2018 Reports
Thursday 20th December
9 pf us had a pleasant stroll from Beaulieu village to Bailey's Hard where we viewed the former dock area where ships where built in the 19th centuary, admired the peaceful view of the upper river in full tide and the haunting cry of the curlews. John who had won the prize for the best Christmas personal decorations, broke out the biscuits and mince pies while a couple of us sang 2 Christmas songs. A stroll back to the Fairweather cafe ended the stroll with convivial chat and banter and parting of our ways wishing each other a merry Christmas. My last stroll as leader , thanks for all your support , I enjoyed doing the job and a bit sad to be leaving - but onwards and upwards !
Cheers,
Geoff
PS : John Kuyser will be taking over in January - watch this space !
Thursday 15th November 2018
8 of us had a fine stroll along Bartley Water to Goatee Beach and over the Toll Bridge to the Eling Mill Cafe where we had some marvellous refreshment and chat about things in general , and as usual "him" in the White House.Don't forget to think about leading the group in future as the December stroll will be my last, so we need someone for the stroll on Thursday 17th January and the following months.The Stroll Group is good fun and very sociable, I'm only leaving the leadership as I want to move onto things more adventurous, dangerous and challenging ! Contact Sue Clemenson, Groups Coordinator, if you would like a go or know somebody who would, Cheers GA.
Thursday 18th October 2018
GA away , no leader , so no stroll.
Thursday 20th September 2018
A fine , windy stroll along the beach at Calshot , around the spit and back into the cafe for tea and cakes , then along the road to the cars in the main car park . 9 of us enjoyed the fresh air and sea views.
Thursday 16th August 2018
GA away , no leader , so no stroll.
Thursday 19th July 2018
11 Strollers turned up for a summer stroll amongst the broadleave trees of Kings Garn Gutter Inclosure,along some dusty tracks, through the Long Beech campsite and back to Janesmoor Pond, thanks to all for your participation, much appreciated.
Thursday 21st June 2018
A nice stroll report from Gill, many thanks Gill and glad you and Steve both enjoyed it, GA.
Only 10 strollers turned up on Thursday 21st June for a leisurely stroll along the cliffs and coastal path at Milford on Sea. It was an absolutely beautiful day, warm and clear, with such good views of the Isle of Wight it was breathtaking.
We strolled along the cliffs and coastal path on the outward journey, and on the return descended to the beach. One of our hardy members even paddled in the sea. Brrr! Bit chilly for me.
Afterwards we stopped for a coffee at the Needles Eye Cafe and all agreed it was a perfect morning.
Come on strollers, support Geoff on 19th July for a stroll through the Forest.
Thursday 17th May 2018
8 of us turned up for a stroll around the Radnor trail at Boldrewood , beautiful sunny weather with a cool northerly breeze , the ground dry and the trees looking at their best. We strolled through Smoky Hole (where do these names come from ?) and across Bratley Water where we rescued a fair damsel in distress with a twisted knee , however after a few words of encouragement she picked up her crutches and walked on at a faster pace then us! A cuckoo was heard over in Bratley Wood and two of us broke into song in response to the words of strolling which is now the adopted song for the group (song sheets will be supplied on the next stroll) . Thanks to all for an amazing gentle and peaceful stroll , and for the ice cream stop at the car park. Don't forget anybody can lead, suggest routes, do the register or the report anytime ! Next stroll Thursday 21st June Milford on Sea , details later.
THURSDAY 19th APRIL 2018
About 10 of us, assembled in almost Mediterranean weather at Lepe beach and enjoyed a stroll westwards along the beach to Inchmery and back along the lane , distance about 2.5 miles. We collected plastic rubbish from the beach , which Lepe Beach Office thanked us for. Thanks to all of those who came along and supported our little efforts. GA.
Many thanks to Ann for contributing her report as follows :
The Strollers Group met at Lepe Beach on what was to be the hottest April day since 1949. We congregated near the newly built café which is nearing completion. The café is constructed mainly of wood which blends in nicely with its surroundings and the large raised windows will give brilliant views of the Isle of Wight. On this day however the Island was shrouded in sea mist. Normally there is a lot of activity on the water but as there was very little breeze there were no yachts or wind surfers to be seen.
