ABOUT US 

 

We walk  every Thursday, throughout the year, whatever the weather ! The group currently has about 30 members; a typical walk attracts 10 -18 participants.

 

We have a very varied programme which reflects the enthusiasm and interests of our members. For example, we explore the footpaths and lovely villages of the North Downs and the South Downs National Park as well as the coastal paths around Chichester  Harbour, Hayling and Langstone.  The local heathlands of Hindhead, Frensham and other commons provide good walking in winter.  Sometimes we walk in historic centres such as Winchester, Chichester, Farnham and Arundel.

 

A summer outing is organised each year to explore good walking country further afield.  In the past, we have been to the Jurassic Coast, used the Bluebell Line and explored Watership Down. An annual trip to London has seen us follow the Regent's canal, visit the Olympic Park and this year Hampton Court and Richmond will give us a very topical experience of the Tudors.

 

Over the past few years we have reinstated a group walking holiday. The first year we walked the coastal path around the Isle of Wight and last year some of the members walked the St. Oswald's Way in Northhumberland. September will see us in the Cotswolds.

 

Starting points of the weekly walks are within 30 miles of Haslemere. We operate a car sharing scheme to reduce costs. The walks are usually between 7 and 9 miles long, with occasionally longer ones of up to 10 miles. The walk starts at 10.15 am ( with a break for coffee mid-morning ) and usually finish between 3.00 and 4.00 pm.

 

A feature of almost all walks is a country pub where walkers have time for a chat over a pub lunch, before beginning the afternoon section of the route. Some of us prefer to bring a picnic lunch but join the others for a drink in the pub. In this way many of us have been introduced to hitherto unknown pubs which have since become favourites !

 

With regret, we do not allow dogs or other pets on the walk.

 

Although walking is our main activity, the group also organises a number of social  events during the year such as a summer BBQ, a skittles evening, Christmas lunch and some half day walks which are followed by a leisurely lunch. Partners are very welcometo take part in these occasions and can become " social " members if they do not want to walk regularly.