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By Gemma, 8, May, 2013 8:00 am

Today’s walk is courtesy of one of our outdoors-loving colleagues, Alan Rolfe. You can see more of Alan’s walks (and bike rides) on his blog, Bikes and Boots.

Length of route:
Approx 8 miles, allow 2.5 hours.
Starting point:
SU 606182 (car parking near village hall).
Suitable for:
Walking
Maps:
OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) – 119 Meon Valley
Download our OS MapFinder app and plot or record the route
Use OS getamap to plot the route

From the car park, cross the A32 and walk along Hacketts lane, following the Wayfayers Way signs, heading W. Continue straight on to a path where the road turns R. Continue towards the hill ahead. At the foot of the hill, turn R and continue to follow the Wayfarers Way signs. After about 0.5km, as the path starts to descend on a more defined track, watch for a turning to the, almost hidden in the hedgerow. Take this path, leaving the Wayfarers Way, and continue climbing to cross a stile just before a minor road.

Continue across the road on to a very pleasant bridleway, heading generally W, then very soon almost S. Turn sharp R and descend heading N to a minor road. Follow the road straight ahead and a short while after the road swings L heading W, turn R to head N again to pass by a farm on the R and then a lovely house with a walled garden on the L. Continue on to enter a copse.

Continue straight across the B3035 across a field. At the time of the walk, the field had been very recently ploughed and there was no obvious path but the next marker can be seen straight ahead. Immediately after crossing the field at Bottom Copse, turn R to follow a bridleway heading east, then turn L at the farm to head N.

Continue reading 'Walk of the week: Droxford'»

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By Gemma, 30, April, 2013 8:00 am

Since its launch in January our outdoor navigation app, OS MapFinder, has now reached over 100,000 downloads and over 600,000 sessions.  We’re thrilled with the success of the app, available now on the App Store, designed to map the way for walkers, runners and cyclists across Great Britain.

Our free-to-download iOS app contains overview mapping of the whole country alongside a sample tile of our detailed walking and cycling maps. You can then purchase more 1:25 000 and 1:50 000 in 100 km2 tiles (the same scales as our popular OS Landranger and OS Explorer paper maps) of the areas you want.

The four most popular tiles downloaded so far are:

Very popular areas for enjoying the British countryside!

Continue reading 'Our OS MapFinder app hits 100,000 downloads'»

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By Gemma, 29, April, 2013 8:00 am

The month of May marks the first birthday for the Wales Coast Path, a 870-mile route to take you around the whole coast of Wales. And if you’re really up for a challenge, you can make it 1027 miles by including the Offa’s Dyke!

Walking costs nothing, and the path is open to everyone. You can walk the path from north to south or vice versa. You can ride or cycle some parts and you can make it into very short chunks or set yourself a charity challenge and do the whole thing in one go.

To join in the celebrations, we’re featuring a walk of the week that uses part of the Wales Coast Path along the way…

Our coastal loop around Nash Point and Llantwit Major starts near the lighthouses at Nash Point and moves into the picturesque town of Llantwit Major, about 20 miles south-west of Cardiff. It’s an historic town with a history stretching back over 3000 years. The narrow winding streets are lovely to walk around – although do take care as most don’t have pavements. You could also stop off at one of the pubs in the town to break your walk – I had an excellent Sunday roast at The Old Swan Inn with family a couple of months ago.

  Continue reading 'The Wales Coast Path is one year old in May!'»

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By Gemma, 17, April, 2013 8:00 am

As we discovered on our first two walks earlier in the year, ‘Strollexes’ are for discerning folk. Folk who want a 1-2+  hour stroll via interesting land marks, with a little extra exercise, without the need; to tie 3 yards of bootlace; to hunt for a mobile, money and munchies in a 10 pocketed kagoule and to carry a rucksack full of spam sandwiches! 

Our 3rd ‘Strollex’ again finds us in Hythe, Kent, the beautiful and historic Cinque Port. Check it out, there’s much to offer. 

