Walking Group

The Walking Group is open to all PHSG members and has been in existence since 1997. It aims to develop wellbeing both physically and mentally by being outside in the natural environment and to promote new friendships and camaraderie.

For further information, contact the Walking Group Coordinator annephsgwalkers@gmail.com

Walks are held every 10 days on alternate Wednesdays and Saturdays and are organised by Walking Group members who endeavour to source walks that suit all the walking members requirements.

Each walk allows for those who are able to walk up to 3 miles at a standard pace and also for those who prefer to walk around 1 mile at a slower pace.

The walks do not involve steep hills or tricky stiles and help is always at hand if required. Walking is at a pace that allows time to stop to admire views, observe the wonders of nature and enjoy bird song.

The Walking Group has 2 defibrillators that are carried by someone in each group of walkers.

Lunch afterwards at a nearby pub adds a bit of incentive!

Sat 20th Sept

Wed 1st Oct

Sat 11th Oct

Wed 22nd Oct

Sat 1st Nov

Wed 12th Nov

Sat 22nd Nov

Wed 3rd Dec

Mon 8th Dec Christmas Lunch

Sat 13th Dec

Sat 3rd Jan

Wed 14th Jan

Sat 24th Jan

Wed 4th Feb

Sat 14th Feb

Wed 25th Feb

Sat 7th March

Wed 18th March

Sat 28th March

Wed 8th April

Sat 18th April

NEXT WALK – Saturday 20th September 10:30am

River Stour Nature Reserve

Our next walk is in the River Stour Nature Reserve on Saturday 20th September, 2025, starting at 10.30am. It’s around 3.5 miles if you complete the “Pollinator Trail” but can be extended a little further for those to include the “Butterfly Trail” for any faster walkers. 

Please note the start of this walk is from the Stour Nature Reserve carpark NEXT to the CHERRY TREE NURSERY, New Road,  BH10 7DA, It’s approached by leaving the exit from the Northbourne roundabout. The lane is fairly narrow and there’s a tight left turn shortly after leaving the roundabout. You will then see a green and blue signpost pointing right to the carpark that has a wooden sign saying “WELCOME” with a 2m height restriction. 

(This is NOT the carpark we have used previously off Muscliffe Lane)

Directions:- We all approach from different areas so join the following route at the point most appropriate to you!

Follow the A3049 dual carriageway (known as the Canford Way) as far as the Alderney roundabout. 

Take the 1st exit onto Ringwood Road, also a dual carriageway and still the A3049.

At the Mountbatten roundabout take the 2nd exit  (continuing on Ringwood Road)  now the A348

At the Bear Cross roundabout take the 3rd exit, the A341 onto Wimborne Road. Follow on until

you eventually see the Northbourne Toby Carvery on your left. This is our lunch venue.

At the roundabout immediately after the Toby Carvery take the 2nd exit towards Cherry Tree Nursery. Once on the narrow lane turn left to the carpark.

Lunch is booked for 12.40pm at the Northbourne Toby Carvery, Old Vicarage, Bournemouth BH10 7BJ

Please reserve your lunch seat by contacting the walk leader or the Walking Group Coordinator by THURSDAY evening 18TH SEPTEMBER 

The short walk will be around the “Butterfly Trail” where hopefully we can still spot some of the 28 species of butterflies. It loops round to follow the river Stour and a path back to the carpark. Those wishing to have refreshments may wish to drive to the carpark nearer the Kingfisher Barn where hot and cold drinks are available.

Those doing the longer walk have spectacular views of the River Stour with its reeds, shoals of fish and swans with their cygnets. Keep a look out for the otters. The nature reserve has over 400 different species of plants. The walk is flat, mostly along gravel paths with a short section of wooden walkway. It takes us through grazing paddocks, meadows and ash plantation There are beautifully ornate seats for those wishing to have a short rest. The Kingfisher Barn visitor Centre is the midpoint of the walk and has toilet facilities.

Conditions presently look cloudy and hopefully no rain. Hope to see lots of you on Saturday 

Please encourage any PHSG members you know to join us on our walks, so they too can benefit from our beautiful countryside and make new friends.

For further information, contact the Walking Group Coordinator annephsgwalkers@gmail.com

For those that attend Wednesday exercise classes there is no need to say you’re unable to attend a Wednesday walk.

Walking Group Members

Click here for your own bit of the website