Mottisfont Circular

At the coming of the month of May we feel 'a quickening hope, a freshening glee' according to Wordsworth. We notice 'how lovly now are lanes and balks / For toils and lovers' Sunday walks' according to Clare. The lovely lanes on this (Saturday) walk will take us up to picnic on Ashley Down, 167 metres up, where we'll survey the countryside mantled in Maytime majesty. That will be after seeing the village of Michelmersh and before seeing the village of King's Somborne, both of which have the Hampshire hallmarks of cottages of deep red brick and timbering.

If the outward-bound route (please click on the link) builds to the climax on Ashley Down, winding through pastures and woodlands, the return route descends to join the River Test at Horsebridge where a station, platforms and a railway carriage in green Southern livery remain from the Test Way's days as 'The Sprat and Winkle line' which took fish and shellfish (and watercress) up to London via Andover. It lasted a hundred years, opening in 1865 and closing in 1967. 

Just where the River Dun adds its clear, chalky water to the River Test and trout teem, we branch off to complete the route, seeing romantic Mottisfont Abbey at a distance and glimpsing the conversion of thirteenth-century priory to eighteenth-century mansion across its lawns and haha. By that point, all that will remain of the walk is to pass through the pretty hamlet of Mottisfont and cross buttercup meadows back to the station. 

Dogs are welcome to join us on this event but we do ask the following: Please ensure you adhere to the Countryside Code at all times (see Keeping Dogs Under Effective Control) If your dog is uncontrolled and strays in open land frightening other animals or livestock, the leader is supported by the OutdoorLads board of trustees to ask you to leave the event as this is not acceptable behaviour.

COVID-19 IMPORTANT: Please read the following before you sign up to this event:

• Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
• All are required to practice social distancing – staying 2m (not 1m) apart at all times, including the lunch stop.
• Unfortunately, there won’t be any planned pub / café stops en route or at the end, and please don’t share sweets or snacks with others – we’re sorry!
• Please bring your own hand sanitising gel for your own use throughout the day. Use of face coverings is at your own choice, but please bring one with you just in case it's needed. 
• Each person can only attend one OutdoorLads event a week. (Leaders to leave at least three days between events they lead.)
• On walks, one person to hold open gates and allow everyone to walk through – so minimising surfaces that multiple people touch. 
• Be aware that opportunities for toilet stops may be minimal if facilities are closed.
• Please, please cancel at your earliest opportunity if you are unable to attend or are unwell, so that we can allow others to take up these valuable event spaces.
• Much as it's difficult - no handshakes or hugs!

Participation Statement

OutdoorLads draws your attention to the fact that travelling and being away from home increases the risk of receiving and transmitting Coronavirus, whilst it is present in the UK. You are likely to choose not to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst there is a risk of Coronavirus transmission. However, should you choose to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst the risk is present, you must be aware of and follow the law and government guidelines, both when travelling to and from events as well as when participating in events.

Please note that every person participating should be aware of (and accept) that those members perceived as ‘in charge’ or leading the event are not experts,  do not need to be experts, and are not regarded by OutdoorLads, or themselves as experts, but are amateurs with some experience in the event type and who are happy to impart their knowledge.  Any advice given should be considered with this in mind by the recipient.

By signing up to and attending an OutdoorLads micro event, you are confirming that you have read, understood and accept the content of this statement.

(Picture credits: Footpath above Lower Brook by David Martin; Sheep in field near Hall Place by David Martin; Braishfield Road, north of Braishfield by David Martin; Bailey's Down and Parnholt Lane by Peter Jordan; The Clarendon Way on Ashley Down by Chris Heaton; Clarendon Way at the Hoplands Equestrian Centre by Chris Heaton; Thatched cottage with sculpted tree, King's Somborne by David Martin; Clarendon Way descending towards King's Somborne by Chris Heaton; Test Way by David Martin; River Dun, near Dunbridge, Hampshire by Peter Jordan; All pictures are licensed for re-use under Creative Commons CC BY-SA 2.0)