Where To Go… In and Around The Ashford Hangers
When you’re in the mood for a bit of natural drama, consider the Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve, a part of Hampshire that has been referred to as “Little Switzerland”.
Find the Atlantic Wall at Hankley Common, Thursley
With sandy paths galore, James Bond connections and World War 2 remnants, Hankley Common is full of surprises. Hankley Common has beautiful
Venture into the Lost World of Thursley Common, Thursley
Today I found out that the Dragonfly Trail along the Thursley Common boardwalk has been rebuilt and is open! At its best, there is something almost primeval
Dare to Enter Thor’s Den at Thursley Playground, Thursley
Welcome to Thor’s Den! An exciting name for an exciting play area sitting on the edge of Thursley Common. The equipment includes: toddler swings (with
Find Flashes along Section 6 of the Basingstoke Canal
One of the surprises hiding along the Basingstoke Canal are flashes – one minute you are walking along a narrow canal and the next, a beautiful lake known as a flash.
Discover Locks and Play Areas along the Basingstoke Canal
This beautiful walk along the Basingstoke Canal has the added bonus of three play areas, three locks and plenty of ducks! Section 5 of the Basingstoke Canal
Explore the Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett
Don’t be fooled by the Basingstoke Canal Centre’s unassuming appearance – it’s a convenient gateway to the beautiful Basingstoke Canal, complete
Marvel at the Deepcut Flight on Section 4, Basingstoke Canal
Arguably the most interesting stretch of the Basingstoke Canal, this walking or cycle route takes you past 11 of the huge locks that lift the canal 100 feet in just 2 miles
Hollowdene Recreation Ground, Frensham, Farnham
Hollowdene Recreation Ground has a small play area with equipment for use by children under the age of 14 years. If you walk down past the playing fields you come to a
Basingstoke Canal Centre Play Area, Mytchett
As well as all the activities on offer, the Basingstoke Canal Centre has a small wooden play area with a circular obstacle course. You can also walk along the
Lakeside Nature Reserve Adventure Play Area, Ash Vale
Lakeside Nature Reserve Play Area is an adventure play area on the edge of Lakeside Nature Reserve, which also has brass rubbing posts, lakes, an orchid
Take Brass Rubbings at Lakeside Nature Reserve, Ash Vale
Hidden around Lakeside Nature Reserve are brass rubbing posts, lakes, an orchid meadow, woodland, and an adventure play area. You can also find the Basingstoke
Tongham Moors Play Area, Tongham, Near Aldershot
When I last checked, Tongham Moors Play Area had no play equipment but does have a small, wild patch of land that you can walk around for a few minutes.
Meet Nymphs and a Boggart on the Blackwater Valley Path
A cheeky boggart and some wood and water nymphs are just some of the creatures waiting to meet you along the Blackwater Valley Path. You may also spot fish, butterflies
Where To Go… In and Around the Blackwater Valley Path
The River Blackwater rises in Aldershot and flows to the River Loddon in Swallowfield, near Reading. The Blackwater Valley Path follows the river on its
Dodge Puddles and Spot Graffiti on the Blackwater Valley Path
This stretch of the Blackwater Valley Path offers clear views of the tree-lined river and some colourful graffiti, if you will brave its puddled paths. This section is 2 miles
Cycle Along the River on the Blackwater Valley Path
Section 4 of the Blackwater Valley Path follows the river’s route along the busy A331 dual carriageway. Unfortunately, you tend to be more aware of the road than the river.
Discover a Canal in the Sky on the Blackwater Valley Path
Stumbling across a canal flowing over a bridge is one of the biggest surprises I have had on a local walk! The Ash Aqueduct and three play areas all wait along Section 3
Find a Five Leaf Clover on the Blackwater Valley Path
Along the Blackwater are patches where you can find four and even five leaf clovers. These are very rare so be sure to only give one to someone you love very much!
Begin at the Beginning on the Blackwater Valley Path
The Blackwater begins in the tranquil Rowhill Nature Reserve and so does the Blackwater Valley Path, which winds with the river, past the source, waterfalls and bridges
Follow the Blackwater to Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire
The Blackwater Valley Path follows the River Blackwater from its boggy source in Aldershot to its end at the River Loddon in Swallowfield, near Reading. Along the way are
Discover the Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill, Aldershot
Rowhill Nature Reserve hides the source of the River Blackwater amongst charismatically named areas like Stickleback Pond, Rhododendron
Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area, Aldershot
Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area is a small play area with a busy industrial estate at one end and the River Blackwater at the other. The play equipment is
Discover the Delights of Pond Dipping, Rowan Field, Ash
Rowan Field is unusual – a nature reserve split in half by the A331. On the other side of the dual carriageway is Shawfields, an area of ancient meadow. Rowan Field
Meet a Boggart on the Hawley Meadows Story Trail, Camberley
The Hawley Meadows Story Trail is a series of short stories about wood nymphs, water nymphs and a cheeky boggart. It is called “The Story of the Nymphs and the Boggart“
Hawley Meadows, River Blackwater, Near Camberley
According to the information boards, Hawley Meadows gives an impression of how the Blackwater Valley would have looked 100 years ago. It must have been
Shawfield Recreation Ground, Ash, Near Aldershot
Shawfield Recreation Ground is a local play area with a field and a kick wall. The play equipment includes swings, toddler swings, two multiplays with
Find Sand, Ducks and Mega Multiplays at Aldershot Park
Aldershot Park is bursting with things to do – play areas, a sand pit, ducks, sports pitches, a trim trail and river walks. Its two play areas packed with equipment.
