Ober Wood walk

 Twenty of us met at Ober Wood for a walk lead by Peter Down. A bit damp, but the beauty and colours of the trees and ferns(and umbrellas ! ) shone through and made a very enjoyable walk

November walk

October walk

September's walk

A  few pic's from Fridays walk. Much better attended today twenty in all I believe. They wouldn't stay still for me to count 'em!
         Second day of autumn I was told, felt like it at times. Started out at Boltons Bench wound our way toward Matley then over the road to the top end of Denny lodge. Made our way circling south and east back to the Beauliue road came out with Matley on our right then back along the Sandy track to Lyndhurst. Pleasant walk of about three miles. The rain did get us just before we made it back to the car park. I don't think some of us noticed to busy chatting...
 1st pic starting of over the road and into the woods!
2nd pic Bickie break
3rd pic also Bickie break
No 4 Jack didn't get one...
5th pic Chat time
No6 off again
No. 7. The long road unwinding
8th one, Are we going the right way?
 And last  Can you spot Moses?

Dave W

TOTTON U3A WALKING GROUP.

===========================

THE NEXT WALK WILL BE ON FRIDAY THE 2^ND SEPTEMBER

STARTING AT 10 AM.

MEET AT THE UPPER CAR PARK AT BOLTS BENCH CAR PARK.

IF YOU APPROACH LYNDHURST FROM ASHURST TURN

LEFT AT FIRE STATION, AND THEN SHARP LEFT AGAIN

UP ROAD TO THE UPPER CAR PARK.

IF YOU COME IN FROM CADNAM,COME DOWN THE

HIGH STREET ,CARRY STRAIGHT ON AS IF GOING TO

ASHURST AND TURN RIGHT WHEN YOU REACH THE

FIRE STATION AND THEN SHARP LEFT AGAIN, AND UP

ROAD TO THE USUAL UPPER CAR PARK.

THIS WALK WILL BE 2 ½ TO 3 MILES AND UP TO 2 HOURS.

MEMBERS ARE REMINED TO WAER APPROPIATE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR, AND THAT WALK COULD BE MUDDY

IN PLACES.

WALK LEADER CONTACT DETAILS RING …

VAL WESTALL 023 80864725 OR PAM REES 023 80293295

Breamore

Here we go again then:- Wednesdays walk at Breamore Lots on the walk today all six of us. If the distance to travel put some of, shame because it was a very pleasant couple of hours. Our way led up past Breamore House though well tended lawns then upwards on a track that was well drained and for the fitter of us easy walking. Only one easily negotiated puddle all the way. It first led through woodland that I would say was initially planted because of the diversity of the trees, then through a Hazel spinney and out onto a meadow that again had been deliberately planted for the wildlife, lots of grasses wild flowers and brambles. The butterfly's and bees attested to the appreciation of this. We then came to the target of our wanderings a Miz Maze set in a wood on top of the hill. Shame we couldn't "have a go" as it was fenced of. On the other hand we could still be there!!! Coming back was easy, down hill all the way. I personally was glad of that. Any way some pic's of our endevours and hopefully an encouragement for more of you next time.

 Dave Watts




 

August walk

                                           MONTHLY WALKS.

                                            ================

THE NEXT MONTHLY WALK WILL TAKE PLACE ON

WEDNESDAY THE 3rd AUGUST 2016 STARTING FROM

THE CAR PARK AT BREAMORE CHURCH, 
USUAL TIME 10am

THIS WILL BE A PLEASANT 2 ½ TO 3 MILE WALK UP

THROUGH NORTH HAMPSHIRE/SOUTH WILTSHIRE

COUNTRYSIDE, AND ALSO LOOKING AT THE

MIZ MAZE IN THE WOODS.

IF YOU ARE NOT SURE HOW TO GET THERE I SUGGEST

THAT YOU DRIVE TO CADNAM AND THEN GOING UNDER

THE M27 AT JUNCTION 1, TAKE THE B3079 TO BROOK,

AND THEN THE B3078 ACROSS THE FOREST TO FORDINGBRIDGE.

