HOS Walks programme
We have a regular programme of HOS walks in place. Attendees do not generally need to book a place on HOS walks, however, please also note that it will be necessary to book places on some walks – such as Needs Ore where places are restricted.
Any queries please do get in touch either by emailing Di Warner or phoning Di Warner, the HOS Walks Co-ordinator on 07883 344724. The distance covered is shown for each walk, and in some cases with a ‘walk category’, as follows:
A) Easy – a fairly short walk over relatively flat ground with no/few stiles.
B) A little more demanding – longer distance and/or gentle hills but with no/few stiles.
C) Medium difficulty – moderate distance and/or moderate hills and/or a moderate number of stiles.
D) Strenuous – long distance and/or steep hills and/or many stiles.
Do please take care and enjoy the walks programme, but remember, responsibility for personal safety lies with the individual, not the Society.
If some details are not currently known, they will be added when available.
October 2026
Saturday 3 October
Edenbrook Country Park, Fleet
Leader: John Blithe (07966 391297)
10:00 am to 12:30 pm (3 miles)
Meet in the car park behind the leisure centre off Hitches Lane, (Grid Reference SU 793538; Postcode GU51 5HS).
This walk will start from the Edenbrook car park (free parking). It’s generally level with mainly good paths, some of which can become flooded after heavy rain. Other grass paths are usually ok but can get muddy/flooded after heavy rain, so bring good footwear.
Walk category A
Saturday 17 October
Longparish
Leader: Geoff Sharp (01256 470286 & mobile 07835 807078)
9.30 am to 1.00 pm (3-4 miles)
Meet in the village carpark off the B3048 opposite the village hall (grid reference SU426440).
A leisurely walk, taking in the River Test and its feeder channels, as well as the fields and lanes around this lovely village. We will be looking for riverside and woodland birds, raptors and autumn migrants.
Bring coffee/lunch if required
Walk category A
Sunday 18 October
Keyhaven
Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
9.30 am to 2:00 pm (5 miles)
Meet at the Keyhaven pay car park (RingGo app or coin in the machine) opposite The Gun pub in Keyhaven (Grid Reference SZ307915; W3W: prime.fond.hill).
Circular route with easy walking on the flat throughout, mainly on gravel paths. Habitats include the sea, lagoons, saltmarsh, reed-beds, hedgerows and open fields, offering ducks, waders, gulls and terns. Essential to bring wet weather gear in case of wind and rain.
Bring coffee/lunch
Walk category A
Sunday 25 October
Farlington Marshes
Leader: Kevin Stouse (07510 600808)
9.30 am to 2.00 pm (6 miles)
Meet at Chalkdock Lake car park (Grid ref SU 699055; W3W: about.sizes.usual) – this is now designated as Chalkdock Lake car park on google maps, it is NOT the car park signposted Broadmarsh Coastal Path. NB road layout means you have to do a U-turn to enter car park, so continue up Harts Farm Way and where it widens you can U turn and come back to the car park.
A walk round the marshes in search of winter/migrant birds.
Bring coffee/Lunch
Walk category A
Saturday 31 October
Lepe Country Park
Leader: Joost Brandsma (07401 568130)
09.00 am to 12.30 pm (2 miles)
Paid parking at Lepe Car Park (beachfront car park); assemble in front of the Lookout Café.
Looking for sea and shorebirds at Stansore Point, followed by a visit to the Dark Water hide for a nice variety of wet and woodland species.
There is some uneven ground for part of the walk.
Bring drinks.
Walk category A
November 2026
Sunday 1 November
Hook with Warsash, Southampton
Leader: George Batho (07710 404919)
10.00 am–2.00 pm (2–2.5 miles)
Park in Hook Park Road, SO31 9LH (grid reference SU 495050; W3W: juggles.pocket.exists). Coming from Warsash, go over the bridge, up the hill and turn left onto the unmade road, past the big white house.
