Emsworth Rambling Club was formed nearly half a century ago by two keen walkers, Elsie and Bob Smith. Today it remains an unaffiliated local club with members from Hampshire and West Sussex. This year we are celebrating our 45th anniversary.
Our main aim is to enjoy walking in our beautiful countryside, taking time to appreciate all that it offers.
Over the years the Club members have also enjoyed holidays in the UK as well as mainland Europe. The Cotswolds, Exmoor and other area of the West Country have been explored.
Abroad, Italy, Cyprus and Austria have been favourites, especially Snowshoeing in Austria which a small group experienced under the auspices of Bath & West Country Walks.
In recent years some members have tackled long-distance walks such as The South Downs Way, which we often traverse in small chunks on our regular local walks. Doing it over 9 consecutive days was a different challenge.
Next was Offa’s Dyke, done in three stages, staying at B&Bs along the way with our luggage being transported for us. This was followed by The West Highland Way, Circumnavigating the Isle of Anglesey and The Ridgeway.
Other recognised paths such as the Clarendon Way, The Wayfarers Way and The LipChis Way have been walked Social events have always been a feature of the club - Skittles; Fish Suppers; Summer BBQ; and an Annual Dinner are some examples. These events enable members who are no longer able to join the walks to keep in touch.
Regular walks now take place on Thursdays and Sundays.
On Thursdays our walks are around 4/5 miles and we aim to return to Emsworth by 1pm.On these walks we have started our walks locally such as Hayling Island, Prinsted, Walderton, Stoughton and Stansted as well as from places as far afield as Portchester,
East Meon, Slindon, Cocking, Hunston and Whiteways.
On Sundays we usually walk 7 /8 miles, taking a picnic lunch. In addition to the local area we have walked in the New Forest, The Isle of Wight and the Amberley/Arundel areas.
We always welcome new members; we normally meet in Emsworth and share transport to the start of the walk. Further information is available from hiltim@btinternet.com