We are the Winchester Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Steven L.
This is a circular walk exploring the Test Valley and the downs above.
We start on Stockbridge Down, an area that has been occupied and extensively farmed since the Bronze Age. Walking past earthworks and barrows, we move forward in time and space to Iron Age Woolbury Hillfort. We then descend to the Test Valley across Leckford Golf Course for our coffee stop in Longstock. From there we head North to Fullerton and then on to West Down for our lunch stop. On our return to Stockbridge Down we leap forward in time and into space, passing close by the Chilbolton Observatory with its Advanced Meteorological Radar, the largest fully steerable meteorological radar in the world.
This is a varied walk across open down land with big skies and along the valley floor. At this time of year ,when the vegetation is dying back, we should have good views of the Test. We walk on grassland, tracks and paths, and quiet country lanes. Weather permitting, there should be fine views at many points on the walk. The walk crosses rolling countryside and there are the climbs and descents you would expect in such terrain. Nothing too onerous. Please bring walking poles, if you find them useful, on such terrain.
This is a picnic walk. Please bring drinks, snacks for a morning break and a picnic lunch, as required.
Please let the leader know you are coming as we may set off early, if all known walkers have arrived.
We meet in the car park at the very eastern end of Stockbridge Down. If you are coming along the B3049 Winchester Road from Winchester heading towards Stockbridge, the car park is on the right at the foot of the hill.