This ‘strollex’ is designed in recognition that Easterhas been and gone - Spring is blooming (honestly!) and that a gentle walk is needed to walk off all the after effects of the eggs we’ve eaten. It will take us about 1 ½ hrs (3 miles) and there are no hills to climb. (So only a touch of ‘ex’ this time!) 

We start where Stade Street meets the Promenade (Prince’s Parade) by The Hythe Bay Fish restaurant.  We park in the road and turn left onto the Prom and stride out taking in the bracing sea air. 

We walk some 5+ minutes then stop to read a history of the area then pass The Imperial Hotel on our left. We note the plaque dedicated to Don Thomson our only gold medal winner in the 1960 Olympics in Rome (how times and facilities have changed!!).  We continue past the first part of the golf course, turn left (watch for traffic) onto the path that cuts through the course.  We cross over the Royal Military Canal pausing to look at the views of the fauna and flora encompassed by its banks. 

Once over the bridge we turn right and walk along the footpath/cycle way until we meet the first track heading back to the sea. Take this path, which marks the end of the golf course, cross the road and continue down the Prom for some 5+ mins and then turn left down a track by the white shelter. Again we cross over the canal, turn right down the canal track past the school playground and reach the main road, (45 mins from the start). 

We turn right and pass the information about the Sea Brook Outfall, immediately turn right just in front of the canoe club, up the steps and we are back on the Prom road. On our left we can stop for a coffee at the Kiosk (or at the petrol station) before we retrace our steps back to our staring point (approx 1+ mile) either zig zagging or a straight dash along the Prom. 

Here we can have a refreshment stop at the Hythe Bay Fish Restaurant/The Stade Hotel before setting off home ready for a belated Easter egg.

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By Gemma, 27, March, 2013 8:00 am

Jamie Gibbs is the fitness blogger and rambling ambler for healthy living life insurance comparison site Confused.com. He’s currently training to tackle the Three Peaks Challenge, and feels more out of his depth than the distance he has to climb.

Are you looking for a Welsh getaway and want to find the best places to visit? Here are some beautiful walks for anyone looking to see more of the “Land of My Fathers”. 

The Welsh love to walk. Almost a third of Welsh adults enjoy walking as recreation, and walking is one of the main activities for people who come to visit. When you look at what the country has to offer, you can see why. 

If you’re going for a healthier, leaner you this year, then taking in the fresh, Welsh mountain air will do you the world of good. Angela Charlton, Director for Ramblers Cymru, says that “walking can form part of a regular exercise pattern … for adults, 150 [of aerobic exercise] per week is recommended to keep in good health. 

Walking in Wales offers fantastic opportunities for residents and visitors alike. You can visit cathedrals, castles, forests, woods and coast.” 

With so much to choose from, which walks are best? Here are five of my favourites. 

North Wales 

Cadair Idris

Total distance: 8-10km (to the summit and back)

The seat of the legendary giant Idris, Cadair Idris offers routes to the summit that suit both the casual and the adventurous walker. If you’re looking for a pleasant stroll, the Pony path is the longer but easier of the three paths where the only surprises will be the sudden changes in weather.

If you’re after something a little more exciting, the Minffordd path is a shorter but much steeper hike that veers away from any defined path but one that rewards you with an amazing view of Llyn Cau, the supposedly bottomless lake that has become popular with wild swimmers. 

Continue reading 'Five top Welsh walks for health, happiness and some amazing sights'»

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By Gemma, 20, March, 2013 8:00 am

Today’s route is courtesy of one of our outdoors-loving colleagues, Ian Corps.

Length of route:
Approx 14 miles.
Starting point:
Various, see text below.
Suitable for:
Cycling
Maps:
OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) – 120 Chichester
Download our OS MapFinder app and plot or record the route
Use OS getamap to plot the route 

As this is a circular route you can start at any point, however, there are a number of convenient car parks along the route, not to mention pubs. The most scenic point to start is at ‘The Ship’ at Langstone Bridge. There is a free public car park here but it does get busy.