Beldhams Road Play Area, Wrecklesham, Farnham
Beldhams Road Play Area is a small local play area. The play equipment is for children to the age of 14 and includes: a climbing frame with a small climbing wall, a second
Drive the Tractor at The Jubilee Play Area, Tilford
The Jubilee Play Area is a small play area in Tilford with a zip wire and a tractor! The play equipment includes a tractor to play on
a wooden house with a slide,
Hunt for a Stone Age Quarry in Shere Woodlands
A Stone Age quarry hides in the deepest parts of Shere Woodlands. Tracking it down was one of those wild occasions where I began to feel like an explorer…
Pondside Play at Petersfield Heath and Play Area
Beautifully situated Petersfield Heath Play Area has it all – a pondside play area with a cafe, plenty of ducks to feed, a circular walk past ancient monuments
Be Enchanted by West Hanger, Shere Woodlands
There is something magical about Shere Woodlands. Maybe it’s the paths that twist past old, gnarled trees, secret hideouts and quiet copses. Maybe it’s the stone
Spin, Slide and Spring at King George V Play Area, Farnborough
King George V Playing Fields and Play Area is a well equipped play area with a range of equipment for children of all ages. The play equipment is said to be
Play By a Lake at Broadwater Park Play Area, Godalming
Broadwater Park’s sandy play area is by a lake, so when you have finished playing you can go for a walk, feed the ducks and have a picnic. The play area is for
Sail a Seascape at Osbourne Road Play Area, Farnborough
A sea scene is playing out at Osbourne Road Play Area, with sea creatures, palm trees, a wooden island and two ships, one with a cannon. Friend or foe? The choice
Combe Road Recreation Ground, Godalming
Combe Road Recreation Ground and Play Area is a very small local play area in the middle of a field surrounded by houses. The play equipment includes a swing
Enter the Lion’s Den at Stockbridge Common Marsh, near Andover
Hidden along the banks of the River Test, Stockbridge Common Marsh is a tranquil spot for a picnic, paddle and walk. As you enter, you pass a sign that says ‘The Lions Den’
See Eight Counties from the Top of St Martha’s Hill
Some say that on a clear day you can see eight counties from the top of St Martha’s Hill! I am not sure about that but the views are picturesque and we did
Longbourne Green Local Play Area, Godalming
Longbourne Green Play Area is a small local play area in the middle of a field. The play equipment includes a multiplay and slide with a bridge, net and climbing wall
Trap a Sea Monster on the Salterns Story Trail, Lymington
Are you brave enough to step back in time to 1832 and help a salt farmer trap a sea monster? If so, The Story of Salterns, Sea Monsters and Saving the Day
Spot Salterns at the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve
For hundreds of years, people have used the coastal lagoons of The Solent to trap sea water and create salt. Today some can be see at the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature
Discover Medieval Warfare at Corfe Castle, Wareham
Sitting high on a hill, Corfe Castle guards a gap in the Purbeck Hills, and is a fun castle to explore. Corfe Castle dates back to about 1066 and the Norman invasion of England.
Sail on a Sea of Sand at Queens Road Play Area, Farnborough
The sandy Queens Road Play Area and Recreation Ground has with equipment for a variety of ages, a large field with sports facilities and wildflowers. The play
Conquer Shoulder of Mutton Hill, Ashford Hangers, Steep
Of all the places I have explored, Shoulder of Mutton Hill is my favourite – it’s also the place I visit most often. I love the climb, I love the views and I love the
Find Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill, Ashford Hangers
In 1822, William Cobbett was surprised to discover Wheatham Hill, “…out we came, all in a moment, at the very edge of the hanger! And never, in all my life,
Paddle at Lutcombe Bottom in the Ashford Hangers, Petersfield
There is a magical patch of wild at the foot of Lutcombe Bottom that is easier to access than the rest of the Ashford Hangers. This area has a shallow stream,
Walk to Mill Lane Waterfall from Steep Recreation Ground
The mesmerizing Mill Lane Waterfall roars down a hill and under the road where it pools as the slow flowing Ashford Stream. You can walk to the waterfall
Steep Recreation Ground and Play Area, Near Petersfield
Steep Recreation Ground is a small play area near Mill Lane waterfall and within walking distance of the Shoulder of Mutton Hill and the Ashford Hangers. The play
Old Farm Place Play Area, Ash Vale, near Farnborough
Old Farm Place Play Area in Farnborough is a small local play area. The play equipment is said to be for children between the ages of 4 and 8 years and includes