Meet at the Barley Mow at 9.35 and catch the 31 bus at 9.43 to the Havant bus station.
We go along West Street and then turn northwards on a short section of the 10,000 kilometer European E9 path. This takes a surprisingly green route through Stockheath and Leigh Park before entering Staunton Park. There are views of the work going on to build the Havant Thicket reservoir at the edge of Rowlands Castle, and we walk down Redhill Road to the centre.
The route is tarmac or packed hardcore throughout so should be dry underfoot whatever the weather in the preceding weeks. This is a 4.3 mile walk with no stiles and only 100 feet of height gain.
A pub lunch is available at The Robin Hood or The Castle.
Rowlands Castle only has 4 buses to Havant per day and the 27 bus which leaves at 13.50 may not suit our timing. There is a train to Havant at 13.21 and 14.21 (single fare £3.60).
This is the planned route: