Iping Common - March

It was a soggy walk today around Iping Common.  Eight of us braved the weather, it started to rain just as we started off, and walked 3.6miles around the common, ably led by Ray. 

Luckily the paths were mainly dry but we did come across some soggy patches but these were fairly easy to transverse. We met up with a few hardy walkers with their dogs and also a group of horses being moved from their stables.

Unfortunately the heather had not come into full flower, I should imagine it is a brilliant sight when it does come into bloom.

Seven of us had a lovely lunch at the Hamilton Arms, if you like Thai food I can recommend it. We tried to ignore the fact that the rain had finally stopped and the sun had come out.

Bluebell Wood - April

Unfortunately I was unable to join the walk on Wednesday but managed to join the group for a good lunch at the Rising Sun in Clanfield

There were eight in the group and I am told the 3 mile walk lived up to expectations, the weather contributing to the success.

They walked up lanes passing an old Chapel before heading into Little Hyden woods where there was a profusion of bird song, identified by Peters clever bird ID app as a robin, a blackcap, a chiffchaff and a wren. I am impressed by the identification app so have downloaded it for future use, well done Peter.

They moved on to another wood where there was a childrens wood shelter and a profusion of glorious bluebells, which was the main purpose of the walk. They then walked down another quiet lane to the pub for lunch. Other sights were a swarm of bees on one of the houses they passed and the village pond. Jane was able to give the group some details of Clanfields history along the way. 

Thank you Jane for organising it .

Pictures attached with thanks to Ray, and with Diana sending me details of the walk

Thursley Common - May

Well they say the sun shines on the righteous and so it did for our 3.8 mile walk around Thursley Common and Nature reserve ably led by Ray.

14 of us set off around the common seeing along the way, wildflowers including cotton grass, orchids and trying to spot the dragonflies  for which the reserve is renowned for. We were a bit early for most of them, the main season being June to August however some members spotted at least 2 varieties. There was word that a lizard had been spotted as well.

A lovely walk and although we were threatened with two hills to climb they were gentle and we all made it to the top. Thanks to Ray and Di for organising it.

An excellent lunch followed at the Three Horseshoes PH

Liss Forest - June

On a rare hot summers morning Julia led us on a 3.8 mile walk round Liss Forest following in parts the river Rother and the old railway line which went to Longmore camp.

Mindfull of the strong sun Julia ensured most of the walk was in the shade. As always Julia (and Brian) were a mind of information about the area.

We started and finished at The Temple Inn where we were able to boost our liquid intake and have lunch.

Two new members Hazel and Christina joined us and hopefully will come again.

An excellent walk Julia, thank you.

Hambledon - July

On another lovley summers day John led 7 walkers on a challenging 6 mile walk round Hambledon , taking in the hamlet of Chidden. Starting and finishing at The Vine Inn.
The walk was extended due to the fact that the oil seed rape field which had to be crossed had been ploughed and the path had disappeared so it had to be crossed blindfold with the hope they would end up somewhere close to where they should be.
There were lovely views and lunch was considered to be good. Surprisingly the group were the only people enjoying lunch there.
I was disappointed to miss the walk due to covid but as I had recd it with John previously knew it would be lovely albeit challenging.
Well done John

Cocking - August

Another lovely day with the sun shining. Meeting and ending at the Blue Bell Pub in Cocking we had a 3 mile amble taking in ,among other things,  the Millenium monument and a peek at Philip Jackson's sculptures.
Almost a full attendance and ably led by Julia with Brian as rear guard. All set in the South Downs park
Lunch was excellent.
Thank you Julia

Hinton Ampner - September

Well who can believe the weather forecast, despite a gloomy forecast of rain our walk on Wednesday was dry and with some sunshine.

Eight of us set off from Hinton Ampner car park and joined the Dutton walk which starts opposite the old church.in the village. After all the rain we have had it was very muddy in places but all passable with care. The mud didn't detract from a lovely walk through open areas and woods. 4.4 miles in total

There was speculation in what is called Joan's acre wood about definite evidence that a building of some sort had previously been there and in Broom wood there was a definite avenue of trees which indicated a thoroughfare of sorts. Anyone with knowledge of these please let us know.

Our new member Julia mentioned the lovely display of bluebells they have in the spring and Jenny volunteered to take up the mantle of a walk to see them next year.

The Hinton Arms was very busy but we had good service and enjoyable meals

Next walk will be on 30th October and led by Ray and Di. I will send out details over the weekend.

Hankley Common -October

On Wednesday we had a successful 4 mile walk round Hankley Common thanks to Ray and Diana

It was sand based so we missed the mud that is found elsewhere. Not a golf ball in sight as we passed the golf course fairways and no sightings of the army Ray warned us about at the beginning of the walk.

We climbed Kettlebury Hill to see the panamera and where they filmed some of the James Bond films. Unfortunately the heather was no longer in bloom as this would have been a lovely sight.

We dropped down to The Lions Mouth (no idea why it was named this) and saw Yagden hill where the Canadians practised for the D Day landings. We passed Stockbridge pond , a private fishing area and ended back at the Duke of Cambridge PH for a good lunch.   

We will make a return visit next year when the heather is in full bloom.

Our next walk will be led by Nancy and John

Langstone Harbour - November

Eight of us joined Nancy and John on the walk on Wednesday 27th along Langstone Harbour up to the old Milton Locks. We  avoided Milton Common on the way back as it was deemed too muddy in parts. There were several sightings of birds, numerous Brent Geese , an Egret or maybe two, a Cormorant and on the way back curlews. The path has several interesting information boards along the way and we could see the wreck of the Mulberry Harbour in the bay. We visited the Peoples Memorial and saw the tribute to all the services in WW2. It was interesting to discover at Milton Lock that there used to be a canal running from Portsmouth to London.

All in all an interesting walk with Nancy and John supplying snippets of information.

Cloudy and at times blustery but the rain stayed away as did the sunshine unfortunately making it very cold.

We followed the walk with a pleasant meal at the Great Salterns Harvester.

Thanks to John and Nancy for organising the walk

Please note there is no walk in December. The next event is the post Christmas walk and meal on 8th January organised by Jane