Chandler's Ford Today

walks

River Hamble Country Park

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Despite having lived in the area for over 50 years between us, Mrs Chippy and I had never been to River Hamble Country Park until we took part in a running even there earlier this month.

The run took us on a delightful route through woods and alongside the river (and up a few hills), and this was enough to whet our appetite for a return visit for some less strenuous exercise.  So, this was the venue for today’s Bank Holiday walk.  And the park lived up to our expectations. [Read more…] about River Hamble Country Park

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Our River, the Monks Brook

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We have two beautiful rivers in south Hampshire, the Test and the Itchen. Both chalk streams, in their upper reaches these are noted for their water quality. In fact, due to the chalk aquafer on the Itchen, which has excellent storage and filtration, we get our water supply from this river.

But here in Chandler’s Ford we know of another, less well-known river, the Monks Brook. ‘Fordians see it popping up here and there, through Hiltingbury Lakes, at the bottom of people’s gardens, under roads: sometimes pretty as in Flexford Reserve, sometimes business-like as it rushes down a manmade culvert under Hursley Road.

Monks Brook
Monks Brook

[Read more…] about Our River, the Monks Brook

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Exploring the Itchen Way

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I’ve written before about how one of my favourite local walks is the stretch of river from Bishopstoke to Highbridge.  As part of our “keeping it local” lockdown exercise, over the last couple of months Mrs Chippy and I have been exploring the rest of the river.

We started by running the stretch from Woodmill to Winchester and back.  No, not all in one go; that would be silly.  We took it in four stages – each stage a round trip of around 8 to 10 km (sorry to die-hard imperial measurers, but I measure exercise in kilometres – probably because the numbers build up more quickly).

The longest stretch was from Bishopstoke to Woodmill.  It takes a lot of perseverance as, once you leave Bishopstoke, there is no crossing point until Mansbridge, 6 km away (the M27 doesn’t count).  It’s also (possibly for the same reason) the least busy part of the path; we passed very few people. It was quite a surprise to see lots of people once we reached Mansbridge and completed the short section through Riverside park to Woodmill. [Read more…] about Exploring the Itchen Way

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A Walk in the Park

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We’re at the time of year when the evenings are light enough for a short walk after work or after dinner.  But where to go?  Somewhere that’s not too far away, doesn’t need a map to navigate around, and is more interesting than wandering round a housing estate.

How about Fleming Park?

Fleming Park?  Really?

To many people, Fleming Park is synonymous with the sports centre; it’s where you go to swim, play badminton or squash [Read more…] about A Walk in the Park

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Following the King: on the Great Ships Trail

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My next couple of articles will be about the recent Medieval Weekend, organised by the Road to Agincourt project and backed, amongst others, by Hampshire and Eastleigh Councils.

But this post is a first for me. It’s the first time I’ve reviewed a walk, or perhaps I should say “road tested” it! (Even when I reviewed a walk in Salisbury, it was more of a review of the book it appeared in, Station Walks, given I wanted to see just how accurate and helpful the directions and description of things to spot on the walk were!). [Read more…] about Following the King: on the Great Ships Trail

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Want to Become a Heritage Guide?

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For lovers of history, who like getting out and about, there is the opportunity to learn how to be a heritage guide for free, with all expenses paid.

The opportunity offers exclusive behind the scenes trips to heritage sites.

You would also get to go to lectures from top historians and academics. [Read more…] about Want to Become a Heritage Guide?

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In the King’s Footsteps on the Great Ship Trail

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Following on from my previous Agincourt posts, I have now received further details of the Free Medieval Weekend, which will celebrate the launch of The King’s Great Ships Trail.

Where and when? At Manor Farm and Country Park on July 30 and 31, 2016. [Read more…] about In the King’s Footsteps on the Great Ship Trail

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History: News from Agincourt

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Given I love history, it was a pleasure to write about the Road to Agincourt project, including the bringing to life via a play of Sir Bevis of Hampton, the legend associated with Southampton. 

This post brings news of a new woodland trail, a medieval weekend festival, and interactive wearable map which tie in with the Agincourt project. [Read more…] about History: News from Agincourt

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