Walking at Whitsbury Green then refreshments at the Forde Inn

 on 1st September 2026

Today may have been the first day of autumn but there was still plenty of summer sunshine around when we met at the Forde Inn for our walk. There were thirteen of us today which at one point allowed us to split into three different walks of varying lengths. Always important that none of us find ourselves walking too far....definitely don't want to discourage anyone.What a lovely afternoon we had as we strolled along the walkways around Whitsbury Green, up into the woods and then returning for coffee/tea and cake at the Forde Inn. Some of us crossed the main road and had a longer walk parallel to and through  Augustus Park before we headed back for refreshments. 

Once again,we were very well looked after, as we sat in the sunshine, by all staff. Two of us have daughters getting married in the next few weeks so on the way home there was quite a bit of chat about speeches. You never quite know what we will end up chatting about on a Tuesday afternoon.

                     Walking at Breamore House on Tuesday 18th August 2026

The weather was beautiful and thankfully not too hot that it was unsafe to walk so we parked at The Pantry Barn, before heading off to explore part of the Breamore Estate.  Prior to our walk, we were able to chose our cake and drink, which were both waiting for us on our return. Lots of catching up took place on this walk, as the heatwaves meant we didn't meet up as often as we would have liked in recent weeks. It was lovely to see everyone again, although our numbers were lower today as some of our PALS have other commitments during the summer holidays. 

We headed to the house, commenting on the dry and yellow grass all around, then stopped to admire the beautiful buildings. Some of us have explored the inside also, so there was plenty to talk about.

Afterwards, we then headed back down to the beautiful little church. We then spent some time inside allowing us to read some important historical facts and learn more about the local community. For many of us, this was our first visit to this church.

By now, we were all ready to return to our reserved seats at The Pantry Barn, where we  enjoyed our cake and drink. We chatted for a while then set off home. Once again, the staff were extremely helpful and made us feel so welcome. Without doubt, it was lovely to be back walking as a group, now that it was a little bit cooler. We are all hoping the temperature allows us to walk again on 1st September.

               Walking at Tinkers Cross, Fordingbridge then Forde Inn

                                                on 16th June 2026

Fifteen of us met at Forde Inn this afternoon just before 14.00, then headed out to explore the country footpaths. The weather was in our favour, not too hot and very pleasant.

We stopped after forty minutes and some chose to return to the cafe whilst others headed off on a longer walk  ensuring we were back for 15.00 for a well earned cuppa. It was a very quiet walk, unsure if we actually met anyone whilst we explored, for some, a new area.

A huge thank you to the staff at Forde Inn who looked after us so well. We had a choice of some delicious cake, coffee and tea to round off a very pleasant afternoon. The rain did arrive but not until all of us were very close to home....won't need to water our gardens tonight either.

                                 Walking at Friars Cliff on Tuesday 2nd June 2026

When we met at Avon Run Road Car Park around 13.50, the sun was shining and it looked like a pleasant walk ahead. However, by the time we reached the Beach Hut Cafe, the rain had arrived. We waited a little while then split into two groups; one group decided to stay at the cafe whilst the other, with waterproofs, decided to walk a bit further. The rain was intermittent but we managed to walk to Steamer Point Nature Reserve and back without getting too wet. Sheltering under the trees and beach hut canopies assisted us along our way.

As usual, delicious cake and coffee/tea at the Beach Hut put a smile on everyone's face. A huge thank you to the staff at the cafe who were busy, as many like us, were sheltering from the rain when it became much heavier.