, Totton and Waterside Group

Walks Programme and Newsletter

1st November 2016 – 28th February 2017   Website – www.ramblers.org.uk/southampton

Contact – [email protected]

We offer friendly welcoming company on our guided walks. Our walks cater for all abilities and range from shorter walks on Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and summer evenings to all-day Sundays walks.

November

Thu 3 November 2016 10:00 - 6.5 miles/10.5 km - Moderate Nightingale Wood, Rownhams and Lordswood Circular Starts at cul de sac at the end of Greenhill Lane, off Rownhams Lane, close to where this crosses the M27. Map OL22 (SO16 8AN, SU384176). Route follows a figure of eight, with some road walking. Bus users should take Blue Star 4, alight at M27 road bridge and take nearby footpath leading south-west to start. Contact: Eunice, 02380 779999

Sat 5 November 2016 13:30 - 7 miles/11.3 km - Moderate East Meon Circular Starts at Car park in East Meon. Map OL3 (Ex119) (GU32 1PF, SU677221) Via . Hilly. Contact: Colin, 02380 600415

Sun 6 November 2016 09:45 - 13 miles/20.9 km - Moderate Garston Wood Circular via Bowerchalke and Ebbesbourne Wake - One of two walks today Starts at Garston Wood RSPB Nature Reserve, marked on map as Pribdean Wood, near Sixpenny Handley. Please park neatly in compact car park. Map Ex118. Sat-nav users should note that the postal code is not near the start. (SP5 5PB, SU004195) Great views on a clear day. Some hills. Car sharers meet Southampton Station 0830. Regret no dogs, except assistance dogs. Contact: Gary, 01202 801088

Sun 6 November 2016 13:30 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Upham - Sunday Afternoon Walk - One of two walks today Starts at Upham village duck pond. Please park considerately nearby. Map OL32 (Ex132) (SO32 1JH, SU540205) Contact: Jacqueline, 07736 731792

Thu 10 November 2016 10:00 - 5.5 miles/8.8 km - Moderate Stoke Park Wood Circular Starts at Roundabout outside Stoke Park Infant School, Abbotsbury Road, Bishopstoke. Park there/in adjacent side roads. Map OL22 (SO50 8NZ, SU475188) A gentle walk around Stoke Park Wood and farmland. Contact: Claudia, 07751 213735

Sat 12 November 2016 13:30 - 7.6 miles/12.2 km - Moderate North Gorley Circular Meet near the Royal Oak pub. Please park considerately in lane. Map OL22 (SP6 2PB, SU161118) Mainly on flat terrain. About 12 stiles. Contact: Chrissie W, 07981 408467 Sun 13 November 2016 09:00 - 12.5 miles/20.1 km - Moderate A Very Scenic West Wight Linear Walk - One of two walks today Starts at Lymington Pier to catch 09.15 ferry. Car sharers meet Southampton Central station at 08.00. Ferry fare £13.20 or £11 seniors (day return), bus fare £4.00 approx. Map OL29 (SO41 5SD, SZ333955) From Swainston our route is very much "off the beaten track" as we head over the Downs to Hulverstone (lunch stop) and then we are rewarded by a superb coastal walk to Freshwater Bay before returning to Yarmouth. Contact: Rob S, 01794 512999

Sun 13 November 2016 13:30 - 7 miles/11.3 km - Moderate - Sunday Afternoon Walk - One of two walks today Starts at Ship Inn. Please park considerately in the village and meet o/s the Inn. Map OL3(Ex.132) (SO21 1LT, SU511233) Moderate terrain, some hills and stiles. Contact: Mike H, 07768 630845

Thu 17 November 2016 10:00 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Cheesefoot Head Circular via Starts at Cheesefoot Head Viewpoint Car Park, on north side of A272. Sat-nav users should note that the postal code is not near the start. Map OL32 (Ex132). (SO21 1HW, SU529277) Chalk downland paths and trails. Contact: Ann A. 07808 959945

Friday 18th November Our AGM – 7.30pm – Atherley Bowling Club, Hill Lane, Southampton SO15 5DB

