tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post3014972076624690619..comments2024-03-28T11:16:38.801+00:00Comments on SWC - This Week's Walks: Saturday Second Walk - Dean to Mottisfont & Dunbridge (Test Valley and surrounding Downs)Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395064086819994526noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post-39515174642748711592016-07-25T09:53:33.341+01:002016-07-25T09:53:33.341+01:0027 km in 27 degrees, everyone survived it, intact ...27 km in 27 degrees, everyone survived it, intact and in good spirit.<br />n=10 walkers (incl. 1 first-timer) set off in w=hot weather, with the morning stretch featuring plenty of shaded woods and lanes though, and with some views as well down the Dun Valley and from Broughton Down into the Wallop Brook Valley just before lunch at the Tally Ho! in the lovely village of Broughton (home of Hildon Mineral Water).<br /><br />2 walkers (incl. the walk-checker) then decided to take the shortcut, mainly through woods and between fields. The others ploughed on through the Wallop Brook, then the Test Valley, only to hit a major 'delay' at the bridge over the Test, where an extended padddling and wading session arupted. Surprisingly the crystal clear water would've still been just about high enough for swimming, alas: no one had their swimmies with them. <br /><br />Onwards and back up to the rim of the valley, then looping south to Mottisfont, via some scenic side valleys, with plenty more tree cover, plenty of churches to visit and hardly a soul in sight. And across the Test Meadows once more. A very good walk for a hot day, I'd say (but then I'm biased). <br /><br />Some took the first train going, most stayed at The Mill Arms for dinner. 20.56 train for those. Thomas Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01298846868417688062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post-41810176811705383902016-07-18T22:13:29.172+01:002016-07-18T22:13:29.172+01:00Intend going.Intend going.DAChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11248487802952116209noreply@blogger.com