The Mayor of Eastleigh,
Roger Smith 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 & Time | Walk |
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| 2pm Sunday 18th May |  As the abbot said to the archaeologist . . .Learn about the history of the Abbey at Netley, from before the Dissolution from the Abbott and after Henry from the archaeologist, on this costume walk...
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| 2pm Sunday 25th May | Hound Nature TrailA new walk taking in some of the best wildlife areas in the Parish of Hamble and Hound, passing through Priors Hill copse, Hound corner Ecology Park, The Bunney, St.Marys Wood and the northern part of Hamble Rail Trail.
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| 10am Sunday 1st June | Lower Hamble Ramble (all day)Around four hours of walking alongside in the Hamble Valley.
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| 2pm Sunday 8th June | Bursledon Village walkLearn about jolly sailors and greyladys on this tour around old Bursledon.
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| 2pm Sunday 15th June | Otterbourne - much that is well worth remembrance"Though the writer is aware that there is no incident to tempt the reader—no siege of the one castle, no battle more important than the combat in the hayfield between Mr. Coram and the penurious steward, and, till the last generation, no striking character. But the record of a thousand peaceful years is truly a cause of thankfulness, shared as it is by many thousand villages, and we believe that a little investigation would bring to light, in countless other places, much that is well worth remembrance." so said former Otterbourne resident Charlotte Yonge
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| 2pm Sunday 22nd June | Chandlers FordDelve into the history of this once small village and find out why Oliver Cromwell’s son brought his wife to celebrate the cherries of Chandlers Ford.
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| 2pm Sunday 29th June | Hidden paths of HambleFollowing some of the less well known paths of Hamble including Mercury Meadows, The Mound and southern part of Hamble Rail Trail.
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| 10am Sunday 6th July | Upper Hamble Ramble (all day)Following on from the Lower River walk (June 1st) this walk covers the upper tidal stretch of the river.
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| 2pm Sunday 13th July | BotleyNow officially designated as "delightful" and who are we to disagree. If it was good enough for William Cobbett . . .
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| 10am Sunday 20th July | qe2 activity centre sponsored walkThis year the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Activities Centre qe2 activity centre celebrates thirty years of providing activity opportunities for people with disabilities.
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| 2pm Sunday 20th July |  Hamble at WarHamble's position at the mouth of Southampton Water gives it a vital defensive role. Following this walk you will find out how this developed from the Iron Age to the modern day.
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| 2pm Sunday 27th July | All about Allbrookthis might be your last chance to see the former home of 17th century artist Mary Beale before the 21st century catches up with it
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| 2pm Sunday 7th September |  EastleighTown centre walk.
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| 2pm Sunday 14th September |  Heritage Open Day - Mr & Mrs Cobbett at BotleyBetween 1805 and 1815 (on and off) Botley was the home of William Cobbett, author, polemicist, farmer, soldier, politician, scourge of the establishment and friend of the working man. Meet Mr Cobbett, and his wife on this costumed walk around the village he called the "most delightful in all the world"
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| 2pm Sunday 21st September | NetleySpontaneous combustion, finding the church mouse, why Netley came into being and how Queen Victoria got wet feet? All this and more.
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| 9am Saturday 27th September | Hedge End to Hound HikeA circular longer walk between the areas using mostly off road hidden paths through woods and open spaces. Meet at Hedge end station car park at 9am, bring picnic lunch and drink , back by about 4.30pm
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| 2pm Sunday 28th September | Pubs of HambleThis walk takes us around the pubs and drinking places of Hamble village - purely in the interests of historical research of course! Learn about the history of brewing, small beer and the church's involvement.
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| 10am Sunday 5th October | Botley to Durley MillA walk following the course of the Hamble above its tidal limits. This is a world away from the bustle of the boatyards downstream, but there's still stories and tales to tell. Not only that but this autumnal walk will catch the woodlands at their most beautiful.
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| 2pm Sunday 12th October |  Hamble ChurchyardMeet the ancestors - connections with pioneer days of flight, Sherlock Holmes, naval battles, shipbuilding, Champagne Charlie and the America's Cup. So much in one small churchyard.
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| 2pm Sunday 19th October |  North Stoneham ChurchSt Nicolas Church. Connections with the Darwin family, Admiral Hawke and Guy Fawkes. Meet at St Nicholas Church, off Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh
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| 2pm Sunday 26th October | BishopstokeThis stroll around Bishopstoke rounds off the Summer walks programme
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