Sat 19 November 2016 13:30 - 7.5 miles/12.1 km - Moderate Upper Hamble Circular Start in large car park with toilets in Warsash. Map EX119 (SO31 9FW, SU489062) Via Holly Hill Gardens and Coldeast Park and Mansions. Contact: Pete & Veronica, 01489 573708

Sun 20 November 2016 09:30 - 13 miles/20.9 km - Moderate Fritham Circular via Hamptworth - One of two walks today Starts at car park on south side of road, just west of Royal Oak pub, Fritham. (No access from the A31 west- bound) Map OL22 (SO43 7HL, SU230140) Route includes Bohemia, Lover, Langley Wood and Nomansland. Car sharers meet Southampton Central Station 0845. Contact: Pete C, 01202 475788

Sun 20 November 2016 13:30 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Brambridge - Sunday Afternoon Walk - One of two walks today Starts at lay-by on B3335 Highbridge Road (south side) near Kiln Lane junction. Map OL32 (Ex132) (SO50 6HZ, SU472219) Contact: Doug, 07736 731792

Thu 24 November 2016 10:00 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Braishfield Circular Starts at The Wheatsheaf Public House car park, Braishfield Road. Please patronise the pub after the walk. Map OL32/EX132 (SO51 0BQ, SU375247) Footpaths and byways in a rural setting. Contact: Adam and Pamela, 02380 446963

Sat 26 November 2016 13:30 - 7 miles/11.3 km - Moderate Cheriton Circular Start at War Memorial by green in Cheriton village. Please park considerately in village roads nearby. Map OL32 (Ex132) (SO24 0PZ, SU582284) downland and woodland. Contact: Pete D, 07587 181246

Sun 27 November 2016 09:30 - 11 miles/17.7 km - Moderate Shawford Down Circular via Owslebury - One of two walks today Starts at Shawford Down Car Park, near railway station and the famous Victor Meldrew Bridge! (I don’t believe it! Ed.) Map OL32/Ex132 (SO21 2BS, SU471249) River path, fields and country lanes. Car sharers meet Southampton Station 08.50. Contact: Martin F, 02380 255036 Sun 27 November 2016 13:30 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Sunday afternoon walk - Sherfield English Circular - One of two walks today Coming from Romsey direction, park in lay-by on A27 (right side) just beyond Sherfield English church. Map Ex. 131 (SO51 6FW, SU286225) Exploring some of the paths northwards towards Lockerley. Contact: Rob S, 01794 512999

December

Thu 1 December 2016 10:00 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Circular Starts at Bursledon Station car cark (free). Map OL22 (SO31 8AZ, SU490096) Via Hamble Pink Ferry. Bring coins for crossing. (£1.50, Sept. 2016.) Contact: Bob P, 02380 235669 or 07790 708766 on the day

Sat 3 December 2016 13:30 - 7 miles/11.3 km - Moderate West and East Tisted Start in lay-by by crossroads on A32 about 4 miles north of Hut. Map OL32 (Ex132) (GU34 3PP, SU688304) Undulating. Hilly in parts. Contact: Jane, 077925 55597

Sun 4 December 2016 09:45 - 12 miles/19.3 km - Moderate - One of two walks today Starts at Community Hall car cark (Small donation £2 per car paid to the leader at the start.) Car Sharers should leave Southampton Central Station at 08.45. Map OL3 (Ex119) (SO32 3LB, SU623231) Via . Contact: John2Stix, 02380 260511 or 07561 386286

Sun 4 December 2016 13:30 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Sunday Afternoon Walk - Lockerley - One of two walks today Starts at Butts Green, Lockerley (park opposite Primary School) Map Ex.131 (SO51 0JG, SU302262) A pleasant woodland and open countryside walk via Holbury Wood and East Tytherley. Contact: Berni, 02380 511549

Thu 8 December 2016 10:00 - 7.5 miles/12.1 km - Moderate Minstead Circular Start alongside the Trusty Servant pub. Use small car park off Congleton Close, just east of pub and on north side of road through village, or cul de sac leading south from pub to church. Map OL22 (SO43 7GS, SU282110) Contact: Philip P, 07708 420127

