Whitewater Walking
14 people attending
1 place left
The river Whitewater runs to the northeast from Hook, across the chalk (hence the name) to join the Blackwater and on into the Thames. Our walk skirts the valley of the Whitewater for a little while, crossing briefly into Mattingley and Hazleley Bottom before heading up to the heath. We return via Hartley Wintney, the former site of a Cistercian priory, and now pretty, small town.
The gentle countryside of the part of north Hampshire gives open, typically english views, with the occasional more dramatic view point. About a third of the walk will follow the Brenda Parker Way, which is named in honour of a member of the Ramblers who contributed significantly to the path network in Hampshire and making the countryside accessible.
Is it dog friendly? Dogs are welcome but please note and abide by the Countryside Code (https://tinyurl.com/rlqvp3h) and be prepared for a couple of stiles / hills on the walk. Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do, so please be mindful of other members.
New Members - I would like to warmly welcome any new members looking perhaps to try this as their first Outdoor Lads event. You may find this link useful https://www.outdoorlads.com/my-first-event or if you have If you have any questions then feel free to message me.
Photo Credits: All photos were taken by the author and OutDoorLads has permission to use them.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.
What to bring
The walk is mainly on chalk lanes and paths across open fields. If it is wet, the chalk becomes slippery and the field mud sticky, so good footwear with plenty of grip is recommended.
There is limited shelter on the route, either from the wind/rain or beating sunshine: please dress appropriately to the forecast, bringing waterproofs and a sun hat.
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Bring sufficient food and drink for the day; there is a potential pub stop near the end of the walk.