We offer over 250 walks a year which include the Test Valley, Meon Valley, New Forest, Eastleigh and Winchester districts. During the summer months, our all-day walks can venture in to the neighbouring counties of Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire and West Sussex. (Photo Martin F).

Social events 

Christmas Walks

This took place on Sunday Dec 8th at Brockenhurst. Despite the discouraging weather in the morning, there was good attendance for the usual drinks, mince pies, etc before a party of 30 was led off by John C for the morning walk. The sun came out for a while and the afternoon walk led by Tim and Kathy J. In between the walks, members enjoyed a lunch in the Foresters Arms. Thankyou to the walk leaders, and to Kim and helpers for all the food arrangements.

Evening at the Kohinoor

Southampton Group are arranging an evening meal at the Kohinoor restaurant in Portswood, on Thursday 27th March, arriving at 7pm in time to start eating at 7.30. There is a limited number of places available – maximum 25.  Bookings close Sun 23rd March. Check the newsletter for further details.

Skittles Evening Friday 23 May

A Skittles evening will be held at the Ship Inn in Redbridge. Further details will be announced. 

Coach Trip 2025

After the success of last year’s trip, the committee is planning another for a Sunday in mid-September this year. Details will appear in a future newsletter. 

Walking Partnership

This is a scheme operated by Ramble Worldwide (formerly Ramblers Worldwide Holidays). When members of a Ramblers group book a holiday with them and nominates a group, the company donates to that group’s funds; groups receive the donations twice a year. In the year ended 30th September 2023 Southampton Group has benefitted by £520. In October a further £350 was received covering the April to September 2023 holiday period. Thank you to Ramble Worldwide, and to our members who nominate our group when making their bookings.

Footpaths

Southampton Ramblers have provided a donation of £600 for a kissing gate to replace the last stile along Bishop’s Waltham Footpath 43 as it leaves the parish to continue into Durley. 

Could you lead a walk?

If you are interested in leading a walk or would like support in walk leading, please contact us. Training is available. Please contact the Membership Secretary. We can also help with ideas for a walk, practical help with planning and recceing and support on the walk itself.  

Local walk sources: 

• Ramblers Routes (on the Ramblers website and Ramblers App)  

• Walking Apps e.g. Outdooractive, OS Maps, Komoot, Alltrails  

• Pub walk books  

• OS Maps; the main ones for our area are OL22 (New Forest), OL3 (Meon Valley), OL32 (Winchester) and EX131 (Romsey Andover and Test Valley)  

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