Purpose:

Contacts:

Meetings:

After each occasion we enjoyed an informal lunch together at local village pubs and I think all who have attended would say that we thoroughly enjoy ourselves. Numbers of ramblers have varied between six and twelve, so there is still room for you if you would like to join us for the next stroll. We're a friendly bunch and quite harmless!

Reports:

Tues 16 Sept 2008 - Roger & Barbara Bennett

20 May 2008 - Roger Bennett
Eight members met at the newly refurbished ‘Crown Inn’ at Kings Somborne and the weather was great.After climbing a small hill north out of the village, we
joined the Clarendon Way and walked in a westerlydirection, crossing the lovely River Test and somelittle tributaries, until we reached the road into Houghton. Resisting the temptation to spend the rest of the day at the ‘Boot Inn’. We turned south and followed the road for almost a mile. Although tarmaced, this is a lovely lane which took us near the lost village of Bossington. Bossinton Park remains as does the heavily restored church. At Bossington Farm we turned east onto a path through fields and recrossed the Test a mile south of our earlier crossing. In time we joined the Monarch’s Way to the Hamlet of Horsebridge which still retains its picturesque railway station (now a private dwelling) from the old Sprat & Winkle Line. The map needs careful reading at this point to pick up a track which literally passes through people’s back gardens beforereaching Kings Somborne. The last stretch took us past the sight of John of Gaunt’s Palace and the village church, from where we could see Judith and Valerie arriving at ’The Crown’ to join us for lunch. Wecalled to them to get the pints in, but both seemed to have hearing problems!

April 15th. Diane Richards. Steady 4.6 mile walk from Chilbolton across Cow Common and around West Down and the River Anton valley.
THE SUN SHONE - there were around a dozen of us (I forgot to count)and one dog, and we had a very pleasant walk in the sunshine. The birds were singing and the sky was blue, and the mud had dried in most places. We set off across Cow Common and loitered appropriately on the bridges across the Test in Wherwell to admire the trout and the beautiful houses. We climbed over the hill into the Anton Valley and crossed the River Anton (more loitering) and walked part of the old 'Sprat and Winkle' railway line, before climbing up again and into Fullerton. Here we passed through the Golden Pond coarse fishery, and rejoined the old railway line, before passing old Fullerton Station (now a lovely house), and then climbed (again) over the shoulder of Stockbridge Down, and back into Chilbolton. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed it, and our 'ladies who lunch' were waiting for us in the Abbot's Mitre.

March Steve Jarvis Easy 4 mile walk around Longparish.

January/February -- Ian McFarling]
I had planned the January walk and briefed the lovely Sue at The Coronation Arms to transfer people to Ibthorpe in her people carrier. However, the morning of 15th January dawned with heavy rain and very strong, gusting wind bringing down branches. The walk was cancelled. Brave to the last, 3 of us joined Val and Judith for lunch at The Coronation Arms.
We repeated the itinerary in February and 19th February dawned still, frosty and sunny. Three of us living just a few hundred yards from Ibthorpe joined the other eight transferred from St Mary Bourne and we crossed the road to the track which took us slowly up from the valley. Hearts pulsing and panting a little, we soon arrived at the top and continued to a lane, turning left and crossing the A343 into a wood, muddy underfoot. Soon we came into open fields and followed the ridge with glorious views across the Bourne valley to the North. We chatted to a herd of horses (my partner Sally has since told me that they were Cobs) and continued to descend diagonally to the valley floor where, after negotiating two styles, we found ourselves at The Coronation Arms where Judith and Val were waiting to join us for a well earned lunch.

Dec 2007 walk organised by Steve Jarvis
December
A few hardy souls braved the cold and doubtful weather but were rewarded with an invigorating and informative outing. We congregated at the Poplar Farm on the outskirts of Abbotts Ann and walked through the village towards the church of St Mary. Roger drew on his local and ecclesiastical knowledge to tell us about the rare Virgin Crowns of Abbotts Ann, which is a survival of the custom to ‘throw down the gauntlet’ as a challenge to anyone to ‘asperse the character of the deceased’. We went into the church and found a leaflet that informed us that the earliest crown dates from 1740 and the most recent to 1973.
We walked through the village and then along Dunkirt Lane with open fields on both sides. We continued along several farmland tracks, by which time we had straggled out a bit, and after crossing an open field along a ridge with chilling winds, we all regrouped for our journey back to the village. The return route took us through a playing field and past back-gardens, before emerging near the pub, where we were joined by ‘the Ladies Who Lunch’ and enjoyed a fine welcome and a good meal (with lots of custard!).