Sat 10 December 2016 13:30 - 7 miles/11.3 km - Moderate Rowlands Castle Starts at The Castle Inn, just east of railway bridge. Park near pub and also, possibly, at railway station. Map OL8 (Ex120) (PO9 6DD, SU734106) Contact: Colin, 02380 600415

Sun 11 December 2016 10:00 - 5 miles/8.1 km - Moderate Our Christmas Walk - All Welcome - Brockenhurst Figure of Eight - Morning Walk Starts at Brockenhurst Railway Station, south side. £2 charge, but free parking on some nearby roads. Map OL22 (SO42 7TW, SU301019) Arrive early for complimentary seasonal refreshments. Optional festive attire. N.B. Lunchtime arrangements have been changed. Please see Newsletter for details. Afternoon walk now starts from the Foresters Arms. Contact: Bob P, 02380 235669 or 07790 708766 on the day.

Sun 11 December 2016 13:45 - 5.5 miles/8.8 km - Moderate Our Christmas Walk - All Welcome - Brockenhurst Figure of Eight - Afternoon Walk Starts at Foresters Arms, Brookley Road, (near station) Map OL22 (SO42 7PU, SU302021). For further details, please see a.m. walk information. Contact: John C, 02380 553883 or 07907 942780 on the day. Thu 15 December 2016 10:00 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Fleetend Circular via Abshot and the Coast Starts at New Road, at the entrance to Warsash Common. Turn south off Warsash Road into Fleetend Road by tool hire shop/Jolly Farmer sign. Park considerately in this road, south of pub. Walk south for 2 minutes to 5-way junction and meet near start of New Road, an un-metalled road leading S.W. Map OL3/Ex119 (SO31 9JN, SU506059). Route will be varied if path conditions so dictate, but will not exceed stated mileage. Contact: Chris W, 01489 589406

Sat 17 December 2016 13:30 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Braishfield Meet near the pond. Please park considerately in the village. Map Ex131 (SO51 0PQ, SU375252) Undulating terrain. Some stiles. Contact: Mike H, 07768 630845

Sun 18 December 2016 09:30 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Bursledon - Figure of Eight - Morning via Hamble Rail Trail Starts at free car park immediately south of Bursledon Station. Map OL22 (SO31 8AA, SU489096) Car sharers meet Southampton Station 08.50. Possibility of lunchtime meal and/or drink at The Old Ship and option of joining p.m. walk afterwards. Contact: Chris W, 01489 589406

Sun 18 December 2016 13:30 - 4.7 miles/7.6 km - Moderate Bursledon - Figure of Eight - Afternoon via Manor Farm Start as for morning walk. Possibility of meal and/or drink at Old Ship before ramble. (Please do not leave cars at pub during walk!) Meet us there from 1215. Group will leave pub at 13.25, with leader going ahead to fetch those starting from Bursledon Station Car Park. First Buses X4/X5. Alight Station Road stop to meet at car park, or next stop (Lower Swanwick) for pub. Contact: Chris W, 01489 589406

Thu 22 December 2016 10:00 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Andrew's Mare Circular Starts at Andrew's Mare car park, just off A31. Coming from Southampton, turn left for Emery Down at Stoney Cross, then take the track on the right a few hundred yards from the A31. Map OL22 (SO43 7GP, SU255113) Contact: Mark A, 02381 845991

Our Festival of Winter Walks 24th December – 2nd January

Sat 24 December 2016 13:30 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Christmas Eve - Starts at car park next to St Peter's church (adjacent B3035), Curdridge (free parking). (SO32 2HF, SU528138) Map OL3 (Ex119) Contact: Lynne, 07798 737738

Sun 25 December 2016 10:00 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Christmas Day - Starts at Black Boy Pub, Wharf Hill, Winchester. Map ref: OL32 (EX132). Park in Chesil Multi-Story or where you can. (SO23 9NQ, SU486289) Join us for a "It’s Christmas" morning walk. Sociable, drink and a fun quiz in The Black Boy pub afterwards. Festive attire welcome. Contact: Doug & Jacqueline, 07582 700041

