Length: Approx 6 miles
Time: Approx 2.50 hours at reasonable pace
Ascent: +-115m
I've included this walk from yesterday but I wouldn't recommend it as a circular route because Titchfield Lane was very busy and became quite dangerous as we got towards the railway and the verges disappeared. There were some interesting bits so I've included a few photos of parts of the walk that might be worth a visit.
Parking is easy on the road in Funtley.
1. The walk goes through a farm on the edge of the River Meon. This is a beautiful spot. Unsurprisingly the river is very high and many of the adjacent meadows are flooded.
2. Webbsland vineyard.
3. A rather eerie forest of silver birch.
4. Portsmouth and the Spinnaker Tower yet again.
Easy going
Length: Approx 5.50 miles
Time: Approx 2.50 hours at strolling pace
Ascent: +-116m
1. We parked in Hazeley Road. There are some spaces opposite the houses just before the start of the walk. This is looking back just after we started walking. At the end of the walk the path comes out by the tall trees on the corner.
2. Young Red Angus I think.
3. I guess Morestead Stables use this course for training racehorses. It was run by Brendan Powell until 2005. I couldn't find out if it's still used.
4. Anybody know what this fruit is? I think it might be wild black cherry. It looks edible.
5. What happened to the summer?
6. Winchester in the distance.
7. Skirting the base of St. Catherine's Hill this is an unusual valley.
8. The steps to the top of St. Catherine's Hill. Not for us today!!
9. All that's left of St. Catherine's lock. A water wheel used to sit in the curved brickwork and power a saw mill.
10. I know this one. Spindle.
11. The River Itchen. A beautiful river but the peace and quiet along this stretch is spoilt by the constant noise from the motorway.
12. British White cattle.
13. St. Mary's Church from the water meadows.
14. St. Mary's Church.
Easy going but can get very wet and muddy.
Length: Approx 5.25 miles
Time: Approx 2.25 hours at strolling pace
Ascent: +-135m
1. There is a handy car park at the Walderton turn off on the B2146.
2. There are some lovely houses in Walderton.
3. To the North-West is Racton Monument privately owned and popular with the occult, paranormal activity and suicides.
4. This flint barn was under renovation the last time we came by. The house seems to be finished but it looks very exposed.
5. I think these are Wood Hedgehogs an edible fungus similar in taste to the Common Chanterelle. If you know any better please correct me. I'm not brave enough to try it though without expert advice.
6. I love pigs!
7. These I know. King Alfred's Cakes.
8. Adsdean House. A former Dr Barnardo evacuation home.
9. It was our lucky day. These deer were enjoying the sunshine.
10. Looking back towards Adsdean House.
11. We were having our lunch when it threatened rain. Then this rainbow appeared briefly. Luckily we stayed dry.
12. Sticky mud.
13 and 14. Looking roughly southwest towards Langstone Harbour and the Isle of Wight.
15. A Red Admiral making the most of the sunshine.
16. A typical hanger meaning a steep wooded slope.
17. Walderton.
18. Looking southwest towards Racton Monument with Portsmouth in the background.
