Walking 1 - Strollers Photos 2019
Chichester Marina - 6th September 2019
We met in the car park at Chichester Marina. As you can see from the photos there was an autumnal feel to the morning, although the sun came out later to warm us. We followed the path through the nearby woodland and fields, following the shoreline of Chichester Harbour, towards Dell Quay. After a brief stop for drinks and nibbles as required we returned to the Marina via the country lanes. Refreshments were obtained from the Boat House Cafe, where they were happy to welcome our fairly large group. Thanks to Terry and Pam for planning and leading today’s walk.
Mud Island - August 16th 2019
Today we met at Mud Island Garden Centre, just outside Wickham. A larger than average group, 29 in all, met for what was the last walk under the leadership of Peter Arnold. Bill Johnson, who is going to be our new leader, lead the walk today. It was a lovely walk through an area unknown to most of the walkers, passing through woodland and fields of corn. The rain stayed away until we returned to Mud Island, where we sampled the beverages and food purchased from their cafeteria. Thank you to Peter for his leadership for the past three years.
Portchester Foreshore - August 2nd 2019
Today we met in the car park near Portchester Castle before making our way along the foreshore towards Fareham. It proved to be a beautiful day, hot but with a cooling breeze, and the time passed quickly. There was much discussion about where to stop for a welcome drink, but it was decided that the Salt Cafe was just a bit too far, so we opted for a shorter walk and returned to the Castle. Some people went for a drink and cake at the cafe beside the Castle Church. Others opted for lunch at The Cormorant, in Castle Street.
Thank you to Claire and Jane for organising the walk, and the weather!
Cobnor Point - July 19th 2019
We arrived at The Old House at Home, at Chidham, for a walk through the fields of wheat and then along the beach towards Cobnor Point. It proved to be a walk of two halves as the weather was not on our side. These photos were taken during the first half, when everyone was happily chatting and admiring the view. Unfortunately it started to rain as we reached the Point, and not really being dressed for wet weather proved disastrous for many of us. I was unable to take any more photos as the rain was torrential. We arrived back at the Pub in an extremely soggy state, and most people decided to go home to dry out. Those of us who opted for lunch were offered blankets to sit on so we would not damage the seats!
Many thanks to John, Mary and Barbara for organising the walk.
Farlington Marshes - July 5th 2019
We met at Farlington Marshes for this month’s walk. A variety of hat wear was worn as it was another beautiful day. The tide was out, and the birds were noticeable by their absence, but there was plenty to chat about.
We came across a pair of swans swimming along a shaded waterway, cows standing in the water to cool down, and a mother duck with five tiny ducklings. Many of us retired later to The Farmhouse, Burrfields Road, to cool down, rehydrate and have some lunch. A lovely walk, and thanks to Joy for organising it.
Stanstead - Friday 17th May 2019
This time the Strollers met up in the car park of the Stanstead Garden Centre. After all the wonderful sunny weather we have recently experienced, it was disappointing to find us donning the warm/wet weather gear again.
However, it turned out to be a wonderful walk. We went along leafy woodland trails, stopping to admire the view across the Hampshire/West Sussex landscape. We also came across a herd of Novak cows, with their unusual dark curly hair and widely spaced long horns.
The circular walk brought us back to the newly revamped Garden Centre, where many of us partook refreshments. Thank you, Kath, for finding us this alternative route to other walks previously undertaken in the area by this group.
Near Botley - Friday 3rd May 2019
The Strollers Group met in the free car park in Botley before embarking on a beautiful walk through mainly woodland areas. The weather was perfect for walking. The area near the Pudbrook stream was covered in a carpet of wild garlic and the foliage everywhere was fresh and bright green. We also passed fields with a variety of horses. Today’s walk also included stopping at the Manor Farm cafe for a well-deserved cup of tea/coffee, giving us the energy to complete the four mile walk back to the car park. Some of us then walked up to The Bugle pub for lunch.
Portsmouth Coastal Walk - Friday 5th April 2019
Strollers Group donned their warm gear for the walk. It was a bitterly cold and windy morning, definitely one to blow away those cobwebs, when 31 members of this lively group met for a stroll along the coast path. The walk was led by Jenny, and it was enjoyed by all. It started and finished at the Thatched House Pub in Locksway Road, and many of us sampled the food and beverages available.
Portchester to Fareham - March 15th 2019
The Strollers Group donned their wet weather gear for the walk from Portchester to Fareham. We made good progress despite the weather, and made it safely to the Cams Mill pub on the banks of Fareham Creek. Here warming and revitalising beverages were consumed before starting out again. This time the rain had started and the view across the Creek was disappearing fast. It was heads down and battle against the wind for the last stage of the walk. We were glad to see the car park come into view, with a chance to get out of wet clothes. Some of the group went on to sample the delights of a local pub. Thank you to Peter for organising the walk today.
Holly Hill, Sarisbury – 1st March 2019
The Strollers walking group had a lovely morning walking the Woodland paths, with views out onto the river Hamble. Some of the group spent the afternoon having lunch at the “Old Ship”.
