My next walk leading event for the AAC had arrived. I planned a walk around
the Long valley training area and into the Driver training section. I had done
a recce last weekend and this was the real event. I started the week with 11
people and ended it with 15 - a large group to keep on time.
I arrived early at the Wellington Statue car park - I wanted to make sure the
gates were open into the controlled area. I parked up ad walked past the statue
and up the track towards the 1st gear driving section of Rushmoor arena. Indeed
the gate was open so the first hurdle crossed successfully. Back to the car park
and I waited for the first group to arrive - they, like me, wanted to avoid the
station car park charges.
We walked along the road into the town followed a trace I had done several times
before, with a slight detour to Jim's old house. At the station we dropped into
the station café for a coffee waiting for the first train. Most of the group
arrived over the next 30 mins (by train, car and also the way I had come)
Over the railway and throguh Manor park, passing the church to cross church
lane. Luckily there was an tarmacked track to keep off the wet and muddy
grass.
Down the twitten to Brickfields park (keeping to the gravel path to keep off the
mud). We picked up the last pair at this car park before following the road
aroudn to Rowhill copse. A pause at the source for Blackwater stream, and then
on passing the visitor centre and car park.
Over the A325 and finally into the training area - this one is predominately
open. Up the steep(ish) bank and onto the main path. There are views over the
whole area from here.
Looking over to Caesar's camp - an iron age fort on the obvious top. Then
following the road past Long Bottom and up the other side to the top of the
escarpment.
Along the escarpment to the view point that looks over the airport at
Farnborough. Time for a coffee break.
Out the other side and along the gravel track to the edge of the woods
above the reservoirs. Here we followed the canals (Lavadas) as they traversed
the slopes around Beacon Hill. Then down to the reservoir at Parkhurst Hill,
then along the tracks to Greendane copse through the trees. Into the open beside
Tweseldown equestrian centre and up to the car park off Bourley road. Next along
the swathe to Brock's Hill and the shortcut track to the Foresters pub.
After lunch (and a good bit of chasing to get people moving) we left the pub and
back to the swathe. This time down to the edge of the Tweseldown fenced area and
along the track to the MoD fenced area. Passing a herd of wild ponies on the
way.
Now on the driver training roads, avoiding the large puddles. Around the end of
the runways from Farnborough.
We curved around Eelmoor hills before a slight navigation error caused a loop
before Eelmoor plain. Then down to Claycart Bottom. From here it was back into
the trees to go around Rushmoor arena and out the fenced area by the gate I had
checked first thing this morning.
Along the road and up the steps to the statue, before dropping to the car park.
Those who had parked here left and the remainder walked off back through the
trace I had followed in the morning. I accompanied the train users to make sure
they got back to the station Ok. We had a short rain shower along the road
followed by a double rainbow. To end the day I returned along the same path back
to the statue (three time today on this trace today).
A long day but I think everyone enjoyed the walk.