Mon 26 December 2016 10:30 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Boxing Day - Twyford Start at Hunter Park, Recreation Ground, Twyford - off Park Lane. Map OL32 (Ex132) (SO21 1QS, SU483243) Get some fresh air with a Boxing Day walk with an optional climb up St. Catherine's Hill! Contact: Malcolm & Wendy, 01489 783989

Tue 27 December 2016 13:30 - 6.5 miles/10.5 km - Moderate Lyndhurst - Bank Holiday Festive Circuit Start at Boltons Bench Car Park (entrance off B3056 Beaulieu Road - free parking) Map Ex. OL22 (SO43 7BQ, SU304082) A circuit of Lyndhurst via Clay Hill, Bank, Emery Down and Pikeshill. Contact: Rob S, 01794 512999 Wed 28 December 2016 13:30 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Cheesefoot Head Starts at Cheesefoot Head car park on A272 to the east of Winchester. Map OL32 (Ex132). Sat-nav users should note that the postal code is not near the start. (SO21 1HW, SU529277) Contact: Doug, 07736 731792

Thu 29 December 2016 10:00 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Bolderwood Circular Starts at large, free Bolderwood Car Park. Map OL22. Sat-nav users should note that the postal code is not near the start. (SO43 7GQ, SU242086) All on gravel tracks. Contact: Chrissie W, 07981 408467

Fri 30 December 2016 13:30 - 7 miles/11.3 km - Moderate Rufus Stone ( ) Starts at car park opposite the Rufus Stone (just south of Walter Tyrrell pub) (SO43 7HN, SU270125) Map OL22. Sat-nav users should note that the postal code is not near the start. (Note: Although there is a cross-over on the A31 west-bound this is not for the feint-hearted when the road is busy. Much safer to access this walk from M27 Junction 1 via Brook.) A walk through ancient woodland via Stoney Cross, Ocknell Inclosure, Cadmans Pool and King's Garn Gutter. Contact: Rob S, 01794 512999

Sat 31 December 2016 13:30 - 5.5 miles/8.8 km - Moderate New Year's Eve - Swanwick Park and start in Holly Hill car park. EX119/OL3 Slightly shorter walk for New Year's Eve. (SO31 7BJ, SU501078) Undulating. Contact: Pauline D, 07748 374630

January

Sun 1 January 2017 09:45 - 10 miles/16.1 km - Moderate New Year's Day - Bishop's Waltham Starts at Station Road, Bishop's Waltham. Car sharers should meet at Southampton Central Station 08.55. Map OL3 (Ex119) (SO32 1DP, SU551173) Via Upham. Contact: John2Stix, 02380 260511 or 07561 386286

Mon 2 January 2017 13:30 - 5 miles/8.1 km - Moderate Bank Holiday Afternoon Walk - Compton Circular Start in Compton Jubilee Recreation Ground, off Shepherds Lane (over the M3 road bridge), parking available or in Shepherds Lane. Local bus Blue Star No 1 Winchester - Southampton, alight at Shawford Down. Map OL32 (Ex132) (SO21 2AB, SU466248) An ideal walk for those starting or returning to walking. Contact: Jacqueline, 07736 731792

Thu 5 January 2017 10:00 - 6.5 miles/10.5 km - Moderate Godshill Circular Starts at Ashley Walk Car Park, on south side of B3078 from Brook to Fordingbridge, about 1 mile east of Godshill. Map OL22 (SP6 2LN, SU186156) Contact: Mark A, 02381 845991

Sat 7 January 2017 13:30 - 7 miles/11.3 km - Moderate Breamore Park in Breamore House car park near to the church. Map OL22 (SP6 2DF, SU153188) Walking through Whitsbury Wood, Rockbourne. Contact: Chrissie W, 07981 408467

Sun 8 January 2017 09:30 - 11 miles/17.7 km - Moderate Farley Mount Circular via Braishfield - One of two walks today Starts car park at junction of Farley Mount Road and Sarum Road (Roman Road). Map OL32/Ex132 Car sharers meet Southampton Station 0845. Sat-nav users should note that the postal code is not near the start. (SO21 2JG, SU419291) Downland, tracks and country lanes. Contact: Martin F, 02380 255036 Sun 8 January 2017 13:30 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate (Meon Valley) - Sunday Afternoon Walk - One of two walks today Starts at The Bucks Head Meonstoke. Please park considerately in the village. Map OL3 (EX119) (SO32 3NA, SU612201) Moderate terrain, some hills and stiles. Contact: Mike H, 07768 630845

