There’s more to the Ramblers than walking: just ask members of the North East Hampshire group.
This year is a golden one for the North East Hants Ramblers as their members have been getting out into the great outdoors for 50 years.
The group have covered hundreds of thousands of miles since a small party of keen walkers at RAE Farnborough got together half a century ago.
But while rambling remains their biggest passion, they’re keen to highlight the fact they’re more than just a walking group – as they’re also heavily involved in environmental conservation.
The group which covers Rushmoor, Hart and parts of Waverley has amassed the second highest number of volunteer maintenance hours in Hampshire.
They hold group walks every Sunday and mid-week walks during the summer months with ample opportunities to meet new people and explore uncharted treks.
They invite people of any age and backgrounds to raise money to maintain pathways and access more undiscovered routes.
The Ramblers campaign and actively participate in maintaining footpaths and other rights of way, building and replacing stilts in kissing gates.
They also provide councils with “labour” to complement the work of the Hampshire Rangers in keeping the county’s countryside open to all.
They’re working to restore more than 49,000 miles of lost paths in England and Wales with all tracks and trails leading to improved wellbeing and more linked-up communities.
If you would like to join the North East Hants Ramblers for a walk there’s more details at www nehantsramblers.org.uk
by Valerie Danilchenko