PLEASE NOTE: This walk is limited to 14 walkers + the walk leader.
Due to Government and Ramblers restrictions, places are limited on all of our walks. Please do not turn up for a walk without prior booking, as we will have to turn you away
Due to COVID-19, we all need to take extra steps to stay safe. Please follow all safety advice given by the walk leader, including the latest guidelines on physical distancing while out walking.
Please follow the latest government guidelines on the use of public transport and car sharing. It is recommended that you bring hand sanitizer or gloves in case you need to touch gates/stiles/etc. It is also recommended that you bring a face covering, in case of emergencies. If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
Meet in the car park at Whitchurch railway station for a 11.00 am start. The 09.38 service from Reading is scheduled to arrive at 10.20. You will need to change trains in Basingstoke to continue to Whitchurch. At the time of the reccy parking was free on Sundays. This is the walk that has previously been postponed due to storms earlier in the year and the ongoing pandemic. Lets hope its third time lucky!
This is a pretty hike, taking in some lovely rural views over soft terrain from pretty much the get go. We head towards the sleepy hamlet of Egbury, the furthest north we will venture today. Shortly after leaving a quiet country lane we will embrace the tranquility that envelopes us. We will navigate our way towards St Mary Bourne, perhaps pausing for our lunch at a suitable spot.
St Mary Bourne lies in the valley of the Bourne Rivulet, a tributary of the River Test and as we shall see the village has a certain charm about it. We continue on and then return to our starting point over slightly undulating land included a stretch of maybe just over a mile on hard concrete.
Please note that as well as our usual picnic stop, we will have a second stop prior to the walks conclusion which will act as our “pub stop” so please bring maybe a snack or something to drink for this second sit down in a field stop. The walk leader will be packing an alcoholic beverage. Social distancing rules to be observed throughout our walk and our two stops.
Do come and enjoy what is a rather lovely, idyllic walk. Bring picnic lunch, plenty of water (especially if its hot) and snack/drink for our additional stop.
Sat Nav: RG28 7FD or 51.2375 -1.3378
Grid Ref: SU463489
Book a place on this walk by completing the Google Form. We will only use the contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk, or to share if requested with NHS Test and Trace.