Nov 2007 walk organised by Roger Bennett
You will notice that our walk reports come from various people. This is because a number of us are willing to take responsibility and lead. This is great and I would like to thank all who plan our rambles and make them so enjoyable. When you read this, the November walk (Tuesday 20th) will have taken place. I will lead this and yesterday Barbara and I enjoyed ‘reccying’ possibilities around Broughton where we planned we could have lunch. On arrival we found the first of the two village pubs had been closed for a year. So we went to the second. “Sorry , love”, said the barmaid, “that’s the Chef’s day off.” We left Broughton deflated and started again. The whole route was replanned and we have now booked lunch at the Boot Inn at Houghton where we sampled the cuisine, which is excellent. Come and join us each month, as we explore this lovely area. By the way, we are now being joined at lunch by some non-walkers, which is most encouraging. So if you don’t want to exercise your legs, how about exercising your jaws? We’re a happy bunch and totally harmless. If you arrive just before the hikers, you can get the pints in!!
Meanwhile thanks again to all who take turns in

Oct 2007 walk organised by Diane Richards
Mottisfont Estate - 16 October
Unfortunately once again (when I do the organising at any rate!) the weather was not looking good (one bad day all week and I chose it), so we were a very small but dogged band who gathered in the Mottisfont National Trust car park, midway between Romsey and King’s Somborne. Since there were so few I can name them – Tricia, Connie, Steve, Ted and me! Although it was drizzling a little, we decided to go for it, and set off for a 4 miler using the National Trust Mottisfont Estate Path leaflet.
After crossing a grassy field we crossed the River Test where there weren’t many Brown Trout to be seen, but I think we spotted a couple. The leaflet gives snippets of information and interest, which of course I had to read aloud to the assembly at the appropriate points (all numbered). Discipline was required at times to ensure that everyone was listening.
After crossing another field, we followed a lane, and then a farm track to Queenmeadow Copse, Oak woodland with an under storey of Hazel, and where there was evidence of the ancient art of Hazel coppicing to be viewed.
After crossing the Mottisfont to Houghton lane, we followed the path around the edge of some large fields, and then entered Great Copse, a semi-natural Ancient wood, thought to be over 400 years old. We crossed the Awbridge to Broughton road, and followed the path to another wood called Spearywell which is managed commercially by the Trust for timber. Evidence of this could be seen and heard, the petrol saws were out in force.
Although the walk continues for another few miles (7 in all), we had already decided to stick to the 4 mile version, even though the weather by now was very pleasant and quite warm, so we took the ‘short cut’ back to Mottisfont, including traversing a ploughed field. The tenant farmer had ploughed 2 fields, but had not yet reinstated the footpaths properly.
Then as usual it was back to the pub, The Bear and Ragged Staff, where we were joined for lunch by Valerie and Judith – who although being last to arrive, and last to order, managed to be served first

Sept 2007 walk organised by Steve Jarvis
The September walk was well attended with 12 members venturing out on a fine day from the Royal Oak, Goodworth Clatford. The walk crossed the ‘Ford’ in the river (by footbridge) and we wandered along a track with interesting houses and open views across towards the Church. At the Stockbridge road we entered Cowdown Lane and skirting the Hampshire Golf Club, we climbed the long incline to the top of the rise which provided excellent views of Harewood Forest and back towards the Clatfords. Striking North we crossed open fields and saw deer and then were startled by a hare charging off from cover near our path.
At the A303, we asked Roger to bless our crossing of the dual carriageway, before we dashed between the lorries and gained refuge in the field beyond. We proceeded past Bere Hill Farm and eventually arrived at Ladies Walk, which had existed from pre-Roman days and was called the Mark Way before being planted with 121 trees and re-christened in 1863. We spent a few minutes admiring the view over Andover and trying to identify buildings and other landmarks before proceeding along the Walk to the top of Old Winton Road.
We then took a track passing between the Andover Golf Club and the A303, some of us were tempted by the profusion of blackberries, despite warnings from others regarding the potential pollution caused by car fumes. We then walked through the housing estate, across Barlows Lane, through Watermills Park until we joined the footpath running along the River Anton. Our route then took us into Rooksbury Mill Park and we spent some time admiring the waterfowl on the lake and especially, a heron standing statuesquely on a landing stage; followed by counting the numerous trout in the stream; and discussing some impressive fungi in a tree and which of us was brave enough to pick and eat wild mushrooms.
Leaving Rooksbury Mill we walked along the old Canal / Railway line out to Upper Clatford and as time was getting on, and some had afternoon engagements, we split into two groups for either the short route or the longer more picturesque route back to the pub.
Although some members were unable to stay for lunch, our overall numbers were maintained by the addition of our ‘luncheon club’ members. The walk was a bit longer than usual (nearly 7 miles) but many people expressed their enjoyment at discovering lovely parts of Andover that previously they did not know existed.