AT FORDINGBRIDGE GO OVER THE RIVER AVON 
AND TURN RIGHT UP THE ROAD WHICH LEADS 
ONTO THE NORTHWARDS A338(PROBALY SIGN POSTED SALISBURY).

ABOUT 2 MILES UP THE ROAD YOU WILL COME TO THE VILLAGE OF BREAMORE. AND WHEN YOU HAVE THE OLD FASHIONED VILLAGE HALL ON YOUR RIGHT,YOU WILL TURN LEFT UP THE ROAD,

AND THEN FOLLOW THE SIGNS TO BREAMORE CHURCH AND THE

CAR PARK IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH….GOOD LUCK

MICHAEL PAGE..02380 675769,,.MOBILE ON DAY 07740 364452,

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dave's farewell as walk leader.

It's thanks to you Dave - from all of the 

U3A walking group.

16 members arrived in Shatterford car park for the Group's 185th walk since its formation in April 2005.

Shatterford was chosen because it was the start for the very first walk of just 2 miles when just 6 members turned up! We have certainly grown a little since, with an average of about 20 over the 11 years. On 2 occasions a maximum of 36 members ! However, today's walk was to have followed the 2005 walk plus an extra mile, but a few days ago the river at Woodfidley burst its banks and flooded completely the path with no easy alternative.

So today's walk was switched to the north taking in Fulliford and King's Passage.

In over cast conditions with a bit of a chilly wind but mainly dry and firm a very enjoyable walk took in a wide variety of landscapes.

Crossing the 2 holms (large areas of smooth lawn type grass, used to cultivate food during the war) either side of Matley Bog, crossed by the dry causeway of King's Passage. Legend has it Charles I used it on his way to London for his execution. On to the 2 Tumuli  at Longwater before returning.

The skies brightened and the wind diminished so we returned via the ridge overlooking Denny.

Dave Butcher

Dave' s last day as Leader. There were 16 of us who braved the inclement June weather , we all "enjoyed " the bracing wind! Great views across the heath . Thank you Dave, for this and all the many other fantastic walks you have arranged for us . Sandy .

23 members arrived at the Standing Hat car park in lovely warm sunshine, which we enjoyed throughout the whole walk. This was reflected in the good number of different species of butterflies spotted, while the forest was alive with Spring bird song all the way. This walk was planned a couple of months ago when the forest was saturated with mud everywhere, so it was on firm, dry gravel tracks throughout with a couple of minor inclines. It was completed at a most enjoyable pace simply make the most of the warmth at last. DB.
Some pics by Sandra Higginson

May Walk

TOTTON U3A WALKING GROUP

A WALK IN THE NEW FOREST ON FRIDAY 6^th MAY AT 10 AM, MEET IN STANDING HAT CAR PARK.

DIRECTIONS: GO THROUGH ASHURST ON TO LYNDHURST, ROUND THE ONE WAY SYSTEM, ONTO THE A337 TO BROCKENHURST. BEFORE ENTERING BROCKENHURST, TURN LEFT IMMEDIATELY PAST THE BALMER LAWN HOTEL (B3055). AFTER ABOUT 200 YARDS, AS THE ROAD SWINGS GENTLY RIGHT, CARRY STRAIGHT ON UP THE STRAIGHT GRAVEL TRACK. AT THE FAR END THE CAR PARK IS UP ON THE LEFT.

IN MIXED WOODLAND, ALL ON GRAVEL TRACK.

LENGTH OF THE WALK: ABOUT 3 MILES, TIME ABOUT 2hrs 15mins.

MEMBERS ARE RESPECTFULLY REMINDED THAT THE WALKS REQUIRE A DEGREE OF FITNESS RELATIVE TO THE TERRAIN AND DISTANCE.

IF YOU HAVE ANY DIFFICULTY FINDING THE CAR PARK PLEASE RING ME ON 07756901450 DAVE.

Walking Holiday

Thoughts from Dunster

David had worked so hard preparing our walks but at the last minute was struck down by flu’ so was unable to reap the rewards on the 2016 U3A walking holiday to Dunster in Somerset.

