This walk replaces the walk which was originally planned for Hinton Ampner, where most of the paths are unfortunately very wet and muddy after so much rain and footfall.
Meet at West Town Car Park by 9.00 and drive to Hound (Netley Abbey). Park by the roadside in Hound Road, on the north side of the railway bridge, as close as possible to Hound Close. The grid reference is SU466083 and the postcode is SO31 5FY. We aim to start walking by 10.00.
This is a 5.1 mile walk with no stiles and only 100 feet of height gain. We go to the centre of Hamble (toilets available, 2 miles from walk start) via Hamble station. We then pick up the England Coast Path and follow it back along the edge of Southampton Water to Royal Victoria Country Park (toilets also available). We can have a coffee and/or light lunch stop at the café in the park. The cars are about half a mile from the café.
The route is mainly sandy or metalled underfoot with about 1 kilometre on pebble beach. There were a few muddy and wet patches on the recce (after a lot of rain!) but all of them could be safely navigated with care.
If you wish to join the walk, please email Richard North, advising whether you would like a lift or could offer a lift.
This is the planned route: