The river Itchen Hamble Valley & Eastleigh Heritage guides are a group of volunteers who run guided walks across the Hamble Valley. Have a look at our schedule of walks, pick one you fancy. We'll see you there!

Date & TimeWalk
2pm Sunday 26th May 2013

Fair Oak and Horton Heath

A new walk for 2013 in this area taking in recently created open space meadows and woodland walks only normally used by locals. Join us for a pleasant stroll with some surprising views.

2pm Sunday 2nd June 2013

Oldie Otterbourne

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

  • Walking time: 2 00 hours
  • Location: Otterbourne village car park, adjacent Otterbourne Primary School, Cranbourne Drive, Otterbourne, SO (map showing where to go)
  • Price: £2
2pm Sunday 9th June 2013

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 16th June 2013

Churches of Eastleigh town

A walk around Eastleigh town area and learn about development of the various religous worship buildings that served the growing railway town community from Victorian times to present day.

  • Walking time: 2 00 hours
  • Location: outside The Point (old town hall) entrance Leigh road/romsey road junction, SO50 (map showing where to go)
  • Price: £2
2pm Sunday 23rd June 2013

Famous Hamble Connections

In a village with such a long history of seafaring , boatbuilding and yachting , it is perhaps not surprising there have been people of note associated with the village. This walk around the village centre will throw light on the activities and people associated with Hamble.

2pm Sunday 30th June 2013

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 7th July 2013

Valley Park, Chandler`s Ford area woods and meadows

In conjunction with Three Rivers Rail Partnership.
A summertime saunter from Chandler`s Ford station exploring the woods, meadows and open spaces in Valley Park area of Chandler`s Ford

2pm Sunday 14th July 2013

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.

  • Walking time: 1½ hours
  • Location: Entrance to the abbey ruins, Abbey Hill, Netley.
  • Price: £2
2pm Sunday 21st July 2013

Wickham Wandering

A walk away from the Borough of Eastleigh in the former market village of Wickham, famous for its wide square. Walk around and learn the history about some of the historic buildings of this scenic spot adjacent to the River Meon.

2pm Sunday 28th July 2013

Royal Victoria Country Park Military Cemetary

In this 150th anniversary year of the opening of the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley, be guided around around the tranquil cemetery discovering facts about the history of this multi national burial ground .

Sunday 4th August 2013

August Holiday Break -NO WALKS

No guided walks in August , join us again in September after the summer hoildays.

  • Walking time:
  • Location: No information currently available, check back later
  • Price: Free!
2pm Sunday 1st September 2013

Netley Village

On this popular walk learn the story of the waterside village which has become established between the now Royal Victoria Country Park and Netley Abbey.

2pm Sunday 8th September 2013

Pubs of Hamble

In a village with seafaring and boat building traditions, it is perhaps not surprising that there have been numerous places for supping.This walk around the heart of the village throws light on the history of the village hostelries .

2pm Sunday 15th September 2013

Old Bishopstoke

Much older than the adjacent town of Eastleigh,Bishopstoke has a rich history of its own. Explore with us and hear more of this village nestled alongside the River Itchen.

2pm Sunday 22nd September 2013

South Stoneham

Explore some of the hidden spaces and places of the ancient parish of South Stoneham wiich lie on the outskirts of Southampton.

2pm Sunday 29th September 2013

Botley Village Walk

A further chance to explore the old village of Botley and learn more of its people and buildings from times past.The village was one time home of William Cobbett, author of Rural Rides, who claimed Botley as delightful and who are we to argue!

2pm Sunday 6th October 2013

St Nicholas Church, North Stoneham

Just to the south west of bustling Eastleigh town lies St Nicholas Church,Stoneham Lane , the ancient parish church of the one time large North Stoneham parish .In this short walk tour around the church and graveyard, hear interesting stories of past people and events, including connections to the Darwin family, Admiral Hawke and Guy Fawkes.

  • Walking time: 1½ hours
  • Location: Entrance to graveyard off gravel track leading from stoneham Lane next to church, Eastleigh, SO50 9HS (map showing where to go)
  • Price: £2
2pm Sunday 13th October 2013

Hamble Village History

Not many villages can boast, as part of their history, a Norman priory church, shipbuilding heritage dating back to medieval times, the site of a Henry VIII fort, important aircraft industries, and vital connections to D-Day with, today, riverside charm and tranquillity as an Internationally known yachting centre. Come and enjoy a stroll round the delightful village of Hamble.

2pm Sunday 20th October 2013

Tales of Old Bursledon

Another chance to explore the quiet lanes of old Bursledon and learn more about this village next to the Hamble River.Once a centre for shipbuilding supplying fine boats for the Navy, including Nelson`s "Elephant". Short but steep hill to climb at start of walk.

2pm Sunday 27th October 2013

Bound Around Hound

A circular walk along this delightful route from Hamble around the edge of Royal Victoria Country Park on part of the Hamble Rail Trail to the woods and open spaces of Hound.

  • Walking time: 2 00 hours
  • Location: Mount Pleasant Recreation Ground car park, next to Hamble Primary School, Hamble Lane, Hamble., SO31 4ND (map showing where to go)
  • Price: £2
2pm Sunday 3rd November 2013

Autumnal dry paths walk in Hedge End north area

We will be taking to the nice surfaced paths around the Grange Park and Dowds Farm areas of Hedge End, exploring the old and new places and spaces in this area of major development over past 25 years.

2pm Sunday 1st December 2013

Manor Farm Country Park and Upper Hamble creeks.

A walk exploring along the upper stretches of the River Hamble, walking through ancient woodland and fields within Manor Farm Country Park.
Stout walking shoes essential.

  • Walking time: 2 00 hours
  • Location: Barnfield Copse car park, adjacent access road within Manor Farm Country Park..(parking fee £2.00)
  • Price: £2