It must be our busy lives but we'd almost forgotten the old footpath which leads from Bursledon down to Hamble on the west side of the river. Sadly it must be getting on for 15 years since we last walked it
The route goes through some great places starting in old Bursledon above Hacketts Marsh, down to Hungerford Bottom, passing through Mallards Moor, and Badnam Copse before coming out into Satchell Lane.
My favourite spot was Mallards Moor curiously titled as it's more of a wood with a stream running down to the river, but fantastic with cool dappled sunlight coming through the leaves and the damp atmosphere around the stream, an ideal resting spot on a hot summer's day.
The old Hamble County Secondary School (as it was then!) cross country route...a shorter lesson route cut back through the Pilands Estate as I recall...from 40 years and 250 miles away! Can I just say how much I enjoy your blog...discovered by accident and I'm embarrassed to say I can't remember from which link but very interesting and evocative of a boating youth spent, as much as possible, on the Hamble and Solent. Looks good from exile so thank you and please keep up the good work!
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