We are the North Hampshire Downs Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Walk from Bishops Waltham to Burseldon on the river Hamble, via Botley. Getting to the start involves a train from Basingstoke to Winchester and bus route 69 to Bishops Waltham. Starting on the bridge across the lovely restored North Pond we'll exit the town on streets and paths, climbing to the hilltop village of Durley with good views all round. From there we'll descend back into the valley of the Hamble, eventually reaching Botley. From Botley we pause at Manor Farm country park then walk on into the lovely oak woodland that borders the upper reaches of the tidal Hamble. From there we pass boatyards to reach Burseldon. Depending on the timing of our arrival we'll take either train or bus to Southampton and train to Basingstoke from there.
Train and bus to start. 08.49 Weymouth train from Basingstoke. Either trains all the way back or bus and train. From Basingstoke the plan is to buy day return tickets to Winchester from where the bus goes to Bishops Waltham. Refreshments and toilets should be available at Manor Farm country park, south of Botley. Toilets at Basingstoke and Winchester stations and on board trains. Two breaks are likely for refreshments during the walk - a short coffee stop at Durley and a lunch stop at Manor Farm . Bringing your own food and drink is advised. There are a lot of stiles in the initial sections! Be prepared for wet and mud. Latest time of return to Basingstoke is likely to be 16.15. If we use the train to return all the way from Bursledon we'll need to buy single tickets to Winchester when we have finished the walk. Otherwise, if we bus to Southampton, we'll need to buy similar tickets from there
Basingstoke station ticket hall
Starting at the Square (bus stop) in Bishops Waltham
Either the main road or the railway station at Burseldon