Mike and Jim became our modern day St. George’s saving the day by taking over and sharing the leading of the walks.

John had found a wonderful hotel again this year, the ‘Yarn Market Hotel’ right in the centre of Dunster which over looked the old yarn market. Dunster is a very pretty village with Dunster Castle at one end and a Folly at the other. There were also unique shops selling local jewellery and Whortleberry! Jam.

St Georges church was lovely inside and had a colourful history, I wasn’t so sure though when at five A.M. I was woken by the church clock striking five… Which was then followed by automated bells playing “there is no place like home! [Were the locals trying to tell me something?]. Judging by the size of the dovecote I do not think the Brothers ever went hungry.

The stone ‘Gallox Bridge’ over the river Avill where the pack animals used to cross, how Mike wishes he had a dog to herd his unruly ‘sheep’ over.

Jim’s challenge for this year was the ‘Coastal path walk’ from Minehead to the Blue Anchor railway station. Firstly trying to walk one step forward and two steps back on soft shifting sand, then onto rocks and pebbles. If you needed stones for your rockery this was the place to come. We were told that it was two miles but as we were constantly watching where we put our feet it seemed much further. Part of the walk was adjoining a golf course, so not only were we watching our feet, we were keeping an eye out for flying golf balls.

Blue Anchor station was like a step back in time with a signal man in his signal box and as the gates closed a local character, a lady on a mobility scooter, blew a bugle and announced that the train was coming. We were so pleased to be able to sit down and enjoy the ride back to Minehead on this restored steam train.

On the afternoon walk, which was over heathland to” Bossington Hill” we saw Exmoor ponies and had great views of the Bristol Channel to Wales. We also had an unexpected surprise meeting up with Tom and Jean. It was lovely to see them and have them share the walks and dinner with us at the Hotel.

There were some very narrow roads that twisted and turned going toward Porlock. From Porlock we walked across marshes and saw a Heron and her chick. Some locals told us where to find a memorial which gave details of a plane and crew which had crashed nearby in 1942.

On our monthly walks in the New Forest we do not have any steep gradients, it is usually tree roots that we have to watch for. So our ‘gentle climb’ to “Dunkery Beacon” [the highest point on Dartmoor] was challenging but well worth the climb as the views from the top were breath taking, you could see for miles in all directions.

In the evening Jean took over the role of Quiz Master, or should that be Mistress? For our after dinner quizzes

I would like to say a very big Thank You to David for planning the walks, to John, for finding us such a good hotel and to Jim & Mike for taking over and leading the walks, also to Jean who’s quiz answers were final ‘and’ a thank you to everyone else for being such good company.

Pam.            

Pictures from Barbara





Pictures from Sandra Monday afternoon






Minehead to Blue Anchor , Tues a.m.





Porlock Marches , Wed. a.m.

I hope Brian Cox didn't mind

Greencombe Gardens, Porlock

I was fortunate enough to be able to visit these enchanting gardens while on the U3A walking holiday.  I had seen an article in a gardening magazine and phoned to ask if they were open one morning.  The owner said that, no, they only open from 2.00 to 6.00 pm.  After pleading my case, he relented and two friends and I enjoyed a delightful couple of hours exploring this magical garden overlooking Porlock Bay and the coast of Wales.

The three-and-a-half acre site is long and narrow, following the contour lines below a high ridge, faces north, and is therefore ideal as a woodland garden.  We followed mossy paths with rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, Spring bulbs and of course the National collections of Polystichum ferns and Erythroniums (small mountain lilies),  As April is the time the latter flower, we were treated to a wonderful display of these delicate flowers, in shades ranging from white through to deep pink via creams and yellows.  As I had never even heard of these delightful bulbs before, it was a real treat to be able to chat to the owner about them and how the collection has grown from very small beginnings when his Aunt, Joan Loraine, took over the garden in 1966.

Sadly Joan died in February, but her garden lives on as a legacy to her dedication and pure enjoyment of this truly enchanting place.

Sue Hucker