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.
April 2025
Sunday 13 April
Farlington Marshes
Leader: Kevin Stouse (07510 600808)
9.30am to 2.30pm (5 miles)
Meet at Broadmarsh Car Park (grid reference SU699055). N.B. road layout means you have to do a U-turn to enter the car park (continue up Harts Farm Way and where it widens you can U turn to come back to car park). The car park is entered via a height restriction barrier and has large concrete blocks in it and is NOT the car park signposted Broadmarsh Coastal Path.
A walk round the Marshes in search of migrant birds.
Bring lunch and drink/lunch en route.
Walk category A
Saturday 26 April/Sunday 27 April
Lakeside Country Park
10.00am to 4.00pm
Binocular and Telescope Fair 2025
HOS has been invited to attend this event and several HOS members will be there with a sales stand. If you want to look at optical gear make a note for the diary. Detailed directions can be downloaded here.
Sunday 27 April
Keyhaven
Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
9.30am to approx. 3.30pm (5 miles)
Meet at the Keyhaven pay car park (RingGo app or coins in the machine) opposite The Gun pub in Keyhaven (grid reference SZ307915; postcode SO41 0T; What3words – drives.soups.wounds). RingGo users can pay by calling 01590 605959 or SMS 81025 (Location ID 2588).
A 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 lunch and drink.
Walk category A.
May 2025
Sunday 4 May
Dawn chorus at Pig Bush
Leader: Julian Moseley (07900 381051)
4.00am to 8.00am (3 miles)
Meet at grid reference SU361050 / What3words – skill.doing.unwanted. Please ring 07900 381051 for information or contact at the site on the day. Numbers limited to 20 so please notify leader beforehand if wishing to attend.
This is usually a very good location for a mix of heathland and woodland species and we might be able to catch late returning nocturnal birds such as Tawny Owl and possibly Nightjar.
Walk category A
Saturday 17 May
Longparish
Leader: Geoff Sharp (01256 470286)
9:30am – 1:00pm (3 – 4 miles)
Meet in the village car park (opposite the village hall) off the B3048 (grid reference SU 426440).
A leisurely walk, taking in the River Test and its feeder channels as well as the field and the lanes around this lovely village. We will be looking for riverside birds, warblers, Cuckoo and raptors.
Bring lunch and drink/lunch en route.
Walk category A
Sunday 18 May
Portland Bill
Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
10:00am to approx. 3.00pm (4 miles)
Meet at the Portland Bill car park at the Bill. Use app or coins or phone to pay for parking, (grid reference SY 677685, postcode DT5 2JT, What3words – overlaps.bottle.axed).
Walk is circular on undulating ground on grass or hard paths throughout and will encompass a variety of maritime and coastal habitats with some fantastic sea / cliff views. We shall be looking for seabirds and migrants, plus resident species.
Bring lunch and drink.
Walk Category B
Saturday 24 May
Durlston Country Park, Isle of Purbeck
Leader: Julian Moseley (07900 381051)
10.30am to 3.30pm (3 miles)
Park at car park (grid reference SZ 0330 7732; What3words – rudder.actor.contoured). Parking payable by the usual methods.
A day’s ramble in this area should produce seabirds, raptors and the regular species of coastal downland. The elevated perspective from the cliffside walk usually helps with ID. The path surface is broken and crumbling at one spot descending into the valley by the coastguard centre, but is otherwise uneven but reasonably good. Study centre has a cafe overlooking the sea.
Walk category B
Saturday 31 May
Farmland around the rivers Lyde & Loddon, Hook, Hants
Leader: Simon Stacey (07720 467678)
9.30am to 12.30pm (3.5 miles).
Park on Wildmoor Lane at postcode RG27 0HE / W3W farmed.commutes.duty. Due to limited parking of 8 cars please let the leader know if you wish to attend.
A walk in woodland and around the banks of the rivers Lyde & Loddon. Target species include Yellowhammer, Skylark, Marsh Tit, Cuckoo, various warblers, Bullfinch, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and Spotted Flycatcher. It can be quite muddy, even in June, so stout walking boots advisable although the walk is all flat.
Walk category A
June 2025
Wednesday 4 June
Cheriton to Gander Down
Leader: Nick Wiley (07747 151160)
10.00am to 2.30pm (4 miles).
Park at Cheriton tennis club car park near Flower Pots Inn (grid reference SU580284; postcode SO24 0QQ)
A walk out to Gander Down looking for farmland birds such as Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting; also good for raptors and butterflies.
Bring lunch/lunch en route.
Walk category C
Saturday 7 June
Tidgrove Warren Farm (near Kingsclere) for Stone Curlews
Leader: Keith Betton (07809 671468)
9.30am to 1.00pm (2 miles)
Entrance to the farm is at grid reference SU516538 / postcode RG25 3EN, but don’t rely entirely on this. Drive through the gate, continue for 500m and follow directions to parking from there. This is at the invitation of the landowner, Raleigh Place, who farms organically and manages areas of his farm to encourage breeding downland birds (including Stone Curlew) and uncommon arable plants.
Will include a short talk about Stone Curlews.
Walk category B.
Sunday 8 June
Buriton for Farmland Birds
Leader: Kevin Stouse (07510 600808)
9.00am – 3.00pm (7 miles)
Meet at Buriton village pond car park near church (grid reference SU 740200).
A circular walk (with two stops) along the footpath to Petersfield Heath and back in search of autumn farmland birds. Will be muddy if recently rained.
Bring lunch and drink/lunch en route.
Walk category B
Sunday 15 June
Blashford Lakes HIWWT Reserve
Leader: Ian Packer (07505 084123)
09.30am to approx. 1.00pm (2 miles)
Meet in the free car park by the Tern Hide (grid reference SU151083; What3words – mirror.neckline.mash). The Reserve postcode is BH24 3PJ and is on the other side of the road to 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 drink.
Walk category A