Thu 12 January 2017 10:00 - 6.6 miles/10.6 km - Moderate Twyford Circular Starts at Twyford Recreational Ground Car Park, Park Lane. Turn east off B3354 immediately south of Bugle Inn and continue 0.2 miles. Map OL32/Ex132 (SO21 1QS, SU483243) Some gradual ascents. Contact: Pete D, 07587 181246

Sat 14 January 2017 13:30 - 6.1 miles/9.8 km - Moderate Dundridge Circular Park & start in the overspill car park of the Hampshire Bowman pub. Also please patronise the pub after the walk. Map OL3 (Ex119) (SO32 1GD, SU577184) Undulating via Bishop's Waltham. Contact: Pete D, 07587 181246

Sun 15 January 2017 09:45 - 12.5 miles/20.1 km - Moderate Avington Circular via Alresford - One of two walks today Starts at car park on north side of road from Avington to Easton. Map OL32/Ex132 Car sharers meet 0900 at Southampton Central Station. (SO21 1DE, SU528320) Lunch at Horse & Groom PH, or nearby cafés. Contact: Bob P, 02380 235669 or 07790 708766 on the day

Sun 15 January 2017 13:30 - 6.5 miles/10.5 km - Moderate Braishfield - Sunday Afternoon Walk - One of two walks today Starts at Braishfield war memorial. Please park sensitively nearby. Map Ex131 (SO51 0RJ, SU374252) A varied and scenic upland walk via Michelmersh. Contact: Berni, 02380 511549

Thu 19 January 2017 10:00 - 6.5 miles/10.5 km - Moderate Wickham Circular Starts at Station Close Car Park, off Mill Lane. (Additional parking at Community Centre, on opposite side of Mill Lane and further north. Allow 10 minutes for possible walk from there.) Map OL3/Ex119 (PO17 5JZ, SU575117) Via West Walk & Wickham Common. Contact: Robin, 01329 832500

Sat 21 January 2017 13:30 - 7 miles/11.3 km - Moderate Braishfield Circular Starts at Braishfield War Memorial. Please park considerately in roads nearby. Map Ex131 (SO51 0RJ, SU375252) Contact: Colin, 02380 600415

Sun 22 January 2017 09:45 - 7.5 miles/12.1 km - Moderate Kings Somborne - figure of eight - (am) Starts at Kings Somborne Church, park in village hall CP about 100yds on right before church. Car sharers meet Southampton station at 09.00. Note most car drivers will probably do both halves of the walk. Map Ex131 (SO20 6PW, SU360309) The morning half of a Figure of Eight - route via Broughton and Horsebridge. Good downland and views. Contact: Rob S, 01794 512999

Sun 22 January 2017 13:30 - 7 miles/11.3 km - Moderate Kings Somborne - Figure of Eight - (pm) Start as morning walk. The afternoon half of a Test Valley Figure of Eight - route via Beacon Hill and Ashley. Contact: Rob S, 01794 512999

Thu 26 January 2017 10:00 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Farley (Wilts) Circular Starts at lay-by next to Farley church. Map Ex 131 (SP5 1AH, SU224295) Via Pitton and Houndwood Contact: Basil, 02380 779603 Sat 28 January 2017 13:30 - 7 miles/11.3 km - Moderate Bordean Starts just off A272. 4 miles east of West Meon Hut. Take left turn signposted Froxfield just after Bordean House. Park on left in lay-by under trees approximately 150 yards from the junction. Map OL32 (Ex132) (GU32 1EP, SU700244) Undulating. Hilly in parts. Via Froxfield. Contact: Jane, 077925 55597

