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Winchester Group

We are the Winchester Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

We will be walking from the Old Ship Inn, a Grade II listed building from the 16th century. It is just over 500 yards from the far side of Bursledon bridge, on the right, with the car park just beyond the pub.

The walk leaves the pub, crosses Bursledon Bridge, and then turns off the road into a series of lanes. It then passes through a wood, over a little stream, across a common, and eventually into Hamble le Rice, where it winds its way down a cobbled street to the river Hamble. Traditionally, ice creams have been bought from the Beach Café, before boarding the pink ferry , and crossing the Hamble. We then walk for about 2¼ miles up the beautiful path along the river, passing marshes, woods and a number of marinas, before returning to the Old Ship. There are no stiles on the walk.

An advantage of starting from the Old Ship is that the most beautiful part of the walk, along the estuary, comes at the end, finishing a few minutes before the pub.
 

Thursday, 10 April 2025
Start time:
10:15 am
Estimated finish time:
12:45 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
8.9km / 5.5mi
Ascent:
N/A
Type:
circular

The pub will open at 09:45 so we can use the facilities before a prompt departure at 10:15.

The ferry only takes cash. Recently, it was £2.50 (dogs and parrots free), but be prepared for an increase.

Please book using the email link and let the leader know your menu choices by Friday 4 April.

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Toilets available
  • Car parking available
  • Dog friendly
  • No Stiles

Starting point

Grid reference:
SU 49647 09283
Nearest postcode:
SO31 7FN
what3words:
peanut.sides.voter
Start time:
10:15 am

Old Ship Inn, 261 Bridge Road, Swanwick, SOUTHAMPTON, SO31 7FN

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking