This will be a three day walk clockwise around the Isle of Wight using the coastal path, a total of 72 miles. The precise details are to be confirmed but the longest walk will be 27 miles from Cowes to Ventor on our first day. We will then walk 25 miles from Ventor to Totland then finally 21 miles from Totland to Cowes. The current plan is that we stay in or near our finish points at Bed and Breakfasts i.e. we carry everything with us. It is therefore an exercise in efficient packing! I have limited it to six for ease of arranging accommodation. Others can join for all or part if they sort their own accommodation but please let me know. We will need to keep to a good pace during the walk so please ensure you are capable! Having done this before, I can offer some guidance on survival and tricks. There are buses of varying frequency as a back up in some places.

A gentle walk in the Blackwater Valley southwards from Farnborough. We'll follow the River Blackwater out and return via the Basingstoke Canal. The paths are easy going and we'll stop for lunch near Ash so please bring a packed lunch. We will also visit the Prince of Wales pub (http://www.theprinceinfarnborough.co.uk) on the way back. It is highly likely the walk leader will stay longer in the pub. (Prior to the Prince of Wales there may be an option for a post lunch drink in The Swan in Ash Vale.)

Let's make the most of this clement weather! The plan is to meet on Southampton Common for a bbq and few drinks, then continue throughout the day, perhaps doing a little pub crawl; the Brewhouse nearby has an excellent beer garden for us to start in. If anyone has a sizable portable BBq let me know, otherwise please bring some disposable ones along - I'll bring a couple myself. Bring your own food and boos as well - I've set up a google sheet - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Nkgudsx_FjyvDtkxM4_grOOWusoXoOQsyfZQuLuvEBk/edit?usp=sharing (you will have to copy and paste the link as I can't get it to work on here) so that you can say that you are coming and what you bringing, that way we won't end up with packs of 15 burgers and pack of kebabs. New members are welcome and socials do not count towards your three free walks.

On Saturday 2 June HCC Rights of Way and South Downs National Park are organising a ‘Hit the Trail’ event. This is designed to promote the varying uses of the Meon Valley Trail along the old railway from south of Wickham to West Meon. As part of this we're putting on a short walk along the trail, suitable for new walkers (or experienced walkers looking for a more relaxed day). We're starting after lunch, so just good footwear and a coat are required. We should arrive back in West Meon in time to join in the village fete.

Meeting at the Portsmouth Wightlink ferry terminal, we will start with a little public transport before striding across the verdant pastures near Brading on the Isle of Wight, and climbing Brading Down before a lunch stop in the pub. The second half of the walk drops down onto the coast path and winds around the eastern end of the island before a long beach-walk back to Ryde.

This year the national young ramblers weekend away is being Hosted by the Berkshire Walkers. I attended the last two events in Cardiff and Edinburgh and they were good fun. They need final numbers by January 21st , I will list the relevant links below; please contact them directly if you are interested. Event web page - https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/nyr2018 Groups Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/17913796136/permalink/10155319755291137/ Promotional Poster - https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/NYR2018-4-v3.pdf?x79728

A group trip to the picturesque Lake District! We will be staying in two cottages in Bowness-on-Windermere, and taking the opportunity to visit the surrounding lakes and mountains. Although we'll mainly be walking, there may also be opportunities for other outdoor pursuits such as rock-climbing and kayaking. While the programme will be determined by the preferences of the group, please note that walking in the Lake District is generally more demanding than in Hampshire, with steep and potentially rocky slopes. If that's not for you, you're still welcome but may prefer to do your own activities. One of the cottages sleeps 8, the other 6. However, both include a double room so, dependent on who comes, numbers may be reduced to 5 and 7. All other rooms are also for 2: either twin or bunk. The total cost of the cottages is £1161, which I will divide evenly between the number of people. So, for example, with 14 takers it will be £83 each; with 12 it will be £97. I recommend you book quickly to ensure your place. I will send out payment details later but will need the full sum by Easter. Let me know if you have any queries.

Fancy a challenge? The Clarendon Way links Salisbury on the River Avon with Winchester on the River Itchen and crosses the River Test at Kings Somborne. The scenery ranges from the water meadows of the valleys with their charming villages through woodlands to chalk downs with their fine views. We will meet outside Salisbury railway station and then walk to the Cathedral, the start of the walk. We will end at the Cathedral in Winchester. Please note this has been listed as a strenuous walk. We will be walking at around 2.5-3mph to ensure we complete the 26 miles in a reasonable time. There will not be any options to drop-out along the route. Please ensure you bring plenty of food and water. We will go for pizza in Winchester at the end to celebrate! The meet time is 08.45am, but we will wait for trains from the Southampton and Winchester directions arriving at 9am.

A hilly loop through Stanstead Park and on to Kingley Vale where the climbing is rewarded with a lovely view. There's a pub stop in Stoughton, but this is unlikely to coincide with lunch.