SUMMER WALKS 2011

Our usual Summer Walks Programme comprises 4 outings this year, each on (or about) the 3rd Tuesday evening of the month during May, June July & August

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Tuesday 31st May 2011  7:00pm

Highland Water and the Reptillary (less than  2 miles)

 Meeting Point:   Millyford Bridge Car Park    SU 26822 07863 O.S.  “Explorer” Map OL22

                                                                    OSPS at the Reptillary                        (photo. courtesy of John White)

Less Than Two Miles…?

     As you can see 8 of us met at the Millyford Bridge car park (some of us more by luck than from any sense of direction) and set off for the first of our summer walks. 

    In Martin’s absence it fell to Ian and Jackie Lawford to lead this one, and they did a grand job! We found the logs across the stream, no-one fell in, the stile (more like a rail fence)… if I didn’t know better I’d think Martin had deliberately chosen to avoid these obstacles.

    It was too cool for any of the reptiles to be out and about but we took the opportunity to sit down for a rest and a natter - and John White took our photo.

    I’m sure there was more chatter than picture taking but hey, we all had a good time.

    On arrival back at the car park I discovered a note on my windscreen. Now, where I come from that usually leads to a row with my neighbours, but on this occasion it led to a happy reunion at the pub - Cheryl and Louise had arrived too late for the start of the walk, had gone off for a walk of their own, and were waiting for us at the New Forest Inn just up the road.

 The Bridge at Shawford next, can’t wait to see you all there.

Cheryl

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Tuesday 21st June 2011   7:00pm

Shawford & Hockley ( 3 miles)  O.S. “Explorer” Map 132

Meeting Point:    The Bridge Inn, Shawford   SU 47350 24955

Thank you Louise for these comments on the walk........

    "Well what can I say ?"  Another really enjoyable walk.

    And the best thing about this walk was that Sheryl and I didn’t get lost this time and joined in the walk with everyone else. Not only did we get to see a deer, we also got to see, not one, but TWO water voles! The experience for me was magical!

    Some lagged behind a bit, but I'm not one to gossip so no names will be mentioned :o)

    Not only was it a beautiful walk I had a chance to ask questions of far more experienced photographers than myself.

    All in all it was a fabulous evening with great company. THANK YOU to everyone that joined in with the walk!

Louise

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Tuesday 19th July 2011   7:30pm

Lockerley Hall Park    2.1 miles  O.S. “Explorer” Map  131

Meeting point "The Star Inn" East Tytherley   SU 29355 27748

Summer Walk 19th July,  Mant thanks to Roy Fisher for this account.....

A photogenic evening of beautiful, golden light.

Martin led us on a 2 mile walk through woods and fields full of cows, cow pats and the odd bull! We started and finished at the Star Inn in Lockerley. Evening entertainment in the pub was provided by a group of folk musicians. A lovely evening enjoyed by 11 members.

Thanks to Martin and Cheryl for buying us all a drink.
cheers
Roy Fisher

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Tuesday 16th August 2011   7:00pm

Eling Tide Mill (1.2 miles ) Map: Explorer OL22

Meeting point ( Eling Mill Car Park)  SU 3660 1240

For some of us the evening started badly due to a road closure on the access road to the Tide Mill and a lengthy diversion via the Totton By-pass and Rushhington Roundabout plus a puncture resulted in a late start to the walk. Jackie Lawford led the way and 10 of us set off through the churchyard to Goatee Shore with interesting views along the container terminal and down towards Southampton Water.

Heading back along the shore towards the Tide Mill we carried on through the cemetery to the boardwalk and clockwise around the mill pond finishing at the newly refurbished Anchor Inn for drinks and a chat.... It was quite dark as we made our way back to the car park and the cars!