Mayor, Wayne Irish The Mayor of Eastleigh, Wayne Irish was delighted to take on the role of Patron of the Hamble Valley Heritage Guides.

The Borough of Eastleigh, including the Southern Parishes has a rich and varied heritage. From the first mention in the Domesday Book in 1086 until today, fascinating tales are to be told about the places and the people who have lived and worked here. A small clue pointed out, or a careful explanation from a committed guide can lead you on an exploration of stories and fascinating facts that you may only have suspected. Check out the schedule of walks, pick one you like the sound of, and come along. You will be made most welcome.

Date & TimeWalk
2pm Sunday 20th May 2012

Eastleigh: What's in a name?

Meet up for a walk around the town centre area and discover links with people from Eastleigh's past, as commemorated by some of the street names.

2pm Sunday 27th May 2012

Wonderful Wickham

Explore one of the best preserved and largest central squares in Hampshire, together with other parts of this idyllic village (Note that there are some steps on this walk)

Sunday 3rd June 2012

Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II - NO WALK

Enjoy the rare occasion of a 60th anniversary of the crowning of a British monarch at one of the celebration activities taking place in the area.

2pm Sunday 10th June 2012

Swanwick Nature Reserve: Orchid Walk

Walk through areas of ancient woodland and discover the lakes at Swanwick Nature Reserve. Hopefully the meadowland orchids should be in flower. Wear suitable footwear for some rough path walking. There a few stiles to climb over.

2pm Sunday 17th June 2012

Oldie Otterbourne

Follow in the footsteps of Roman legionaires, hear tales of highwayman, smugglers and more. Some hills to climb and stiles to cross.

2pm Sunday 24th June 2012

Chandler's Ford

On this walk delve into the history of this once small village. Find out why a son of Oliver Cromwell visited the area and much more.

2pm Sunday 1st July 2012

William Cobbett's Botley

In this one time old market town, retrace the steps of author and journalist William Cobbett as we wander around the village centre.

2pm Sunday 8th July 2012

The ruins and romace of Netley Abbey

Always popular, visit the English Heritage owned ancient ruins and take a short walk which is full of ditties around the site of a once thriving monastic community.
Limited parking available on site, if full park in Abbey Hall car park 100 yards to east opposite Grange Road junction.

  • Where it is: Entrance to the abbey ruins, Abbey Hill, Netley.
  • Price: £2
2pm Sunday 15th July 2012

Byegone Bishopstoke

East of Eastleigh town, old Bishopstoke alongside the River Itchen is steeped in history. Discover more on this meander around the area.

2pm Sunday 22nd July 2012

Eastleigh town: Earth , Fire and Water

An interesting title, come along and find out more about different aspects of transport related to Eastleigh town area.

2pm Sunday 29th July 2012

Hamble at War

The location of Hamble at the mouth of Southampton Water has given it a vital defensive role over the centuries. Join this walk to learn more of the military and wartime activities in different campaigns.

2pm Sunday 2nd September 2012

Netley Village

Learn about the history of the village that grew up between the Royal Victoria Hospital and Netley Abbey ruins, as you wander around the area.

Sunday 9th September 2012

Heritage Open weekend - NO WALK

During national heritage weekend, do not miss the opportunity to visit some of the places around the county open to the public, often for free.

2pm Sunday 16th September 2012

Hostelries of Hamble

In this old seafaring village, it is perhaps not surprising that there have been numerous drinking establishments over the years. Join this walk around the village centre to hear more tales .

2pm Sunday 23rd September 2012

Bursledon

Another chance to explore the quiet lanes of old Bursledon and learn more about this village next to the Hamble River.

2pm Sunday 30th September 2012

Fair Oak

An autumnal country walk around the open spaces and tucked away paths of Fair Oak .See lowland ponds and wetlands , woods and open hill top views all just within a short distance of modern housing.

  • Where it is: Pavilion close playing fields car park, Pavilion Close,off Botley Road, Fair Oak.
  • Price: £2
10:30am Sunday 7th October 2012

Itchen Navigation and Stoke Park Woods

An early autumn meander along the Itchen Naviagation towpath as well as the lovely Stoke Park Woods.
Some stiles to be climbed.

  • Where it is: To be advised
  • Price: £2.50
2pm Sunday 14th October 2012

Netley Military Cemetery

a short walk, but not to be missed! Discover fascinating facts about the history and development of the military cemetery constructed in association with the former Royal Victoria Hospital.

2pm Sunday 21st October 2012

St Nicholas Church, North Stoneham

Just to the south of bustleing eastleigh town lies St Nicholas Church, ancient parish church of the one time large North Stoneham parish .Take a tour around the church and graveyard and hear interesting stories of past people and events .

2pm Sunday 28th October 2012

Botley Village Walk

A further chance to explore the old village of Botley and learn more of its people and buildings from times past.

2pm Sunday 4th November 2012

Autumn Walk in the Woods of Valley Park.

Come and enjoy a longer walk ,take in the colour and majesty of trees in the woodland within and adjacent to the Valley Park housing areas .

  • Where it is: Chandler`s Ford railway station car park, ststion Lane, Chandler`s Ford
  • Price: £2
10:30am Sunday 2nd December 2012

Strawberry Trail - Hamble to Bursledon

The 2012 walks end with a riverside trip from Hamble to Bursledon alongside the east bank of the Hamble river, then back to Hamble via part of the Strawberry Trail .Wear suitable footwear for rough path surfaces.