October walk

Well, weren’t we lucky with the weather last Friday?   It was a really lovely sunny morning when 13 of us met at Hatchet Pond.   We started by walking north of the Pond across grassland and along Furzey Lodge for about 1/4 mile before swinging to  follow the cycle path through the wooded area.   Then a sharp turn left onto grassy but slight muddy path which took us on a slow, steady, but easy climb following the edge of the wood bounding over a small stream and stopping for the obligatory photo on the way and spotting mushrooms and other fungi.   Plenty of time for chatting  and catching up with the news of friends along the way - oh, and putting the world to rights.  After about  20 minutes it was time to make our way back towards the parking area via crossing the road and more heath and eventually following the northern edge of the Pond: several of us were shedding coats as it was so warm.   
At the end of about an hour and a half we reached the cars just as a few ominous clouds showed themselves.   As promised, the ice cream van was there but whether anyone availed themselves of his wares before leaving I don’t know.   We all seem to have agreed it was a most pleasant morning and it is hoped that there will be as good a turnout next time on November 6th.   Let’s have some new faces too.

Ken

August - A welcome respite after a good walk

A little overcast when 4 members joined up with Ingrid and Brian raring to set off. Began on an easy cycle track through a gate and into the forest proper. We had to skirt round a couple of trees that had fallen across our path and trekked on turning along a pleasant grassy way that eventually brought us to Acres Down and Annie’s Tea Rooms, which we had all been looking forward to. A table was found in the garden and tea/coffee and cake was ordered from Annie herself. A little spattering of rain drove us inside before our order arrived. Then comes the difficult choice of which cake to have, as they all look so tempting. Fully refreshed, we then had to decide whether or not to go on but looking at the sky it seemed prudent to retrace our steps. 

We were lucky that any further rain held off and within half hour we were back at the cars by noon having seen a deer along the way. For those of you who couldn’t come you missed a treat. It was easy walking and a most enjoyable couple of hours so thanks again Ingrid and Brian for suggesting it. Apparently we walked about 4 miles in all. Ken

July Walk

The sun was shining when 3 of us met Ingrid and Brian outside the “Cuckoo “ inn raring to set off.   A short walk along the road before diverting into a field and on we went towards the Hamptworth golf course where our path took us along a lane and valley running between the 2 halves of the course and across the river Blackwater and into woodland and welcome shade.   We plodded on through a field of courgettes and one of frilly lettuces being lured ever onward by the thought of a welcome pint at the 
“Cuckoo “.   We even had a young robin join us at the table looking for crumbs but were not able to assist him.   Ingrid may put a picture of him/her on the blog.

All in all a most pleasant walk and not too arduous, so thanks again to our leaders.

By the way, I understand that next month’s long walk will include a stop at “Annie’s “ tea rooms at Acres Down.   Whooo!   See you there.  
Ken

After our walk this morning in Hamptworth, 5 of us stopped at the Cuckoo Inn for some refreshment and were joined by a 6th member too young to join our group. 
Ingrid

Long walk 15th May

A beautiful sunny morning found us outside Boldre church eager to get going on a promised walk through bluebell woods and we were not disappointed.   We made good pace with Ingrid and Brian leading through sun-dappled forestry, a field or two, crossing streams along the way.   It was such ideal weather for walking, the birds were calling and we really appreciated it.   Thanks a lot to Ingrid and Brian.  Such a pity that there were only three others of us to enjoy it all. 

Ken Farleigh

Walking holiday on the IOW

a few pics from a “non-walker” taken of some coast land views,Hotel grounds, Godshill and Yarmouth,plus a few of birds and gardens at the hotel. Although unable to join in the walks, a lovely enjoyable holiday. Thank you to all involved in the organisation.
Sandy .


 

 From Joan Read

March walk

The short walk on Friday, March 1st is from the King's hat car park at 10 am. and led by Charmian and Ken.

Directions:   from Rushington roundabout take the A326 towards Hythe.   Just before Marchwood infants school turn right onto Twiggs Lane And continue to the Bold Forester pub.   With the pub on your right drive down Beau lieu road over the cattle grid and the crossroad beyond and King's Hat car park is on your right about 1¼ miles further on.   

Due to the recent heavy rain it is important that wellies or strong waterproof shoes are considered a MUST!   It may be quite muddy in parts.

See you there.   Enjoy.

February

“On Wednesday  6^th February ,  5 of us members met at Long Cross Car Park in the New Forest for our regular 2 ½ mile walk.

“The first and last 50 feet was muddy, but the rest of the 2 ½ miles was on a lovely firm dry cycle Track. In good dry  weather conditions.

The next walk will be on Friday 1^st March, and will be led by Charmian Cork and Ken Farleigh....

Details to follow...watch this spot on our website.”

Thanks

Michael Page.

November walk - Walk taken on 2.11 2018 Spearywood

Before the walk there were apologies that it would be shorter than usual. After the walk there were apologies and much laughter because it was longer than expected !

Sandy

Some pics taken on our lovely walk on Canada Common . Ten of us enjoyed a great walk with beautiful wide panoramic views, a fantastic blue sky and good company. I have ‘ researched ‘ the cobwebs that interested us, and they are not made by moths, which I thought was the case, but by a spider called the Gorse Spider Mite. Sandy.

August walk Copythorne/Newbridge

Eight of our Branch members gathered at the car park for Copythorne School on Romsey Road for our monthly walk of about  2 ¼ miles.

At 10 am we crossed over the M27 by the bridge and then turned right through a gate into the woods. We  immediately came upon  a mother cow and its calf having their mid morning snack on the bushes and trees around us. As we walked towards them they ran off through the trees to feed elsewhere.

We then carried along a broad track which was apparently the old road to Paultons .At the fence we turned left and walked along a broad track on the edge of the woodland by the fence.

It was lovely, the birds were singing, the sun was shining  and all around us was wonderful countryside.

We followed the footpath for a time, and then we joined and walked along through Newbridge village for a bit ,before turning left up and along another footpath and then after a time crossing the M27 and then  back to our cars.

All decided that it was a wonderful  walk, in wonderful scenery  with wonderful company.

The next walk is on Friday 7^th September starting at 10 am from the car park at Canada Common, behind the Rockingham Arms. See you there.

Michael Page