We are the Blackheath Ramblers. We offer long walks in the Home Counties and beyond, using public transport. We also offer shorter urban walks on Sundays.
Meet Overton station, Hampshire, 9.46 (Waterloo 8.50, Clapham Jn 8.57).
An 18-mile linear walk to Basingstoke across landscapes that inspired Richard Adams in his fictional masterpiece 'Watership Down.'
Traversing both prehistoric and ancient pathways towards the charming village of Kingsclere, for a picnic lunch (pub drinks option), and then on to Basingstoke across Plantation Hill and Whitedown.
Views, gallops and rich arable country.
Buy a return ticket to Overton. (NB: There is an overlap of about one-third between this walk and the shorter Watership Down walk on 4 May.)
General notes on Blackheath Walks
Lunchtimes: Where walk descriptions stipulate a picnic/packed lunch, all walkers are asked to bring one with them. In such cases any lunchtime pub or café visit will be for drinks only. Lunch stops of this kind will last typically for 40-45 minutes, at the leader’s discretion. If, on the other hand, the option of lunch at a pub or café is offered, the duration will usually be about one hour.
Pre-booking is not required for Blackheath Ramblers walks unless indicated otherwise.
Starting times: Leaders do their best to adhere to the train times set out in the programme. However, the National Rail website publishes train timetables only 12 weeks in advance, and engineering work at weekends sometimes causes changes to departure and arrival times. So, even if travelling by car, please check train times with National Rail (0345 748 4950) / www.nationalrail.co.uk) before travelling.
Starting times will not be delayed unless absolutely necessary.
Safety: Please be aware that you take part in all Ramblers walks at your own risk.
Dogs: Some walks are unsuitable for dogs; please check with the leader before bringing one.
Blackheath Ramblers website: http://www.blackheathramblers.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/blackram
Overton Railway Station, Hampshire
Basingstoke Railway Station, Hampshire
