If you live in the BisMonRopTis catchment area, it’s pretty obvious that East Hampshire is blessed with an awesome network of footpaths and public rights of way. And through the efforts of local groups like Ropley’s Footpath Improvement Team ( https://www.myropley.org.uk/footpaths ), old-fashioned stiles are being replaced by modern, accessible gates, helping more people than ever enjoy the freedom of the outdoors.
However, what if you’re full of good intentions, but have decided that walking alone is a bit of a bore? Or it could be that you’re new to the area and haven’t built up enough local knowledge to venture out? Or maybe you simply want to meet other walkers beyond the BisMonRopTis area?
When I moved to Ropley, I was keen to learn about the network of local footpaths, and how to join them up in interesting circuits that flowed naturally around the starting point, which, for me, was usually the parish hall. Some company would also have been appreciated, for those times when I found myself on my own. If this sounds like you, then you might be interested in joining a new, informal walking group called Ropley Xplorers, where the goal is to help people discover local walks and make a few friends while they’re at it. More information is available on our Facebook group at https://yomp.ing/ropx, and https://www.myropley.org.uk/health-fitness/.
Ropley Xplorers is an informal, hyper-local walking group focused on the Ropley civil parish and its close neighbours. Everyone is welcome, including well-behaved dogs, and our outings will initially range from 2 to 5 miles.
Later on, I wanted to learn more about broader walking opportunities across East Hampshire, and to discover the secret routes to the region’s hidden countryside gems (… not to mention the best nearby pubs!) so I could show them off to my family and friends. If you are more like this later-stage me, then you’re also in luck, because our area is very-well served by the Ramblers – the Alton, Winchester, Eastleigh and Waltham groups are all friendly, welcome new members and are not as hard-core as you might imagine.
I am a member of the Waltham group and would be pleased to introduce you – walks can take place anywhere in East Hampshire. You can do a bit of research by reviewing our Facebook group at https://yomp.ing/waltham and there’s also a more detailed Q&A at https://yomp.ing/qanda. Since joining, I have made many friends and a bunch of us are going to Waterfall Country, just south of the Brecon Beacons, for a short walking holiday in 2026.
Whatever your perspective, I hope you get to take full advantage of the wonderful walking opportunities we have in this area. Drop me an email if I can help: clive.harris@gmail.com.
Clive Harris