A visit to Fiver, Hazel and the gang

Sat 21st Aug 2021

Walk Details:

Event Type
Group Walk
Region / Area
Southern England / London
Local Group
London
Distance
22ml.
Start Time
08.45
Route
NE Hampshire

Ancient trackways, a disused railway, a ridgeway path, a Beacon of hope and maybe lots of rabbits. Something for everyone. The walk is based on previous walks that I have led but there has not been a recent recce; there may be the occasional surprise!

General Notes
Bring food and drink, picnic stops only. Please text leader on 07470196890 to register and for precise travel details. Maximum group of 12
Finish

Entry Details:

Cost

Walk Report

A Visit to Fiver, Hazel and the Gang - Basingstoke to Overton, Saturday 21st August 2021
7 walkers, 24 miles - leader Jerome Ripp
The original plan was a circular from Overton but a late change to train times necessitated a change of plan. Since everyone registers for the walk, a text message could be sent, an advantage of continuing with the registration system. Weather forecast for the day had looked bleak, but this was not borne out; there was lots of black clouds hanging out near our route but apart from a few short periods of drizzle/light rain, we kept dry and even had some sun in the afternoon. We started from Basingstoke station with a tour of the "delights" of the town, McDonalds, Costa, and indoor skydiving which already had an overflowing car park. A few interesting old buildings such as the entrance to the cemetery of the Holy Ghost but the new housing is all Stalinist Lego blocks or mock prison camps.
Finally, out into the countryside and a long slow climb on a rutted track into the hills overlooking Kingsclere. Lunch was close to the 229 m. trig point and the wireless station on the top of Cottington hill. Joined the Wayfarer's Walk for the highlight of the route, the ridge walk over Watership Down where we saw a memorial tree to Richard Adams, the writer of the book and the rabbits Fiver and Hazel had inscribed their names around it. None of their descendants were on view as we continued down to the A34 crossing. The original plan of climbing Beacon Hill was too ambitious, and we had to be content with a view of the hill fort from across the valley. Into Litchfield and the customary church stop. Back along the Portway Roman road with adjacent Caesar's belt (just a clump of trees!) and the traditional sprint finish for the one train an hour from Overton but on this occasion, we missed it by a whisker. It did give us the opportunity to see Quidhampton and the impressive complex where the bank notes are printed. Not really a linear route, more like half a crocodile!

GPX

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You can use the interactive controls to zoom in and out and to move around the map, or click on a path or a marker for more info. (interactive map help)

You can use the interactive controls to zoom in and out and to move around the map, or click on a path or a marker for more info. (interactive map help)

 
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2016.
© OpenStreetMap contributors under Open Database Licence
Rights of way data from selected Local Authorities
Large scale digital mapping is provided by John Thorn
At high zoom levels the route is indicative only.

Gallery


Maps:

You can use the interactive controls to zoom in and out and to move around the map, or click on a marker for more info. (interactive map help)

Show Walkers are Welcome

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2016.
© OpenStreetMap contributors under Open Database Licence.
Rights of way data from selected Local Authorities.
Large scale digital mapping is provided by John Thorn.