Wessex LDWA(Hampshire & Isle of Wight)

Introduction

Welcome to the home page of Wessex Long Distance Walkers Association. The Long Distance Walkers Association welcomes all those interested in walking for pleasure and fitness to our group. The Wessex LDWA area covers some hugely attractive countryside including the Isle of Wight, the western end of the South Downs National Park and the New Forest National Park. Other areas include the North Wessex Downs which contain some of the highest terrain in the county. It is also home to 2 of the countries most treasured chalk streams, the Test and the Itchen. Many ancient trackways exist in the county including the South Downs Way, the Harrow Way and a variety of trackways associated with ancient bygone traditions of cattle and sheep droving. All of these features are a natural magnet for those interested in walking.

The History of Wessex LDWA

Our group was founded in 1974, two years after the National LDWA was founded. At that time, Wessex LDWA membership notionally covered all of Hampshire and Isle of Wight but included other adjoining western areas such as East and North Dorset and South and mid Wiltshire whose areas did not have a county group. Those areas have subsequently founded their own county groups, and Wessex LDWA has since become notionally associated only with Hampshire. More recently, the Isle of Wight founded their own group and successfully ran their own programme of walks for a number of years. In 2021 it was decided to amalgamate Isle of Wight with Wessex, and our walking  programmes have combined to include occasional joint events. A short history of the Isle of Wight group is shown under 'Latest News' on the menu bar above.

Main Activities

The Wessex group walks cover footpaths over all terrains over a large area of Southern England mainly centred on Hampshire but regularly including areas of adjoining counties.

These are our current activities:

1. Weekend walks (Saturday or Sunday). Two per month, (normally 2^nd and 4^th weekends, 12-15 miles, and 16-22 miles respectively). Lunchtime pub stop occasionally arranged. This occasionally includes joint walks with groups from adjoining county groups.
2. Friday evening summer walks, May – August inclusive, 5-7 miles with option pub stop after, or,
3. Friday morning walk, approx. 12 miles, with optional pub stop after.
4. Weekend away events, usually 4 days walking Friday to Monday in other UK areas of our choosing. All at reasonable prices.
5. Other social events which may include a short walk as well as a planned visit to a site of interest.
6. Occasional challenge walks. When organised, these can involve distances of 30 miles or more, but often have optional shorter distance routes included.

For a wider selection of LDWA challenge walks nationally, have a look on the national group page at The Long Distance Walkers Association under 'Challenge Events'.

Our walks are primarily for members, but non-members are very welcome to join us as a step to becoming a member should they find the experience to their liking. 

See ‘Future Walks’ link below for details.

Leading Walks

Recognising that leading a walk for the first time for any new member may be a somewhat daunting task, we have introduced a web page dedicated to helping new members as well as existing members. Should any members feel they would like to lead a walk for the first time, please click or tap the 'Walk Leader Help' page link listed on the menu.

If you have any questions relating to the group's activities, our committee members will be only too pleased to provide more specific details or assistance. Click or tap ‘Home’ on the menu bar for committee member details.

Please note: Our group has a ‘no dogs’ policy on all our walks. However, assistance dogs are permitted.

Classic chalk landscape, Rake Bottom, Butser Hill,South Downs               Our group on South Downs Way above South Harting West Sussex.             Jurassic Coast, Kimmeridge, Weekend away October 2022