Walk through woodland to coastal habitat, with opportunities to look for winter waders, ducks and coastal birds. Some paths may be muddy.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category B
Sunday 8 November
Normandy Lagoon & Oxey Marshes
Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
10.00 am–2.30 pm (3 miles)
Meet at the junction of Maiden Lane and Normandy Lane, SO41 8FF, and park on the road opposite the large house called Kingfishers (grid reference SZ 326 940; W3W: hawks.blurts.headliner).
We will look for ducks, waders and migrants.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Saturday 14 November
Basingstoke Canal and Tundry Pond
Leader: Keith Betton (07809 671468)
9.30 am–12.30 pm (3 miles)
Meet in the Barley Mow slipway car park (grid reference SU 778538, OS Map 185; W3W: unrated.third.response).
A walk along the canal and then through Dogmersfield Park to Tundry Pond. This circular walk heads back along the canal to the car park, which is next to the Barley Mow pub for anyone who fancies lunch with Keith.
We will look for open-country and water birds, including a mix of winter waterfowl. An easy walk with a gravel path all the way.
Bring snack and drinks.
Walk category A
Sunday 15 November
Warblington Shore to Hayling Oyster Beds
Leader: Kevin Stouse (07510 600808)
9.30 am–1.30 pm (3 miles)
Meet at Warblington Church car park (grid reference SU 728054; W3W: wipes.bliss.glory) for this walk along the shore to Hayling Oyster Beds in search of winter birds, waders and wildfowl.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
December 2026
Sunday 6 December
Blashford Lakes HIWWT Reserve
Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
9.30 am–2.00 pm (2 miles)
Meet in the free car park by the Tern Hide (grid reference SU 151083; W3W: mirror.neckline.mash). The Reserve postcode is BH24 3PJ, but this is on the other side of the road from the Tern Hide, off Ellingham Drove.
A visit to the lakes should provide a good range of both water- and woodland-related species. This is an opportunity to watch many birds at close range from the various hides.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Saturday 12 December
Keyhaven
Leader: Julian Moseley (07900 381051)
10.00 am–3.00 pm approximately (3–4 miles)
High tide is scheduled for 1.40 pm.
Parking is payable in the car park opposite the Gun Inn (grid reference SZ 3061 9149; W3W: jolt.public.delighted). Call Julian on 07900 381051 for information if needed.
Winter coastal birds, gulls, geese and ducks, plus the chance of a Peregrine if it feels hungry!
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Sunday 13 December
Basingstoke Canal and Greywell Moor
Leader: Keith Betton (07809 671468)
9.30 am–12.30 pm (3 miles)
Meet in the car park of the Fox & Goose, The Street, Greywell, Hook, RG29 1BY and park in the nearby road if not staying on for lunch. A walk along part of the Basingstoke Canal and nearby fens and farmland. Keith invites you to join him for lunch in the pub afterwards. Please let him know in advance if you’d like to do that. Bring snack and drinks.
Walk category B
Sunday 20 December
Warblington Shore to Budds Farm
Leader: Kevin Stouse (07510 600808)
9.30 am–2.00 pm (4 miles)
Meet at Warblington Church car park (grid reference SU 728054) for this walk along the shore to Budds Farm sewage works in search of winter birds and wildfowl.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
January 2027
Friday 1 January
Keyhaven
Leader: Donna Robinson (07718 518464)
9.30 am–2.30 pm (5 miles). Weather permitting.
Meet at the Keyhaven car park (RingGo app or coin in the machine) opposite the Gun Inn in Keyhaven (grid reference SZ 307915; W3W: prime.fond.hill).
We will drive some vehicles to Lymington and start our easy, flat walk on good tracks back to Keyhaven. Habitats include the sea, lagoons, saltmarsh, reed beds, hedgerows and open fields, offering a great kick-start to birding in 2027.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Wednesday 6 January
Farlington Marshes
Leader: George Baker (07952 926004)
9.30 am–1.00 pm (3 miles approximately)
Meet by the nature reserve entrance gate at the end of the track off the A27/Eastern Road roundabout at SU 679044 (OS 197 – Chichester). Take care when turning into this track through the height-restriction barrier. There is limited car parking close to the reserve gate, but a large car park is available further back along the track (W3W: vocal.lies.dogs).
We will search for winter wildfowl and waders. Wear stout shoes or boots and wrap up warm.
