DOES THE WALKER CHOOSE THE PATH, OR THE PATH THE WALKER.
GARTH NIX
GARTH NIX
GUIDED WILDLIFE AND NATURE WALKS.
HAVANT THICKET WALK.
Once a part of the ancient forest of Bere, Havant thicket is a delightful oasis of natural woodland with a varied and interesting history. Once a hunting preserve of Kings and Bishops it is now a Forest reserve comprised of mixed ancient woodlands coupled with conifer plantations and open meadows. There is a wealth of wildlife with Muntjac and Roe deer, Stoats, foxes as well as prolific bird life. In the evening nightjars fill the air with their monotone churring and glow worms fill the paths like living lighthouses. Meeting at Havant Thicket car park the walk takes up to and hour and a half and is guided by myself. I am fully first aid trained and every 200 metres is marked by reference points on my emergency response map. During the walk the full and varied history will be explained to you. You shall learn the medicinal used of trees and plants in the area as well as explore areas off the beaten track so to speak, areas that are untouched and natural. In the summer evening walks are offered as part of the nightjar and glowworm surveys along with the Tawny owl study. Meeting at the car park around 9 pm and arriving back at around 10.30, pm torches are recommended.There are three different routes on offer, one takes in Staunton forest and explains the history of this fascinating area the other cuts through meadows then into mixed woodlands and the third covers the circular route around and though the middle of the thicket itself.Prices are at the bottom of this page.
STANSTEAD FOREST WALK.
Meeting in Rowlands Castle we head into the beautiful forests of Stanstead estate then after first meandering through dappled gladed of woodland we join up with the huge grass runway of Monarchs way before cutting across to the imposing mansion of Stanstead house itself with its manicured lawns and kept gardens. From there we cut back into the woods and back to Rowlands castle. As in all my trails I designed I try to avoid retracing our steps so every view is new and every area a different experience though in a few cases it is unavoidable. On this walk I shall explain how this lovely area is managed and explain the medicinal uses of certain plants and trees as well the local history of this area. This walk is about an hour and a half to two hours and is resplendent with natural features.
A second route is offered which is longer and cuts through the forest then across the high crest of the South Downs and into West Marden Village where we have some refreshments in the local pub before retracing our steps back the way we came as I try to avoid public roads whenever possible.Both of these walks offer great views of the surrounding area and is a lovely combination of wooded silence and fresh open areas.
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KINGLEY VALE PANORAMA WALK
Meeting at Walderton car park we walk through the village then up a steep hill to the ridge of the South Downs. The forest here is deep and tall almost cathedral like. Suddenly we are in open fields high on the Downs with views that can only be described as panoramic and stunning. We walk along this ridge before cutting into the Kingley Vale nature reserve with its ancient history and powerful folklore. Emerging through the other side we come across huge burial mounds with sweeping views inland across the Weald to the Northern Downs and then turning the other way, the vast coastal plains sweeping down to the ocean with the Isle Of Wight surfacing like a humpbacked whale in the distance. Continuing through the forest of Kingley Vale we sweep back down from the heights following a lovely curved path then down to Staughton village for a refreshing drink at the pub before walking down the country lane back to Walderton village. Along this walk which is more of an excursion I shall once again be delving into the natural and historic tales of this area and you will learn the fascinating lore and knowledge of a truly ancient environment. With views to take the breath away,ancient burial mounds and a world famous forest this is a walk that is unforgettable.
A certain level of physical fitness is required due to the steepness of the escarpment at the start of the walk but the pace is as usual very relaxed with frequent stops and the speed being dictated by the slowest member. Allow approx 3 hours for this experience though that can fluctuate to slightly shorter conditions permitting. Below are a few images showing the views from this safari.
KINGLEY VALE PANORAMA WALK
Meeting at Walderton car park we walk through the village then up a steep hill to the ridge of the South Downs. The forest here is deep and tall almost cathedral like. Suddenly we are in open fields high on the Downs with views that can only be described as panoramic and stunning. We walk along this ridge before cutting into the Kingley Vale nature reserve with its ancient history and powerful folklore. Emerging through the other side we come across huge burial mounds with sweeping views inland across the Weald to the Northern Downs and then turning the other way, the vast coastal plains sweeping down to the ocean with the Isle Of Wight surfacing like a humpbacked whale in the distance. Continuing through the forest of Kingley Vale we sweep back down from the heights following a lovely curved path then down to Staughton village for a refreshing drink at the pub before walking down the country lane back to Walderton village. Along this walk which is more of an excursion I shall once again be delving into the natural and historic tales of this area and you will learn the fascinating lore and knowledge of a truly ancient environment. With views to take the breath away,ancient burial mounds and a world famous forest this is a walk that is unforgettable.
A certain level of physical fitness is required due to the steepness of the escarpment at the start of the walk but the pace is as usual very relaxed with frequent stops and the speed being dictated by the slowest member. Allow approx 3 hours for this experience though that can fluctuate to slightly shorter conditions permitting. Below are a few images showing the views from this safari.
PRICES :
HAVANT THICKET £15
STANSTED HOUSE £15
KINGLEY VALE £25
HAVANT THICKET £15
STANSTED HOUSE £15
KINGLEY VALE £25