Cross the bridge heading towards the island, using the cycle way along the pavement, After the bridge there is a sign posted path, on the right,  that leads to ‘The Hayling Billy Trail’ this is a disused railway that has been converted to a path, for walkers, cyclist and horse riders, follow this to its end, about 4 kms. Cross into Staunton Ave then turn right along sea front until you reach the ferry terminal.

Join the foot ferry for the short journey to Eastney, the ferry is designed to take cycles. Upon disembarking continue along Ferry Road, turn right into Henderson Road. Cut across the park on your right (Brandsbury Park) into Iron Bridge Lane, at the end turn right into Locksway Road.

A path leaves Locksway Road next to the ‘Thatched House’ pub, don’t be misled it does not have a thatched roof. Continue along the path passing the old locks and follow the sea shore. After about 1.5 km you will join the Eastern Road, this is a busy road but has a dedicated cycle path along the pavement. Continue North until you reach the large roundabout, turn right into the car park and a dedicated cycle route will take you along the top of Farlington Marshes, this is a recognised haven for birds.

At the end of the cycle path continue East along Harts Farm Way, again there is a cycle way along the pavement. At the junction with Southmoor Lane turn south into Southmoor Lane, then right into Penner Way.

At the end of Penner Way a path will continue East for about 100 m before you turn right onto another path heading South.

Cross the small bridge on your right into Mill Lane, you will then come to the ‘Hayling Billy Trail’ again, join this and after about 0.5 km you will arrive opposite ‘The Ship’, where you started.

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By Gemma, 13, March, 2013 8:00 am

Today’s walk is courtesy of one of our outdoors-loving colleagues, Alan Rolfe. You can see more of Alan’s walks (and bike rides) on his blog, Bikes and Boots.

Length of route:
9 miles, approximately 4.5 hours
Starting point:
Park in the village at SU 745292
Suitable for:
Walking
Maps:
OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) – 133 Haslemere and Petersfield
Download our OS MapFinder app and plot or record the route
Use OS getamap to plot the route

Leave the green by the road to the southwest signposted to Oakshott. Within a few steps pick a bridleway (Hangers Way) and head towards the trees and the hills. At the junction with another bridleway, turn right and follow the bridleway through the lovely wooded area. As well as being particularly attractive, this is the hardest part of the walk as the path can be extremely muddy. At the time of undertaking the walk (late April 1999), several days of rain had made the path very slippery The path is sloped from left to right and follows the angle of the hill. The slippery chalk surface made for difficult walking. Trekking poles would have been very useful! Keep to the bottom of the slope ignoring a path off to left and right.

The path emerges from the woods and becomes considerably easier underfoot. After dropping down to cross a small stream, the path follows the edge of the field before emerging onto a minor road at a very picturesque pond surrounded by hanging willow trees (see photo below). Turn left up the road and very soon turn right crossing two fields and another minor road before the first serious climb up through Noar Hill Hanger.

At the top of the hill, there is a junction with five other paths. However, we want the only footpath which goes off in a very general direction of north west. After a short while we are out of the woods and soon there are splendid views to the north, together with our next hill.

Continue reading 'Walk of the week: Hawkley & Selborne'»

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By Gemma, 27, February, 2013 8:00 am

Today’s walk is courtesy of one of our outdoors-loving colleagues, Alan Rolfe. You can see more of Alan’s walks (and bike rides) on his blog, Bikes and Boots.

