We are the Eastleigh Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Norman Thelwell was famous for his cheeky pony cartoons but he also did some lovely landscape paintings inspired by the countryside around Timsbury where he lived. Our walk will take us from St Andrews church, where he is buried, past his old house, Heron's Mead and up to Michelmersh and the surrounding lanes and footpaths which he would have known so well. We will pass by the old brickworks and stop for a coffee break at Michelmersh church. There are some interesting cottages, farms and animals along the way and after Malthouse Farm we will get great views down to the valley. There are toilets available at Jubilee Hall near to the start of the walk. There are one or two stiles. Some gentle hilly bits. Mainly good underfoot and not too muddy.
We will be parking at St Andrews Church where the church warden hopes to open up for us so we can have a quick look at the Tudor Fresco recently revealed after the fire in 2013. Refreshments are available at Poppies Garden Centre afterwards if you like. You can find this just off the A3057 on the left hand side before you get to Timsbury.
St Andrews Church, Timsbury car park, Manor Lane Timsbury. Taking the A3057 from Romsey, on reaching Timsbury, there is a large layby on the right. Just past the layby, take the turning on the left which is Manor Road. Follow this lane around to reach the church car park an the left.