Bring snacks and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Wednesday 13 January
Titchfield Canal and Posbrook Floods
Leader: Alf Kitwood (07917 865925)
9.30 am–1.30 pm (3–3.5 miles)
Park in the car park (postcode PO14 4EA; grid reference SU 542054; W3W: confident.avoid.irony) at the northern end of the canal path along Bridge Street. Free parking; beware the height barrier, although it is suitable for cars.
A walk along the ancient canal, with gravel and some muddy paths, stopping to look over Posbrook Floods, meadows and farmland from various points along the path. We will be looking for winter waders, geese and wildfowl.
Bring wet-weather gear. Boots or wellies are recommended.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category B
Sunday 17 January
Normandy Lagoon & Oxey Marshes
Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
9.30 am–2.00 pm (3 miles)
Meet in the car park (grid reference SZ 326940; postcode SO41 8FF; W3W: slab.finishers.tank).
We will look for ducks, waders and migrants.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Sunday 24 January
Farlington Marshes
Leader: Kevin Stouse (07510 600808)
9.30 am–2.00 pm (5 miles)
Meet at Chalkdock Lake car park (grid reference SU 699055; W3W: about.sizes.usual). This is now designated as Chalkdock Lake car park on Google Maps. It is not the car park signposted Broadmarsh Coastal Path.
NB: The road layout means you have to do a U-turn to enter the car park, so continue up Harts Farm Way, where it widens, and make a U-turn to come back to the car park.
A walk around the marshes in search of winter and migrant birds.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Saturday 30 January
Weston Shore, Mayfield Park and West Wood
Leader: Phil Budd (07849 185896)
10.30 am–3.00 pm (4 miles)
Meet at the car park at the eastern end of Weston Shore along Weston Parade (grid reference SU 445 094; W3W: basin.puppy.smiled).
An easy route on mostly flat ground, but there will be one or two short sections of unavoidable busy roads where caution is needed. In the event of very wet weather and flooding at Weston Shore, the event will have to be cancelled. Birds and other winter wildlife of shore, urban areas, woodland and parkland.
Bring stout footwear and waterproofs if needed.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Note: Please contact Phil by text only if required.
February 2027
Saturday 20 February
Edenbrook Country Park, Fleet
Leader: John Blithe (07966 391297)
10.00 am–12.30 pm (3 miles)
Meet in the car park behind the leisure centre, off Hitches Lane (grid reference SU 793538; postcode GU51 5HS).
This walk will start from the Edenbrook car park (free parking). It is generally level, with mainly good paths, some of which can become flooded after heavy rain. Other grass paths are usually fine but can also become muddy or flooded after heavy rain, so bring good footwear.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Sunday 21 February
Keyhaven
Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
9.30 am–2.00 pm (5 miles)
Meet at the Keyhaven pay car park (RingGo app or coin in the machine) opposite the Gun Inn in Keyhaven (grid reference SZ 307915; W3W: prime.fond.hill).
Circular route with easy walking on the flat throughout, mainly on gravel paths. Habitats include the sea, lagoons, saltmarsh, reed beds, hedgerows and open fields, offering ducks, waders, gulls and terns. It is essential to bring wet-weather gear in case of wind and rain.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Saturday 27 February
Hayling Oyster Beds
Leader: Julian Moseley (07900 381051)
10.30 am–1.30 pm approximately (4 miles)
Meet at the gravel car park after turning off the A3023 leading onto Hayling Island (grid reference SU 7171 0297; W3W: coverings.blunt.uppermost). An Esso garage is on the right when going onto the island, so turn right just after the Esso garage onto a short, pitted and rutted lane that gives access to shoreline parking. There is currently no parking fee.
