Selborne, Home of Natural History

I've been coughing and wheezing over the last couple of weeks. Luckily, Jane Rosoux, our walks organiser, has been busy walking, writing and taking photos.....

Jane writes...

"Last Sunday I went on the Hampstead Ramblers' circular ramble from Alton led by Henriette Van Zaelen, which was nearer 14 miles than 13. There were 13 in the party, which was excellent considering the distance from London, and the weather was very good - much better than forecast.


The route took us through a number of picture-postcard villages containing thatched-roofed houses, stilted grain stores,


oasthouses and attractive churches and we also had good views and spring flowers and blossom. In the morning we stopped at Oakhanger where the Church was having an open day and an hour later we had lunch at Selborne, which is linked with Gilbert White,


and some picnicked in the attractive churchyard, which contained a stone in honour of 'The Trumpeter',


whilst others enjoyed good food at the 'The Selborne Arms'. Soon after lunch we had a steep but rewarding climb up the zig-zag path to the high part Selborne Common. At Newton Valence pond there was a curious 'Frog Crossing' sign.


The last village we went through on the way back to Alton was Chawton, which contained yet another attractive church (which we did not have time to visit) and also Jane Austen's House.

Henriette is talking about doing the 8 mile circular ramble on another occasion, which would include an optional visit to Jane Austen's House and other places of interest."

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