Aug 2007 walk organised by Diane Richards from Amport
This walk was originally planned for July – but the weather beat us on that day, so this was the remake.
Nine intrepid U3A walkers met at the Amport Inn on a chilly (is it really August?) but dry Tuesday morning and we set off at around 10.15 after submitting our lunch orders to the pub.
We walked down through the village to the Green where we met the first of many of Roger’s ex-parishioners. These little meetings had of course been pre-arranged (not!) and were a main feature of the walk. Then right and past the old watercress bed area (now a nature reserve of sorts), climbed up the hill with nice views over towards Grateley and up to the old water tower, where more ex-parishioners lurked for a glimpse and chat with the man of God.
We turned left up through a farm yard, and up another hill where there were yet more views towards Thruxton. More disciples appeared here, and at the end of a long straight slog across open fields where we came to the lane to Quarley. We were astonished to find a bush hung with various items of ladies undergarments, which the man of God said had been there since his time in the parish some years ago. More elevated items on view (literally) were buzzards and sight of Quarley Hill (ancient iron age settlement).
We walked down the lane to Quarley and made a detour to view the lovely St Michaels and All Angels church there. Mike was particularly pleased to see it of course! This is a lovely church where the bells are hung outside the church in a wooden frame. Unfortunately 2 of the 3 bells were stolen in early July, they were 13th and 17th Century! However, the village is in the throes of an appeal and they are shortly to be replaced with 21st Century ones, once the PCC can work out how to make them safe! One suggestion is to build a bell tower, but much more money would be needed, and of course the uniqueness of the previous siting would be lost.
We walked on through the village and took a left past some lovely houses and again through open fields (now harvested) back towards Amport. Deer were spotted by two eagle eyed female walkers, but the rest of the group remained oblivious – chat, chat, chat.
And so on past Amport House and some very select properties, up through the village to the pub, to be met by Valerie who joined us for a pleasant lunch.

July 2007 walk cancelled due to bad weather.

June 2007 walk organised by Roger Bennett
Report to be provided.

May 2007 walk organised by Steve Jarvis
From Goodworth Clatford, approx 6 miles.
The route took us along the river Anton, then to near Wherwell, into Harewood Forest and then back to the Royal Oak.

Apr 2007 walk led by Ian McFarling - 5 mile walk around Mottisfont Abbey.
The fine April weather encouraged a high turnout of a dozen walkers, including several new faces.
We met at the Bear & Ragged Staff, north of Romsey and set off along the route undertaken in damp and misty December led by Roger. We climbed the “Monarch’s Way” towards Michelmersh before turning north across fields and into a copse on the brow of the hill. Spring flowers were dotted everywhere but the copse contained a profusion of bluebells in their prime, and even a wild spotted orchid in flower.
We dropped down the hill to Lower Brook, crossing the main Romsey Road, rejoining the Monarch’s Way/Test Way and stopped on the bridge admiring the river. We walked past the picturesque cottages and houses before crossing fields to Mottisfont village and then into the woods before crossing the Salisbury – Southampton railway line. At Kimbridge we turned east and walked along the road back to the pub with its usual friendly welcome.
If anyone is interested in the views, the following web site has several taken a couple of weeks after our journey: http://www.geograph.org.uk/user/Hythe+Eye

March 2007 walk organised by David Horobin
We met for the March walk in Whitchurch at the free car park in Bell Street. In spite of the cold it was a bright and breezy and ideal for the walk, and we soon warmed up after the initial haul up the Newbury Rd. From this point it was mainly down hill back to Whitchurch going past the the Watership Down pub at Freefolk, a brief visit to St Nicholas church (now redundant) and on past Bere Mill originally owned by the Portal family.
The White Hart was the choice of pub, the food had mixed blessings, very artistically presented, some of which would have qualified for the Tate Modern, although I think my eggs had already been. However the service was friendly

