Totton South

2016 Reports

REPORTS OF PREVIOUS STROLLS: 2016

NOVEMBER: CANCELLED. 2016
Southampton City Cntre. Unfortunately the first Storm of the Winter Season, Angus, decided to visit Southampton that day and the weather was mild, but extremely wet and very windy. Not a day to be strolling along the top of the city walls, so the stroll had to be cancelled. However, we do intend to re-schedule in December, weather permitting.

OCTOBER: Monday 17th,2016
Lordswood Area. Lead by Ian & Margaret Knowles. 12 of us turned out on a bright sunny autumn day. We initially took the wrong path, making the stroll a little longer than anticipated, but no-one minded, especially as we were sheltered under the trees when the heavens opened for a short sharp shower! We strolled through the woods, and around the golf course, ending up in the sports complex once known as "Happy Valley". What an assortment of different sports were available, from running and cycling, football, bowls and BMX biking. Sadly it seemed a bit run down, let's hope council funding ensures this facility is not lost. Many thanks to Ian and Margaret.

SEPTEMBER: 2016
Unfortunately, due to holiday, organising a lunch for the Lunch Group, a trapped sciatic nerve and other commitments, we have been unable to recce a stroll for September.

AUGUST: Thursday 18th,2016
Holm Hill. Lead by Gill & Steve Edwards. Only 5 turned up for this 3 mile stroll, which was a shame as it was a lovely day for a walk. We leisurely walked across heathland and woodland, stopping and chatting to a man on a bicycle who was on his way to Salisbury! 3 miles was quite enough for us!

JULY: 2016
Volunteer required, please. Unfortunately no volunteer came forward so there was no walk.

JUNE: Monday 27th 2016
, Buckler's Hard. Lead by Gill & Steve Edwards. 10 of us set off from Beaulieu Village Centre Car Park. The weather was fine, dry and warm. We decided to go via the 'clean' (and shorter) route, and soon arrived at Buckler's Hard ready for a cup of coffee and a cake. Although the refreshments were lovely, the service in the Café was very slow, so our short break turned out to be the best part of an hour! Not to worry, once refreshed we set off on our return journey along the riverside route. It was, as expected, pretty muddy, but not impassable in any way, so we pressed on, with the views of the river, riverside properties and impressive yachts making it all worthwhile.

MAY: Wednesday 25th.2016
Bank. Lead by Ian and Margaret Knowles. 12 of us met at Pinkney Lane, Lyndhurst. It was a fine morning and we were lead on a 3 mile circular walk from Pinkney Lane towards Bank, and through Gritnam and Gritnam Wood. It was an enjoyable and interesting stroll, made more so by Ian's extensive knowledge of the history of the area. Very many thanks to Ian and Margaret.

APRIL: Tuesday 26th. 2016
Fritham. Lead by Gill & Steve Edwards. 16 of us met at Eyeworth Pond Car Park
and set off in the sunshine along the gravel track admiring the view to the left. By the time we reached the heath the sun had deserted us and we were treated to a mix of hail, sleet and snow, a typical April showers day! It didn't dampen us or our spirits though, and by the time we returned to the pond 90 minutes later the sun returned as well allowing a photo opportunity. All enjoyed the stroll, and 6 of us went on to Cadnam Garden Centre where we relished a cup of coffee and a sandwich.

MARCH: Wednesday 23rd.2016
Itchen Way. Lead by Lin Parker and Andrea Alexander. 12 of us met up at the White Swan pub, Mansbridge Road. The sun shone upon us as we strolled along the River Itchen through the riverside park. We were accompanied by various ducks, geese and white and black swans, all looking for a tasty slice of bread. Unfortunately we disappointed them, as we know it's bad for them. we walked for 45 minutes, passing the miniature railway being prepared for the summer season, reaching Cobden Bridge, before turning round for the return stroll. Afterwards some of us went to Haskins Garden Centre for a welcome cup of coffee and a sandwich. Very many thanks to Lin and her sister Andrea for leading us on such an enjoyable stroll.

FEBRUARY: Wednesday 24th. 2016
Hythe. Lead by Gill & Steve Edwards. 13 of us turned out on an overcast day ready for a stroll around Hythe. From Jones Lane CP we headed off across the recreation ground, past West Cliff Lodge, over the canal and on down into the marina. We stopped for a short while to watch some super yachts traversing the lock there, and then headed back towards the town, along the High Street, and onto the promenade, turning back into the town when the way along the shore was blocked by development. The stroll took us about 75 minutes, and all enjoyed it, several saying they had seen parts of Hythe they didn't know existed. Afterwards 7 of us went for a welcome coffee and bacon butty!

JANUARY: Thursday 21st 2016.
Brockenhurst. Lead by Gill & Steve Edwards. 11 of us turned out on a sunny but chilly day. We walked around the highways and byways of Brockenhurst, and were able to walk roads which are banned to cars and cyclists (apart for the residents, of course). It was interesting to see where the "Posh" people live, and some of the houses were very impressive. The stroll was approximately 2.5 miles and it took us about 90 minutes. Several of us called in at The Buttery for a welcome coffee and cake afterwards.