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 

Southampton Ramblers 70th Anniversary Saturday 6 July

A successful celebration was held at The Flowerpots Cheriton on Saturday 6 July. There were walks in the morning and afternoon and a lunch in the middle. A slideshow of activities over 70 years accompanied the lunch and was followed by speeches and excellent cake. 

Coach Trip Sunday 15 September

The party making the long walk of about 10/11 miles will be dropped off the coach at Newlands Corner, about 10.30. The route will follow the North Downs Way, passing through the hangers above Shere; from Ranmore it will follow the same route as the shorter walk described below. The coach will continue to the National Trust’s car park at Polesden Lacey nearer to Dorking, where a 6/7 mile walk route to Dorking will begin. The route will be through Polesden Valley and Ranmore Common onto the North Downs Way. It goes through the vineyards of Denbies Estate before ending in Dorking. Both routes should give fine views in the Surrey Hills – possibly of Leith Hill and Box Hill - but will not involve any strenuous climbing along the routes. Each route should, however, pass a few potential refreshment stops. The walks will be led by John C and Mark W. The coach should arrive at Polesden Lacey around 11am and will remain in the car park until 2pm before going into Dorking. This will allow an opportunity to take a walk on the Polesden Estate (free of charge) and/or visit the National Trust property and gardens (entrance charge payable). There are four waymarked routes on the estate, ranging from 1.5 miles (allow 40mins) to 4 miles (allow 2.5 hrs). Access to the property’s café and tearoom is also free. For those who wish to visit the house and gardens, the admission price is £15 (free to National Trust members). The pick-up point at the end of the day will be in Dorking at the Dorking Halls at 4.30pm.

the booking form is available in the Programme and 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 £600 which will pay for a kissing gate to replace the last stile along Bishop’s Waltham Footpath 43 as it leaves the parish to continue into Durley. Installation date pending. Please contact Southampton Ramblers if you would like to help.

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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