The shuttle service from Chandler’s Ford Railway Station is great for commuting into Eastleigh and Southampton but is also a wonderful way of visiting Salisbury. The total journey time is just over an hour and there are some fantastic views of the country en route, particularly after Romsey. Most images for this post were taken by me.
walking
50 Things I Like about the Chandler’s Ford Area (Part 1)
I celebrated my 50th birthday this week so thought I would see if I could find 50 things to like about the Chandler’s Ford area.
Here goes… [Read more…] about 50 Things I Like about the Chandler’s Ford Area (Part 1)
My Favourite Short Walk – Itchen Navigation from Bishopstoke to Allbrook
One of my favourite short local walks is the stretch of the Itchen Navigation from Bishopstoke to Allbrook.
It is a rural idyll, yet never more than a few hundred yards from the built-up area and/or railway yard. [Read more…] about My Favourite Short Walk – Itchen Navigation from Bishopstoke to Allbrook
Mothering Sunday: Brambridge Garden Centre and Itchen Walk
On Mothering Sunday, we went to Brambridge Garden Centre for lunch, and later walked along the Itchen river.
It was also an excuse for me to buy some plants for the house, as I’m not an able gardener, and even cacti could die in my care.
A few years ago, we couldn’t do any gardening, as we kept 3 chickens, who turned the back garden into a muddy patch. [Read more…] about Mothering Sunday: Brambridge Garden Centre and Itchen Walk
How Do You Get to Hiltingbury Lakes (without Getting Lost)?
It was a rather strange day today.
We went for a walk to Hiltingbury Lakes in the afternoon, and somehow got lost. (It meant we couldn’t find the lakes; or, the lakes simply disappeared!) [Read more…] about How Do You Get to Hiltingbury Lakes (without Getting Lost)?
Emu Escaped
I’ve just read on BBC News that an emu’s daring escape caused traffic jam near Eastleigh this morning.
Miss Megan Strange took the photo on her way to work. Drivers were held up during the rush hour as the emu was wandering about. [Read more…] about Emu Escaped
Winter – Ugliness and Beauty in Chandler’s Ford
I must admit winter is not my favourite season, much as I enjoy Christmas. Aside from the cold and the storms, the nights draw in that much earlier which limits the evening walks my better half and I can enjoy with the dog.
We love walking Mabel along The Monarch’s Way and the bridleways around that area (though right now it would be more accurately called The Muddy Way). [Read more…] about Winter – Ugliness and Beauty in Chandler’s Ford
An Interactive Local History Talk by Martin Napier
I spent a fascinating and hugely enjoyable afternoon at Chandler’s Ford library yesterday where I attended a talk on “Growing up in Chandler’s Ford in the 50s and 60s” by local ‘lad’ Martin Napier.
Extra chairs had to be brought out to accommodate everyone. [Read more…] about An Interactive Local History Talk by Martin Napier
Hidden Hampshire: The Monarch’s Way
Some of the fringe benefits of owning and walking a dog include getting to discover some beautiful areas of Hampshire. Some of these are on our doorstep in Chandler’s Ford. One of those is The Monarch’s Way, which is a short drive away, and takes you into some glorious countryside.
This post shares some of my thoughts on the walking and wildlife found in and around The Monarch’s Way. [Read more…] about Hidden Hampshire: The Monarch’s Way
Review: Station Walks Book
This post reviews Station Walks by Dr. Clare Diaper. I discovered this book thanks to an earlier Chandler’s Ford Today post and am glad to say it is a delight to read and a greater joy to use.
The book is supported by the Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership, My Journey and Transition Southampton. Their details are given at the front of the book. [Read more…] about Review: Station Walks Book
Station Walks Book Launch
Station Walks Guide – a 88 page guide including 38 walks from local railway stations – will be launched this weekend.
The book contains 2 walks from Chandler’s Ford.
The Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership [Read more…] about Station Walks Book Launch
Chandler’s Ford Itchen Walk 2015
Update: Chandler’s Ford Itchen Walk 2016: Sunday 12th June 2016
The original post:
We went for a walk in Otterbourne along the Itchen this afternoon with some friends.
We bumped into some people doing the Chandler’s Ford Itchen Walk, organised by Rotary Club of Chandler’s Ford & Itchen Valley. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Itchen Walk 2015
Delightful Hut Wood – Have You Been Yet?
Hut Wood is one of those delightful bits of countryside that is just on our doorstep, yet few people seem to know about.
Well, there is an excuse – it’s managed by the Forestry Commission, but even their website doesn’t admit to its existence.
The wood lies to the west of the road from Asda in Eastleigh to Chilworth, just before the bridge over the M27 link road. [Read more…] about Delightful Hut Wood – Have You Been Yet?
What Has Chandler’s Ford Done for Me?
How many lives do you have? One? Two (the one at work, the one at home for example)? Three (work, home, involvement in amateur dramatics or the church, say)?
I have had multiple lives in Chandler’s Ford but will focus on two: before becoming a dog owner and since then and before becoming a writer and since. Chandler’s Ford has influenced both. [Read more…] about What Has Chandler’s Ford Done for Me?
Swans and Cygnets on the River Itchen
While waiting for a Planetarium show at the Winchester Science Centre with our grand-daughter, we decided to kill some time along the River Itchen.
We parked nearby the river at Itchen Stoke and were hoping to find some ducks for Lucy to feed with the remains of her packed lunch.
As it was, there were no ducks around and so [Read more…] about Swans and Cygnets on the River Itchen
Nottingham for a Holiday?
You would not go to Nottingham for a holiday would you? It is said to be the murder capital of the UK. Cricket lovers go for test matches at Trent Bridge and there is the legend of Robin Hood.
We went to visit a friend and found a delightful haven at the Attenborough Nature Centre & Reserve. It is a mere 5 miles from the city centre. [Read more…] about Nottingham for a Holiday?
Brambridge Walk
Where in Eastleigh do you need to jump over a stream so you can see an emu?
We went to Brambridge for a leisure walk this afternoon. We should have worn our wellies.
We walked along the path between the Itchen River and on the other side, [Read more…] about Brambridge Walk
Hocombe Mead Walk
Last weekend, we went for a long walk on Hocombe Mead.
Hocombe Mead is a local nature reserve owned and managed by Eastleigh Borough Council with the support of the Friends of Hocombe Mead. [Read more…] about Hocombe Mead Walk
Be Safe: The Story Of Fred And Jim
Note: The writer of this post is 13 years old.
Today’s post isn’t going to be a coherent one, but – as you guessed, a rant. But it’s a rant I’m sure everyone can agree with, especially drivers.
As I can’t drive, I don’t know many problems about driving and silly motorists, [Read more…] about Be Safe: The Story Of Fred And Jim
Short Walk By Itchen
Had a short walk by the Itchen today. Joined it behind the Travelodge on Twyford Road and walked downstream to Withymead Lock where a fallen tree blocks the path and the path itself disappears beneath the water.
Upstream as far as a railway bridge near Highbridge Road. [Read more…] about Short Walk By Itchen