Liphook walk on 8th November 2023

Kathryn and Geoff Noah did not know what they let themselves in for when they volunteered to lead this walk. The rain fell in biblical proportions and we were concerned as to which of the skills our leaders were going to exhibit that were previously demonstrated by a certain bearded gentlemen whose connections forced the waters to part, but whose map reading skills were a bit suspect leading to a 40 year detour, but eventually led his followers to the promised land. We need not have worried as their lateral thinking took us away from most of the floods, their map reading was spot on and they lead us to two welcome and timely destinations. Having rowed into the car park of the Deer Hut pub in Liphook, donned our lifejackets and assorted and hopefully weatherproof gear, we set off on the pavement down Longmoor Road to Liphook. Having discovered the rain was proving more than a match for some weather gear we took a recuperative stop under cover at the café Number One The Square. Availing ourselves of a variety of Tea Cakes, Victoria Sponges and assorted hot beverages we took as much time as we thought we could get away with before heading off down the old A3 until we reached the Links Tavern where we started on the Shipwrights Way, which felt entirely appropriate. The Shipwrights Way proved to be plain sailing straight back to the Deer Hut pub where we were treated to an excellent lunch together with four members who were much wiser and opted for the lunch only.

Look, the first promised land

Taking the chance to dry out

All that rain has shrunk him, is he hiding under his hat?

Trying to warm up

Let’s skirt around this

Let's skirt around this

I think we have to go through this mudbath

Our leaders keeping us shipshape on the Shipwrights Way

She always liked being with a fungi

Never miss the opportunity for some gardening training

Now that’s what I call a puddle

We are under a tree and still getting wet.

If we’d brought our wetsuits we could have gone wild swimming!

A dry section of the walk through the autumn leaves

Good job they did not use this one for a ships mast!

Lost and damp

But looking glorious in autumn colours

I’m cold, and my wool jumper is soaked.

Enjoying our dinner at the Deers Hut, but nobody had venison.

About 3.1/2 miles.

• ← Lord's Piece walk on 1st November 2023
• Benbow pond walk on 15th November 2023 →