JANUARY
As the post Christmas lunch was cancelled the group joined the Strollers in an amble round parts of Petersfield Medieval boundaries followed by lunch and a quiz at the Piazetta all arranged by Jane and Juliet,
FEBRUARY
The group joined the Strollers again on a trip to London for a guided tour around parts of the city.
It was wet but this didn't detract from the day. A further trip out is planned for later in the year.
MARCH
For this month we enjoyed a 1.5 mile walk around Staunton Country Park. A lovely dry morning and very little mud.
During our walk we were able to see the massive construction of the reservoir at Havant Thicket along with the many follies and wood structures.
We ended the walk with coffee and discussion about the world's ills!
MAY
We had a lovely walk around Catherington Lith, the sun shone but luckily the walk through the woods afforded some shade. The walk through the woods was shorter than I intended as I was too busy chatting and took a wrong turn!
No bluebells but we did see some interesting wood sculptures. Apparently they were done by sculptor Michael Jones. (Thanks to Jane for this information.)
Unfortunately the church wasn't open as stated on their site however we followed the walk with a good lunch at the Farmers Inn.
APRIL
A select group of us had a pleasant 2.5 mile walk round Durleighmarsh this morning led by Elaine. The sun shone but thankfully most of the walk was in shade. No evidence of the mud we experienced when we did the walk last October.
Amazing views at the top of the walk taking in the South Downs including Butser Hill.
We had refreshments afterwards at the Tea barn .
Sorry no photos I forgot, too busy chatting as we walked.
Must try harder!
JULY
A select few of the Amblers had a pleasant walk on Wednesday mostly in the shade thus avoiding the very warm sunshine. Lasting 2.7 miles we wandered round the ancient wood taking in the trees and the stillness.
The walk up to the woods was a bit stoney but nothing too arduous and coming down we had time to admire the lovely properties lower down Little Hayden Lane.
We started and ended at The Rising Sun Clanfield where we had welcome refreshments.
As usual with the Ambler walks, no photos I always forget and to be fair I did have to keep looking at my map to make sure we didn't go round in circles!
AUGUST
The Amblers enjoyed a walk round Stanstead Park this morning. It was overcast but still humid. The walk was longer than the anticipated 2 miles as Sue led us off the road along by fields which made it more enjoyable.
There was an unexpected sighting of Highland cattle quitely laying under the trees as well as lovely countryside views.
We dispersed after the walk, some to the Pavillion and others to the garden centre both for refreshments.
Thanks to Sue for organizing it
OCTOBER
13 of us had a lovely walk this morning on Iping Common, ably led by Liz. It was dull (The weather not the people) but mild and importantly dry. The heather wasn't in flower but there were mushrooms and fallen nuts to see as well as views over the South Downs.
We must do the walk again next year when the heather is out.
After the walk some of the group went to Aylings Garden centre for refreshments.
Thank you Liz
NOVEMBER -
A very successful trip to Highgate Cemetery organised by Christina. A joint trip with the Stroller walking group. It was a full on day and we were lucky with the weather.
Peter our guide was excellent with tales of the good, the bad and spooky, and as we were with a guide we were able to visit the catacombs as well, well worth a visit.
We saw the graves of the rich and famous and very poignant one of the unmarked pauper graves containing the bodies of the forgotten children from a nearby refuge (now demolished).
The tour was mainly on the West side and we had time for a brief glimpse of the East side which included the famous grave of Karl Marx.
We had a lovely lunch at the Flask Ph. We hadn't booked but they served all 16 of us with no problem at all and the food was good.
Our driver Christophe was very amenable and drove us to the pub to avoid the need for a long slog up Highgate hill. Despite leaving in good time we had trouble on the way home with two accidents on the A3 extending our journey and meaning we were back two hours later than we should have been. Christophe coped with the diversions and heavy traffic admirably and it didn't detract from the fact that we had a lovely day.
Thanks Christina for a very well organised trip
DECEMBER
On Wednesday 10th 14 of us enjoyed a great 2 mile walk around Chapel common ably led by Marjorie. Our last walk of the year.
The sun came out, it was mild and because it is basically heathland, dry underfoot. The biggest risk being the many tree roots encountered along the way. Considering all the rain we have been having we were really fortunate.
It was interesting to see the gorse out on some of the shrubs.
Following our walk we enjoyed a lovely lunch at The Jolly Drover Liss.
Ray (strollers member) joined us for lunch having just carried out a recce of our post Christmas walk. More later.