We set off on a raised concrete pathway, (which would serve to keep the waves back at high tide) and headed towards Inchmery. The water was at half tide and a few waders could be seen on the shoreline. On the edge of the pathway we passed a building which jutted out into the sea. This was once the Watch Tower probably occupied by a coast guard but it is now vacant and in disrepair. We followed the pathway sloping downwards on to the shingle beach, at this point to are right we could see a small light house surrounded by shrubs. It was pleasantly warm, especially after experiencing such cold wet weather in the previous days. There seemed to be an excessive amount of seaweed in the water and along the shoreline. One or two of our members had been busy litter picking but fortunately this area was not too littered.
Further up the coast there were some raised mud flats that looked a bit like giant rocks. As we approached some slightly muddy areas we edged towards some trees which had been very windblown, their branches twisted and contorted and their roots exposed to the elements. The sea breakers had been badly battered and worn down by the waves. It seems that this could be a very wild place in rough weather. We had passed the end of the garden of inchmery House where there was a lake and plenty of primroses and wild flowers. The temperature was rising and we were beginning to feel the heat when we turned away from the beach into a quiet shady lane. We passed Inchmery House and made our way back towards the Car Park having enjoyed a pleasant walk.AC
THURSDAY 15TH MARCH 2018
At the beginning of the day of our walk the weather did not look very promising with gloomy skies and heavy downpours. However as eight members arrived to begin the stroll, the clouds disappeared and we had sunny spells for the rest of the day.
We started the walk from a track near the Happy Cheese public house and entered a gateway leading into Ashurst Inclosure. As we continued our walk there were a few Alpacas grazing in the field to our left. To our right there was a clearing where years ago the local cricket team held their matches. The cricket pitch has now vanished and the ground has been churned up by New Forest ponies. Only the base of the Cricket Pavilion remains.
Further up the track we came to Church Place Cottage. In the past this was probably the Game Keepers cottage with the head of a majestic Stag attached to its wall. As we passed the cottage we could hear the farmyard noises of chickens, guinea fowl and the cockerel coming from what is now a smallholding. Fresh eggs can be purchased here.
We passed through another gateway and walked straight ahead up the gravel pathway until we came to the entrance into Deerleap. As we looked towards Matley Woods we could see that the forest was very flooded near to the railway line, it was just like a lake. In most areas of the inclosure the trees had been thinned out but as we started to head back towards Ashurst the pathway was lined with young conifer trees packed closely together. There were little pathways between the trees, a good place for animals to shelter.
Eventually we arrived back at Church Place Cottage, where Christine bought some eggs. Having enjoyed the walk and the sunshine we then headed back to our cars. AC
THURSDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2018
A good turnout of 12 Strollers and 2 dogs enjoyed a pleasant stroll around the newly refurbished board walk along Bartley Water and onwards to Goatee Beach where we checked out for future reference the start of the rough path southwards to Bury Marsh and onwards to Marchwood - an idea for another stroll. The Mill café is not opening until March / April (as in the Mill)so no refreshment stop this time. Arriving back at the car park , most folk were out of time on their tickets , so had to depart , Geoff however explored the start of the Test Way path which skirts Bartley Water and onto Asda , where I had a Costa Coffee latte and almond slice (£4.43) , did the crossword while sitting outside before heading back - this detour really is for interest , a bit depressing !
Thanks everybody for coming out see you on my next stroll Thursday 19th April as I'm away in March and Ann and June lead on Thursday 15th March
Keep strolling.
Geoff
THURSDAY JANUARY 18TH 2018
REPORT ON STROLLERS GROUP WALK AT BOLeRWOOD, NEW FOREST
On a typically chilly January morning twelve members of the Strollers Group set off on a ramble through the forest at Bolderwood, led by Geoff Aston. Bolderwood is renown to bird watchers for flocks of Hawfinches which tend to perch on the top of the very tall trees that are abundant in this part of the forest. The paths were well maintained allowing strollers to remain dry. As we continued are walk, at quite a good pace the sun appeared and we began to warm up.
There were little narrow pathways on either side of the tracks and several imprints of deer tracks but unfortunately we didn’t manage to spot any deer. As we made our way towards the Canadian War Memorial Geoff indicated that if we had walked as far as we would wish to go there was a path leading back to the Car Park. We were all enjoying the walk and the good weather so we decided to continue.
As we came out of the trees and approached the Canadian War Memorial we had lovely open views across the forest. We then return into the trees on to the gravel pathways and made our way back to the Car Park.
Geoff and Chris decided to reconnoitre another walk which would be approximately three miles. The rest of the group decided to head off home having had a really enjoyable walk. Ann C.