Selborne and Chawton

It was one of those brilliant March days when the sun shines, the sky is blue, the birds and bees are doing whatever it is that they are meant to do and one realises that spring is just around the corner and all is wel with the world . With our hearts full of well justified optimism 16 people and 4 dogs set off on our literary trail. Leaving Gilbert White behind we set a good pace towards Chawton and despite a few bypasses to avoid the flooded countryside arrived safely in time to drop in on Jane Austen before lunch and share her piano. Then lunch in the garden of a very helpful pub and a walk back to the cars availing ourselves of Gilbert's zig zag path down to the car park but alas not time to drop in and see him for tea.
It was a splendid day with the Hampshire country side displaying itself in all its glory

Date: 
Sunday, 16 March 2014 - 9:45am
Walk Leaders: 
Ann and Joe Buxton
Leader Phone: 
oe and Ann Buxton Tel: zero one four five four two three eight one one two Mobile day: zero seven seven nine one six seven one one seven two
Meeting Point: 
Selborne car park, Hants. Post code for Sat Nav: GU34 3BN
Distance: 
10 miles
Maps: 
OS 133
Travel: 

Sorry - there do not seem to be sensible public transport options. It is 53 miles and Google maps says it is 1 hour 5 minutes from West London.

By Car M4 to M25. Exit onto M3 at Junction 12 (or direct down M3) .
At junction 4 take the A331 to Guildford/Farnham/Camberley
Take the A331 until roundabout where you take the exit to A31 to Winchester/ Farnham.

Merge onto Guildford Road A 31. Go through 3 roundabouts.
Take the A 339 /B3006 exit to Basingstoke/Alton/Liss

Turn left onto Selborne Road B3006 . In Selborne
Follow signs to car park on Right. Good parking and loos.

Route: 

am From Selborne to Chawton. Mostly countryside with lovely views over Hampshire and one pretty village.
pm Return by a different route from Chawton to Selborne . Steep descent for the last half mile. descending the famous zig zag path back to the car park.

Lunch: 

The Greyfriars at Chawton01420 83841 . Roasts , home made soup. No sandwiches. We have booked a private eating area upstairs.

Notes: 

Quite muddy in places so dress appropriately.
The pub is just opposite Jane Austin’s house. It should be open and we will probably take a long lunch break to give people an opportunity to visit it. Admission Adults £7.50, Senior Citizens / Students £6.00
Selborne was home to the famous naturalist Gilbert White and his house is also open to the public. 10.30 – 4.30, admission Adult £9.00, concession £8.00 Garden Only £7.00