Ernie's Rise to Victor's Fall Midweek Walk
11 people attending
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Note: This is a linear walk starting in Eastleigh and finishing in Shawford. A train ride is required to get back to the start point. The last part of the walk will also be after sunset so a headtorch is required.
We start our walk at Eastleigh Railway station. Eastleigh was the inspiration and setting for Benny Hill's hit record, Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West), and there’s a blue plaque in Market Street commemorating his life.
We head off along to join the Itchen Way and walk alongside part of the Itchen Navigation. A 'navigation' is a modified river, the Itchen Navigation being created in 1710 to transport barges of coal and timber from Southampton to Winchester. The old towpath is now a public footpath allowing access to the beautiful river.
Our route is home to otter, water vole, salmon and rare dragonflies and a multitude of bats and other animals. As well as the natural beauty of the river we'll pass locks restored by the Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail Project that is preserving the Navigation's important industrial heritage.
We'll finish our evening walk at Shawford Railway Station, famous as the setting for the final scene in the comedy series One Foot in the Grave.
What to bring
Please refer to Walking gear for what may want to wear and bring on the walk. A couple of points of advice:
- The path narrows in places and nettles encroach on the remaining space so long trousers are recommended to avoid nettles stings.
- If there's been rain or showers in the days before the walk it some parts may be muddy so wear suitable walking boots.
176599
Food & drink
Brings some water and any snacks for along the route.
We'll finish the walk at Shawford then enjoy some refreshments at The Bridge Inn which should still be serving food when we arrive.