Sun 29 January 2017 09:30 - 13 miles/20.9 km - Moderate Bishopstoke (Eastleigh) Circular via Twyford - One of two walks today Starts at car park adjoining Toby Carvery, on south side of B3037, 1 mile east of Eastleigh Railway Station. Alternatively, use Sports Centre car park (with toilets) on opposite side of road, just west of pub, and walk to start. (Both car parks free Sundays.) Car sharers meet Southampton Central Station 0845. (Breakfast in Carvery for early birds from 0800!) Map OL22 (SO50 6DD, SU467190) Via Stoke Park Wood, , Hensting, Twyford (lunch at Phoenix Inn/picnic at nearby church), Shawford, and the Itchen Way. Fairly flat, with a few stiles. Contact: Jeff J, 01489 893064 or 07505 444395

Sun 29 January 2017 14:00 - 4 miles/6.4 km - Leisurely - Sunday Afternoon Walk - One of two walks today Starts at Testwood Lakes, off Brunel Road, Calmore Industrial Estate, situated at Calmore roundabout on A36 from Totton. Map OL22 (SO40 0BG, SU347152) A circular walk ideal as a starter walk for those new to walking. Via the water meadows & bird sanctuary. Contact: Mark A, 02381 845991

February

Thu 2 February 2017 10:00 - 7 miles/11.3 km - Moderate South Circular Starts at car park at end of Westhill Road. Turn right into this at the end of Downs Road. Map OL32/EX132 (SO21 3EE, SU473356) Contact: Peter S, 02380 631272

Sat 4 February 2017 13:30 - 7 miles/11.3 km - Moderate Circular Park on common on west side of Wood Lane. Map OL32 (Ex132) (SO24 0JL, SU627295) Undulating. Via West Tisted Contact: Jane, 077925 55597

Sun 5 February 2017 09:45 - 11 miles/17.7 km - Moderate - One of two walks today Starts at car park opposite Village Hall in Sutton Scotney. (Entrance off Wonston Rd.) Car sharers meet Southampton Central Station 08.50. Joint leaders: Sue, Jenny, Lindsay. Map OL32/Ex132 (SO21 3JL, SU463394) Via . Contact: Sue P, 01962 884333

Sun 5 February 2017 14:00 - 5 miles/8.1 km - Easy Green - Sunday Afternoon Walk - One of two walks today Starts at car park at The Green. From Southampton, turn right into Barnes Lane at top of Sarisbury Hill on A27. Turn immediately right again behind the green and park in car park by the tennis courts. Map OL3 (Ex119) (SO31 7AA, SU499087) An ideal starter walk for those new to walking. Contact: Mark A, 02381 845991

Thu 9 February 2017 10:00 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Leisurely Lyndhurst Circular Starts at Bolton's Bench Car Park, on the east side of the B3056, just before the junction with the A35. Map OL22 (SO43 7BQ, SU303081) A varied walk, taking in heathland and woods. Contact: Derek, 07815 560607

Sat 11 February 2017 13:30 - 6.2 miles/10 km - Moderate Twyford Circular Park and start in Twyford Recreation Ground. EX132/OL32 (SO21 1QS, SU482243) Hilly Contact: Pete D, 07587 181246 Sun 12 February 2017 10:00 - 12 miles/19.3 km - Moderate Rowlands Castle via Stoughton - One of two walks today Starts at The Green at centre of Rowlands Castle, just west of railway bridge. Park in streets nearby. Car sharers meet Southampton Central Station 0900. Map OL8/Ex120 (PO9 6AB, SU731106) Return via Racton Monument. Contact: Ian H, 07870 421483

Sun 12 February 2017 13:30 - 6.5 miles/10.5 km - Moderate Emery Down (nr. Lyndhurst) - Sunday afternoon walk - One of two walks today Starts at James's Hill CP just beyond the New Forest Inn (Emery Down) on the left on the Bolderwood road. Map Ex. OL22 (SO43 7DZ, SU282082) A varied walk in the heart of the New Forest taking in Holiday Hills, the Reptile Centre and with panoramic views of Acres Down. Contact: Rob S, 01794 512999

Thu 16 February 2017 10:00 - 6.2 miles/10 km - Moderate Bishop's Waltham Circular Starts at Station Road, Bishop's Waltham. Map OL3/Ex119 (SO32 1DP, SU550173) Undulating. Contact: Pete D, 07587 181246