February 2007 walk organised by Peter Evans
The February walk was planned as a short walk of no more than 3 miles across flat country. We met at picturesque Wherwell and walked to the church where we were able to view the site of the old priory. Then, we strolled to the bridle path to cross the bridges over the River Test to ancient Chilbolton Cow Common and onto Chilbolton church. We returned across the common by a partly different route to the White Lion where some of us had lunch. Fortunately, the weather had been kind to us on this occasion.
A disappointing turnout of six people but I believe enjoyed by those who came

January 2007 Walk organised by Steve Jarvis
Six intrepid walkers met at the John O’Gaunt, Horsebridge on a wet January morning for our monthly walk.
After ordering lunch we set off along the Test Way, following the old ‘Sprat and Winkle' railway line. The River Test was almost overflowing its banks a few yards away from our path and we remarked at the beautiful views that passengers must have enjoyed in bygone days.
A mile down the path we intersected with the Clarendon Way (which linked Winchester with Salisbury) and paused to regain our breath. Behind us, on a track, we saw some movement in the undergrowth, shortly followed by the appearance of three deer, which Ian identified as roe deer. In referring to our guide map we realised that this was the edge of John O’Gaunt’s deer park and hence they were probably descendants of the herd originally introduced eight hundred years ago.
We climbed out of the valley, along the Clarendon Way and as the rain eased we enjoyed wonderful views over the surrounding countryside and down upon King’s Somborne. The track then descended down into the village, past the pub and Saxon church before we climbed out of the other side of the village via the country road. At a fork we turned east along a drive, to be confronted with a large field containing hundreds of plants in neat regimental rows standing to attention. Our enquiries of a workman confirmed our suspicion that these were grape vines being planted in anticipation of the global warming that is now commonly predicted.
The drive passed the entrance to an equestrian centre and we came across a memorial stone dedicated to four unknown German airman shot down in 1940. Shortly after, we turned north, re-joining the Clarendon Way, skirting the equestrian centre until we met a lane that took us back into the centre of King’s Somborne. We passed several picturesque cottages, before proceeding along a path next to the churchyard. This emerged into a large field with a useful information board telling us all about John O’Gaunt and his palace, which is believed to have existed on the site. A bell rang and all the children in the local school came out to greet us. However, we soon realised it was not for our benefit but a fire-drill.
We crossed the main Stockbridge–Romsey road and walked along the marked footpath that took us through the back gardens of several houses and we discussed the various ways that they had sought to retain their privacy (or not) from ramblers like us. In a field, Tricia spotted that we were walking under a tree covered in berried mistletoe but we were all too shy to suggest we should participate in the traditional activity.
We returned to the John O’Gaunt pub three hours after departure and settled down next to the lively log fire to recuperate with a glass of happy juice and some fine ‘home cooked’ food.

The December walk was organised by Roger Bennett near Mottisfont Abbey. Ten walkers set out from the Bear & Ragged Staff on a cool, misty morning, but unfortunately two had to turn back due to feeling unwell. The remaining 8 climbed a gentle hill eastwards towards Michelmarsh. The anticipated views of open countryside were somewhat restricted by the mist nevertheless we could all appreciate the fresh air and anticipate an improvement in the weather. St the brow of the hill, we enetered a small wooded area before descending to Lower Brook and crossing the A3057.
In the valley, the scenery changed as we followed driveways and footpaths across the River Test and water sodden fields. We passed North and West of the Abbey through Mottisfont village before crossing the railway line between Southampton & Salisbury and returning via Kimbridge to the public house and lunch. The 4½ mile walk took 2½ hours at a moderate pace, nice and comfortable to stimulate our appetites for the excellent lunch.
Roger will repeat the walk in April for a different experience, without the mist and some spring flowers and more wildlife in evidence.

Nov 2006 walk organised by Ian McFarling
It threatened rain on 21st November but a group of 15 stalwarts were not deterred and we set off at 10.30 from the Coronation Arms at St Mary Bourne, soon to cross the first of 3 styles and climb 150 ft on a stony track.
A woodland path led us into the sleepy village of Binley where we turned right to cross a newly sewn field then right along a forest path. A further right turn put
us on the return leg and 2 ploughed fields brought us down to cross a country road. Another woodland path and short road walk returned us to the welcoming Coronation Arms.
It took us 2 hours to complete the 4.5 miles, maximum height gained being 200ft (only 28900ft off Everest !!).
Removing our muddy boots 11 of us enjoyed a drink and Len'shome cooking. An excellent finish to our ramble