News for members of the Walking group

HIU3A right of way complaint resolved

Some of you might remember the walk around Meonstoke and Corhampton organised by Jo Hallet and Jorg Boulton for 26th March 2018.

Shortly after starting the walk we encountered a locked gate that required us to unhook an electrified wire and clamber over a fence in order to proceed. Clearly an obstruction to the right of way.

I took some photos and, when I got home, created a free account at the Hampshire rights of way web site, and reported the problem. The photos I submitted are on the right (click them to see a larger version).

It's taken almost exactly a year, but I just got the following from the Rights of Way team:

This report has been resolved to our satisfaction and has now been closed. A kissing gate has been installed here by Waltham Ramblers Volunteer Group. Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding this issue.

So, it's worth taking the trouble to report problems.

I've sent a note to Waltham Ramblers to thank them for their efforts.

Andy

HI U3A complete longer walks programme

I've scheduled the remaining longer walks for this year. The complete programme looks like this:

Click any of the links above for more detail including the planned routes.

Note that the first walk is on Friday this week.

If you plan to come on any of the walks, please let me know so we know to look out for you. If you can't make any of the dates but you'd still like to do the walk, let me know and I'll see if we can arrange a recce walk to suit you.

Andy Henderson

HI U3A longer walks programme

I've scheduled three walks for March, April and May:

Click any of the links above for more detail.

I will lead the first two and Peter Haskell will lead the third.

I'm working with Mary Cooper to add more walks to complete the programme through to October. I'm particularly looking forward to a walk around the Devil's Punchbowl. I'll let you know when the programme is complete.

In the meantime, if you plan to come on any of the walks, please let me know so we know to look out for you. If you can't make any of the dates but you'd still like to do the walk, let me know and I'll see if we can arrange a recce walk to suit you.

Andy Henderson

Fish and chip walk

The weather is looking good for our walk tomorrow (Friday). Cold but dry with a light wind.

After our mulled wine and mince pies, we'll head off towards Mengham. Distance is under 2½ miles. Margaret and I took less than 90 minutes for our recce. The route is mostly on all-weather surfaces with muddy sections and a few puddles to negotiate. No stiles or hills!

See you tomorrow,

Andy

Longer walk in October

I propose an 8½ mile walk around the Mardens on Friday 12th October with a fall-back date of Friday 19th if the weather is not good.

Click here for more details including map, route and car share arrangements.

I plan to do a recce walk between now and then. If you can't make the proposed date (or you'd like to do the walk twice!) let me know - I'd welcome the company.

Andy Henderson

Longer walk in September - Update

I've managed to do a recce of the route and I've made a small change that means we'll be using a woodland path for some of the walk instead of a stony one. You can see the updated map here.

The walk is in three parts. From Eartham Woods to the Nore Hill Folly is undulating with some lovely views to the East, South and West. There were Buzzards overhead and I came across several flocks of Pheasant. There is one relatively steep uphill but nothing dramatic. There is a short section where the path was a little overgrown by brambles and nettles but not a problem for me in long trousers. Otherwise all the paths on the entire route were well-used and clearly-marked. No styles. This section has the only bit of road walking as we go through Eartham.

From Nore Hill towards Bignor hill is mostly walking in tranquil woods. There is a steep downhill to start with but, again, nothing dramatic. I would, however, suggest ankle protection and/or trekking poles. After that it is a steady, but gradual uphill towards Bignor.

At the northern tip of the walk, the countryside opens out to reveal more dramatic views to the south and west. A great place to stop for lunch. There's a bench here but I picnic'd on lush grass. From here we follow the Roman road - Stane Street - all the way back to our starting point. This time a steady, but gradual downhill. It's exhilarating to think we're following in the footsteps of 2,000-year-old travellers!

The weather is looking good for Friday. Be prepared for some wind in the exposed sections, however.

There will be at least one car at the West Town car park at 9:15 if you need a lift.

If you're planning to come, please let me know if you haven't already just in case you're delayed on the way to Eartham. Otherwise I don't need to know if you can't make it.

Andy

Longer walk in September

I propose an 8 mile walk around Eartham and the Slindon Estate on Friday 14th September with a fall-back date of Friday 21st if the weather is not good. The route includes a chunk of the Stane Street Roman road which is traffic-free.

Click here for more details including map, route and car share arrangements.

I plan to do a recce walk between now and then. If you can't make the proposed date (or you'd like to do the walk twice!) let me know - I'd welcome the company.

Andy Henderson

Longer U3A walk in June - Update

Thank you to everyone that responded to my enquiry about dates.

Friday is, once again, the most popular day. I will therefore meet everyone that wants to come on the Thorney Island walk in the Emsworth car park (see map, car share arrangements and other details here) at 10am on Friday 15th June.

Apologies to those who can't make it.

Andy

Longer U3A walk in June

I'm proposing a longer U3A walk around Thorney Island. The total distance is around 8.5 miles (taking in a pub stop). More details about the walk - including start point and time - here. I've put a stake in the ground for Friday 15th June, but that's up for discussion. Here are several dates that I can make:

  • Thursday, June 14th
  • Friday, June 15th
  • Monday, June 18th
  • Tuesday, June 19th

If you'd like to come on the walk, can you please let me know, for each date, which applies:

  • Yes, I can make it
  • Yes, but I'd rather not
  • No, I can't make it

Note that the Thursday and Friday will provide the best opportunities to see basking seals off the south of Thorney.

That will help me spot the best date and - if the weather forecast isn't good - a suitable alternative date.

Thanks,

Andy

Longer U3A walk in May

I previously proposed a longer walk than usual for Thursday May 10th. More details about the walk - including start point and time - here. I got a mixed response to the suggested date.

If you're not interested in going on the walk, you need read no further.

To see if I can get a consensus on the best date for the walk, here are several dates that I can make:

  • Thursday, May 10th - the original date
  • Friday, May 11th
  • Monday, May 14th
  • Tuesday, May 15th

Can you please let me know, for each date, which applies:

  • Yes, I can make it
  • Yes, but I'd rather not
  • No, I can't make it

That will help me spot the best date and - if the weather forecast isn't good - a suitable alternative date.

Thanks,

Andy

South East U3A Forum summer school

The South East U3A Forum is running a summer school in Chichester from Monday 18th June to Thursday 21st June.

Sessions include:

  • Bridge Refresher Course
  • Culture & Rituals
  • Knitting
  • Mah Jong
  • The Joy of Maths
  • Jazz – The Sound of Surprise
  • Pagham, Parham and a Palace
  • Discovering Techniques in Water Colour Painting (subject to cancellation)
  • Portrayal of People, Events & Nature
  • Ukulele Tutor
  • Walking
  • Writing Your Life Story

Click here for more details.