December 2023: The walk started at the Deer Sanctuary in the New Forest, the walk was all on cycle paths so we didn't have to deal with mud and puddles. We set off in the direction of Burley, and the circular route took three hours to complete. Afterwards, we went to The Swan at Emery Down for lunch.
November 2023: On a sunny morning, November's Big walk started at the Shawford Down upper car park on Otterbourne Road. From the car park, we walked through a strip of woodland and emerged to see a marvellous view of the South Downs in front of us, complete with a war memorial. We walked down to Shawford and under the railway bridge; to the spot where Victor Meldrew met his untimely death when knocked down by a hit-and-run driver.
October 2023: We walked along the Itchen Navigation, crossed the road near the Hockley lights and walked past the Hospital of St Cross and onto the Handlebar café for a coffee. After coffee, we skirted St Catherine's Hill and reached the top of Twyford Down via the Pilgrims Trail. We walked alongside Hockley Golf Course, past Twyford Lodge, and back to Shawford. The group split here with half going to the Station Café for lunch whilst the rest walked back up to Shawford Down car park.
September 2023: Test Way: Redbridge to Romsey. The group had a warm welcome at Nursling Menshed when we paused for a breather. Temperatures were high but so were spirits and the six of us tramped from Redbridge along the Test Way to Romsey having caught the train to Redbridge station. A well-earned refreshments were taken near the end of the walk at the Three Tuns. The last leg back to the railway station was hotter than ever but we were grateful to Sally for organising the challenge and keeping us going.
April 2023 – We met at Horsebridge for a seven-mile circular walk, initially along the Test Way and then joining Monarch's Way/Clarendon Way around Broughton before returning to Horsebridge
Mar 2023 –Ten members enjoyed a 7.5-mile circular walk in the New Forest from Furzey Gardens, the weather was perhaps, not the best.
Feb 2023 – A sunny frosty morning saw nine group members set off for an eight-mile circular from Lymington to Keyhaven returning along the sea wall
