Guided Walks Programme

 

 

Each year, running from April until the end of August , a free guided walks programme runs; offering the chance to walk off your Sunday lunch; get some fresh air and also to learn some of the quirky history, and facts about many of the villages and parishes of the Hamble Valley.

                     

The walks taken by the Hamble Valley Tourist Guides normally run every Sunday during this time period, with extra walks around festiva and event times.

 

Walkers can enjoy a variety of walk, and learn some fascinating facts about the heritage of the area, such as the 13th century ruins of the gothic Netley Abbey and its links with King Henry VIII, Jane Austen, Artist JMW Turner and the tales of hauntings associated with the ancient Abbey.

 

Or why not attend a walk through the pretty maritime village of Hamble Le Rice, and learn of its connections with smuggling, rope making, Nelson, author Edward Heath and oysters!

 

In addition to these walks, Bishopstoke with its links to Kings' mistresses, West End with connections to the Titanic, Eastleigh's railway history, Botley's assizes and William Cobbett are amongst the parishes and villages covered in the guided walks programme.

 

Themed walks, such as the aviation history of Eastleigh and Hamble, literary tours, Architectural talks and walks, Sculpture trail, Cobbett Trail, the life of a railway worker, women of Eastleigh are all examples of specialist tours offered by the guides. The long distanced Strawberry Trail is also available for those who prefer the more energetic walks.

 

To get your copy of the guided walks programme, available in late February/early March, email hamblevalley@aol.com call 023 8061 8976 ot visit www.hamblevalleyheritage.co.uk for a listing of walks

 

Private walks and tours

 

The Hamble Valley Tour Guides also offer private talks, called 'Armchair Tours' - a whistlestop tour of the Hamble Valley, in the comfort of a chair, featuring places of interest and snippetts of Heritage in the area. Specialist talks, such as a particular Village/Parish, aviation, or Netley Abbey can also be requested. Talks cost £25.

 

If you prefer to be led on a walk, join a Hamble Valley Tour Guide on a seasonal (April to September) guided walk through the parishes and villages of Hamble Valley. These are very popular and will give you an insight into the history of the area with stories of famous associations, the impact of local industry (including strawberry growing, shipbuilding, railways and aviation) and local peculiarities, stories and legends. They are generally gentle walks, lasting about 1 hours, and are usually free. Find out more by requesting the free calendar of Hamble Valley guided walks by calling 023 8068 3340

 

 

Coach Tours are also available, round main points of interest in the borough. Prices are £40 for 1/2 day (not including coach hire.)

 

 

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