Sat 18 February 2017 13:30 - 6.3 miles/10.1 km - Moderate Romsey Circular Start at front of Romsey Abbey in Church Street. Nearest car park: Lortmore Place Middle Stay (£2.00 from 13:00 to 16:00, free after 16:00). Other car parks nearby (SO51 8NG, SU351212) Map EX131 Contact: Lynne, 07798 737738

Sun 19 February 2017 09:30 - 13 miles/20.9 km - Moderate Bolderwood (Northern New Forest) - One of two walks today Starts at Bolderwood car park. On A35, 2 miles to the west of Lyndhurst turn right up the Ornamental Drive, Car Park is 2.5 miles at top of this. Sat-nav users should note that the postal code is not near the start. Car sharers meet Soton. Cntl. Station at 08.40. Map Ex. OL22 (SO43 7GQ, SU243086) A walk in the scenic New Forest uplands via Pickett Post and the Red Shoot Inn. Contact: Berni, 02380 511549

Sun 19 February 2017 13:30 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate Chilworth - Sunday Afternoon Walk - One of two walks today Starts at lay-by off A27, next to Chilworth Golf Club. Map OL22 (SO52 9JY, SU399194) Explore the countryside on Southampton's northern boundary. Contact: Doug, 07736 731792

Thu 23 February 2017 10:00 - 6.3 miles/10.1 km - Moderate Fritham Starts at Fritham car park, on south side of road, just west of the Royal Oak pub. Map OL22 (SO43 7HL, SU230140) Via Ashley Range and Amberwood Inclosure. Contact: David L, 07791 257024

Sat 25 February 2017 13:30 - 6.3 miles/10.1 km - Moderate Owslebury Starts at Owslebury church. Please park considerately in the lane. Map OL3 (Ex119) (SO21 1ET, SU514234) Undulating. Long gradual climb at the end. Contact: Pete D, 07587 181246

Sun 26 February 2017 10:00 - 12 miles/19.3 km - Moderate Winchester - One of two walks today Starts at floor 8 of multi-storey car park (free Sundays), on east side of Chesil Street. Car sharers meet Southampton Station 0915. Map OL32/Ex132 (SO23 8BL, SU487292) Via Cheesefoot Head and the Itchen Way. Contact: Duncan, 02380 634256 or 07786 337691 on the day Sun 26 February 2017 13:30 - 5 miles/8.1 km - Moderate Compton - Sunday Afternoon Walk (accessible by public transport) - One of two walks today Starts at Compton Jubilee Recreation Ground, off Shepherds lane (over M3 road bridge) parking available or in Shepherds Lane. Bus - Blue Star No 1 ( Soton - Winchester) alight Shawford Down. Map Ex. OL32 (SO21 2BX, SU466248) A walk from Compton. Ideal for those new, or returning, to walking. Contact: Jacqueline, 07736 731792

Finding the start of your walk

Start and meeting points include nearest postcode and an Ordnance Survey grid reference accurate to 100m. Use postcodes with care: in rural areas the nearest postcode may be some distance from the actual start point. See OS maps for an explanation of how to use grid references.

Grades

 Easy Access - walks for everyone, including people with conventional wheelchairs and pushchairs, using easy access paths. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. Assistance may be needed to push wheelchairs on some sections.  Easy - walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty, a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Suitable for pushchairs if they can be lifted over occasional obstructions. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.  Leisurely - walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include unsurfaced rural paths. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.  Moderate - walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.  Strenuous - walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness should contact the organiser or leader in advance.  Technical - walks for experienced and very fit walkers with additional technical skills. May require scrambling and use of ropes, ice axes and crampons. You must contact the organiser or leader in advance for further details.

Notes

 Walk gradings are provided as a general guide only. If you have any doubt about your fitness for a particular walk please contact the organiser or leader in advance.  Bear in mind the distance of the walk, regional differences in terrain and the possibility of bad weather, which can make a walk more difficult than planned.  If you're unsure of your fitness level, try a short and easy walk first - it's much better to find a walk a little too slow and easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted.  Leaders may refuse to accept participants who in their opinion are inadequately equipped or unfit.

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