We hope to encounter divers, ducks, some land birds, grebes and a selection of gulls. Call Julian for information if needed.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Sunday 28 February
Warblington Shore to Budds Farm
Leader: Kevin Stouse (07510 600808)
9.30 am–2.00 pm (4 miles)
Meet at Warblington Church car park (grid reference SU 728054; W3W: wipes.bliss.glory) for this walk along the shore to Budds Farm sewage works in search of winter birds and wildfowl.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
March 2027
Saturday 6 March
Alice Holt
Leader: Keith Betton (07809 671468)
9.30 am–12.30 pm (3 miles)
We will meet at the car park on the north side of Abbotts Wood (grid reference SU 811410; W3W: cares.youths.assess; nearest postcode: GU10 4HA). Leave the A325 heading southeast. Ignore the main Alice Holt entrance on the left and continue to a smaller car park on the right, approximately 500 yards further along. There is a charge for parking on site.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Sunday 14 March
Warblington Shore to Hayling Oyster Beds
Leader: Kevin Stouse (07510 600808)
9.30 am–1.30 pm (3 miles)
Meet at Warblington Church car park (grid reference SU 728054; W3W: wipes.bliss.glory) for a walk along the shore to Hayling Oyster Beds in search of winter birds, waders and wildfowl.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Saturday 20 March
Durley – Southern Area
Leader: Phil Budd (07849 185896)
10.30 am–3.00 pm (4 miles)
Meet at the lay-by opposite the church on Durley Road (grid reference SU 505169; W3W: subplot.episode.called).
A relatively easy walk on mostly flat ground, looking for early spring birds and wildlife. There is at least one shallow uphill section. It is an area of clay soils, so paths may be muddy after wet weather.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Note: Please contact Phil by text only if required.
April 2027
Wednesday 7 April
Kilminster
Leader: Nick Wiley (07747 151160)
10.00 am–1.30 pm (3 miles)
Park at the village hall (grid reference SU 589 259; postcode SO24 0NW).
A walk around the village looking for late-winter migrants and first summer migrants, as well as resident species.
It could be muddy, so please wear appropriate footwear.
Bring lunch. Lunch en route.
Walk category B
Friday 17 April
Acres Down
Leader: Geoff Dicker (07969 793770)
8.00 am–12.30 pm (3 miles)
Meet in the Acres Down car park (grid reference SU 268097). Note that payment is by the RingGo app.
A circular walk of the area, including looking for displaying Goshawks and listening for drumming Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. Wellies are recommended.
Bring coffee and snacks en route.
Walk category B
Sunday 18 April
Farlington Marshes
Leader: Kevin Stouse (07510 600808)
9.30 am–2.00 pm (5 miles)
Meet at Chalkdock Lake car park (grid reference SU 699055; W3W: about.sizes.usual). This is now designated as Chalkdock Lake car park on Google Maps. It is not the car park signposted Broadmarsh Coastal Path.
NB: The road layout means you have to do a U-turn to enter the car park, so continue up Harts Farm Way, where it widens, and make a U-turn to come back to the car park.
A walk around the marshes in search of winter and migrant birds.
Bring lunch and drinks. Lunch en route.
Walk category A
Saturday 24 April
Pencroft Farm, Crondall
Leader: Keith Betton (07809 671468)
Details to follow.
May 2027
Sunday 9 May
Dawn Chorus – a walk at Pig Bush
Leader: Julian Moseley (07900 381051)
4.00 am
Details to follow.
Saturday 15 May
Titchfield Haven with a Treasure Hunt
Leaders: Donna Robinson (07718 518464) and Sally Buckell
9.30 am–1.30 pm (3 miles approximately)
This walk is for novice birders or those who want to have some birding fun. We aim to help you identify different birds and explore different habitats. May is a great time for birding in Titchfield, and you never know what will be about.
The meeting point is at the wooden gate to the beach by the pay-and-display parking machine, before going to get our tickets for the reserve.
Those who fancy bringing a packed lunch can sit on the sea wall and look out for some seabirds while eating.
Walk category A
June 2027
Wednesday 2 June
Cheriton Gander Down
Leader: Nick Wiley (07747 151160)
10.00 am–2.30 pm (4 miles)
Park at Cheriton Tennis Club car park (grid reference SU 580 284; postcode SO24 0QQ), near the Flower Pots Inn.
A walk out to Gander Down looking for farmland birds such as Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting, as well as raptors and butterflies.
Bring lunch. Lunch en route.
Walk category C