk

A beautiful day to meet at Canada Common very warm but with a cooling breeze a good circular walk on mainly open ground. We spotted a flowering orchid standing on its own not far in from the road.

June Walk on Canada Common

Ist May Pig Bush walk

Enjoyable walk at Pig Bush car park twenty three altogether and two dogs.

More pictures of holiday from Joan Read

Actual size pics will not enlarge.

Swanage walking holiday

Thirty one of us took advantage of U3A's walking holiday David and John organized to Swanage. The usual fine weather with lots of sunshine and good company made it a very pleasant three days. The three star Pine Hotel all with ensuites gave four course evening meals and generous breakfasts. Large dining room with sea views and even larger lounge for evening quizzes.
Many of the arranged walks were near Corfe Castle. Some down to the beach with long walks through brightly lit rapeseed fields to high hills buffeted by strong winds. One walk ended with a steam train ride back to Corfe bringing back old memories of past times.
Thanks once again to David and John

Pictures from Dave

More pictures from Jack