Length of route:
Approx 8.6 miles, allow 3 hours.
Starting point:
SK 190543 (car parking at Parwich).
Suitable for:
Walking
Maps:
OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) – OL24 Peak District
Download our OS MapFinder app and plot or record the route
Use OS getamap to plot the route

From Parwich, leave in the SE direction and walk to where the road turns sharp left. Bear right and follow a track past the sewage works. Continue on a footpath, now heading more of less to the south where the track turns right into a field. Pass Sitterlow Farm and continue straight on, ignoring the farm tack as it swings up hill. As the path contours around the hill, turn to the left and make for a footbridge in the bottom RH corner of the field. Head up hill, crossing a stile. There is no clear route on the ground, but head to the left of the peak do not climb it as you will have to come down part of the way again. I learnt the hard way! Watch for another stile still heading upwards and then carry on, keeping the way on the right. Cross a minor road and descend to Lea Cottage Farm. Bear right before the farmhouse itself and climb uphill again, now heading generally SW. Follow the farm track for a way and watch for a valley starting to form on the right. As the track approaches the trees on the right, drop down to the valley and look for a stile. This can be difficult to find. Cross the stream, and turn slightly to the left and head uphill. 

Continue reading 'Walk of the week: Parwich, Fenny Bentley & Tissington'»

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By Gemma, 13, February, 2013 8:00 am

If you’re looking for inspiration to take your loved one for a walk this Valentine’s Day – then look no further. We have a range of walking ideas covering beaches, countryside and cities, spread across Great Britain.

Lyme Park, Cheshire

Head for the magnificent Lyme Park, setting for the famous scene of Darcy in his wet shirt coming face to face with Elizabeth Bennett in the TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Acres of sweeping moorland are grazed by ancient herds of red deer around the elegant country house. 

The city of Bath

The streets and Assembly Rooms feature in several of Jane Austen’s novels, particularly the budding romance between Catherine Morley and Henry Tilney in Northanger Abbey. Wander in their footsteps down Milsom Street, revel in the sense of history from the famous Roman thermal springs to golden Georgian terraces – and join in the celebrations as it’s the 200^th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice this year.

Wordsworth country, Lake District

It may be a little early to see the daffodils in full bloom, but you can discover the house where one of the most famous romantic poets lived in Cumbria. Once you’ve tracked down the Georgian townhouse and the beautiful garden which inspired many of his poems, you won’t find it difficult to get out and walking in the spectacular Lake District scenery.

Cornwall

Almost any stretch of the Cornish coast will inspire romance, but don’t forget the winding Helford River, setting for Daphne du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek, and the lush gardens of Trebah which flank it.

Oban

There are some truly spectacular beaches in Scotland and Tralee beach near Oban is no exception. Shingled at one end with sand dunes at the other, the wreck of the Breda, one of the most dived on wreck sites, near Oban is just off shore.

Continue reading 'Ten places to take a romantic walk this Valentine’s Day'»

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By Gemma, 6, February, 2013 8:00 am

Length of route:
1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes walking time
Starting point:
TR153147
Suitable for:
Walking
Maps:
OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) – 138 Dover, Folkestone and Hythe

As we discovered on our first walk  ‘strollexes’ are for discerning folk. Folk who want a 1 -2+  hour stroll via interesting land marks, with a little extra exercise, without the need; to tie three yards of bootlace; to hunt for a mobile, money and munchies in a 10-pocketed kagoule; and to carry a rucksack full of spam sandwiches! 

Our second ‘strollex’ again finds us in Hythe, Kent, the beautiful and historic Cinque Port, check it out, there’s much to offer. We start outside the famous Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.

To begin we cross the bridge over the Royal Military Canal  and Green Lane, traverse the London Road , then turn sharp left up that road for some 40 yards where we turn right (if you go as far as the Turnpike Hill turning you have gone too far) and climb a steepish footpath - lets get the ex bit over early!! 

On reaching the top of the footpath we turn sharp left by the sub- station and walk down a wide footpath. The path bears right in front of Copper Beeches (a house) and we turn left at the Boundary Stone, dedicated to a Mr. Taylor, Mayo of Hythe 1934. 

We continue along this path for some 30 yards and turn right at the gate into the marvellous Brockhill Country Park where a lovely open rolling meadow greets us. 

Continue reading 'Walk of the week: Wilderness, lake, valley and snowdrops'»