HOS Walks programme
We have a regular programme of HOS walks in place. Attendees no longer need to book a place on HOS walks, but we would ask that you recognise that COVID is still with us and that some people would still prefer that social distancing is observed.
However, please also note that it will be necessary to continue 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.
Please adhere to the current Covid rules which can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
Please note some details are not currently known, but will be added when available.
December 2025
Sunday 21 December
Farlington Marshes
Leader: Kevin Stouse (07510 600808)
9.30 am to 2.00 pm (5 miles)
Walk category A
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 birds.
Bring coffee and lunch/Lunch en route.
January 2026
Sunday 4 January
Normandy Lagoon & Oxey Marshes
Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
09.30 am to 2.30 pm (3 miles)
Walk category A
Meet at junction of Maiden Lane and Normandy Lane and park on road, opposite large house called Kingfishers (Post code SO41 8FF: Grid ref SZ 326 940; W3W: hawks.blurts.headliner).
We will look for ducks, waders & migrants.
Bring drinks and lunch/Lunch en route.
Sunday 11 January
Basingstoke Canal and Tundry Pond
Leader: Keith Betton (07809 671468)
09.30 am to 12.30 pm (3 miles)
Walk category A
Meet in the Barley Mow slipway car park (Grid ref 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 again, which is next to the Barley Mow pub if anyone fancies lunch.
Open country and water birds with a mix of winter waterfowl. An easy walk with a gravel path all the way.
Bring drinks.
Saturday 24 January
Hook with Warsash, Southampton
Leader: George Batho (Mobile number 07710 404919)
10.00 am to 2.00 pm (2 to 2.5 miles)
Walk category B
Park in Hook Park Road, SO31 9SB (Grid ref SU 4696 051; W3W: supplied.widen.replayed). Coming from Warsash, go over the bridge, up the hill and take the unmade road on your left past the big white house.
Walking through woodland to coastal habitat for an opportunity to look for winter waders, ducks and coastal birds. Might encounter muddy paths.
Bring drinks and lunch/Lunch en route.
Saturday 31 January
Basingstoke Canal and Greywell Moor
Leader: Keith Betton (07809 671468)
9.30 am until 12.30 pm (3 miles)
Meet in the car park of the Fox & Goose pub, The Street, Greywell, Hook RG29 1BY, grid reference (SU 718513). W3W – distracts.proclaims.alleges
A walk to take in the birds and other wildlife along both man-made and natural waterways, as well as the adjacent marsh, scrub and woodland.
As there is limited parking please register your plan to attend with the leader (keithbetton@hotmail.com). Also Keith invites you to enjoy lunch in the pub with him after the walk – they do great food!
February 2026
Saturday 7 February
Lepe Country Park
Leader: Joost Brandsma (07401 568130)
09.00 am to 12.30 pm (2 miles)
Walk category A
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.
Sunday 15 February
Keyhaven
Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
9.30 am to 2.30 pm (5 miles)
Walk category A
Meet at the Keyhaven pay car park (RingGo app or coin in the machine) opposite the Gun pub in Keyhaven (Grid ref SZ 307915; W3W adventure.reminder.wires).
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 and lunch/Lunch en route.
Sunday 22 February
South East Winchester
Leader: Tom Jordan (07914 318031)
9.00 am to 12. 00 pm (3 miles)
Walk category B/C
Meet in the car park at St Catherine’s Hill (Grid ref SU483280/SO239PA).
The walk will cover downland, farmland and wetland habitats including a stop to view the sewage farm with various ducks and waders likely. A good walk, with some moderate ups and downs and rougher ground. There will be time for a drink and snack. Toilets and refreshments available at cafe by car park.