Hamble Valley Publications

Hamble Valley Tourism has a variety of complimentary leaflets on special interests for the area. To receive your copy of any of the above publications, email hamblevalley@walkingdistance.co.uk

Hamble Valley Visitors Guide

An attractive guide to the Hamble Valley detailing information on the area, the attractions, places to stay and travelling information.

Comments from the recently launched 2007 Hamble Valley Visitor Guide include:

`Congratualtions on the Hamble Valley visitor guide. It is laid out well; it's a good size and it presents as being modern and informative. My husband was particularly impressed and he thought the photographs excellent.'

`Generally exemplary'

'I found the guide informative and well set out'

No improvement needed, plenty of variety in the guide'

'The website listings are excellent!'

Famous People

The Hamble Valley has been home and inspiration to many famous and infamous characters from history; their stories reflect the development and Heritage in this part of Hampshire. From Jane Austen, JMW Turner inspired by Netley Abbey; The Captain of the Carpathia who rescued 706 souls from the icy water, during the Titanic disaster; Florence Nightingale, Benny Hill, Nelson, and aviators such as RJ Mitchell and AV Roe to name but a few!

Netley Abbey

The gothic ruins of this 13th century Cistercian Abbey is steeped in vast history. From its home to monks to the dissolution by King Henry VIII to its days as a Stately home and its present state of ruin there is a lot to learn about the Abbey. In later years it became an inspiration to poets, writers and Artists such as Francis Towne, Jane Austen, and Thomas Gray. Ghostly goings on associated with the Abbey are also included in this leaflet.

Reach for the Sky

The Hamble Valley was a region for early aviation, particularly around two airfields: one which was developed in Hamble and Eastleigh which eventually became Southampton International Airport. Not only does this leaflet detail memories of those who worked on the Spitfires or who flew them, it also details a who's who in the history of aviation. From R J Mitchell, A V Roe and Bert Hinkler amongst others.

The Cobbett Trail

William Cobbett was a radical political journalist who lived in Botley in the early 19th century. This self guided trail marked by special Cobbett plaques guides you around places in Botley that Cobbett would have known or frequented.

Maritime Memories

Discover the history, facts and stories relating to people who have lived and worked on the banks of the river Hamble for the past two thousand years.

Hamble Rail Trail

A pleasant, relatively easy 4.5 mile walk linking Hamble Common, Royal Victoria Country Park and the Solent Way.

Coast To Countryside.

The Strawberry Trail route is a long distance self guided walking Trail and stretches from Botley through to Netley. The Trail goes across farmland and through woodland as well and the total circular route is approx. 15 miles, although feel free to start or stop at any point. The leaflet also details the river bus, which runs June to September, and passes through Hamble foreshore, Manor Farm Country Park and Swanick Marina - when tide and space permits, it will also stop at the Jolly Sailor pub!

• Walking Distance (Maps) Ltd • Bargate Centre • York Buildings • Southampton • SO14 1HF
Tel : 0906 68 22 001 (calls cost 25p per min) • Email:hamblevalley@walkingdistance.co.uk