The Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology

Bursledon to Manor Farm

NEW Audio Guide/Podcast

Walk from Bursledon to Manor Farm Country Park Path in Country Park.

Trust volunteer, Richard Wyatt has produced this excellent series of short audio guides/podcasts to be enjoyed as you walk along the River Hamble. The files can be freely downloaded (see below) and listened to on an MP3 player. Richard's commentary, with occasional snippets from HWTMA staff, provides fascinating insights into the history of the area and tells the story behind some of the vessels that have been abandoned on the River Hamble's foreshore.

Walk Start: Bursledon Station, which has a free car park. If arriving by bus (FirstBus services 4, 4A and X4 between Southampton and Fareham/Gosport pass along the main road) there is a stop at Blundell Lane; just walk up the lane until you are away from the traffic noise.

Walk description: The walk is flat, since it follows the edge of the river. From Bursledon to the motorway, it follows a surfaced road. There are then two stiles, followed by a walk across a field, then another stile before entering Manor Farm Country Park. The designed walk has one steep section at the end. If you plan on walking further within the park, the paths are well-maintained, but steep in places. At a normal walking pace, it should take you about 45 minutes, including listening to the commentary. There are 8 commentary points on the route, varying from 1 minute to 5 ½ minutes. Each piece of commentary ends with concise instructions on how to get to the next point, before you play the following track.

Before you leave home:

Check on the tide times at http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EASYTIDE/EasyTide/ShowPrediction.aspx?PortID=0063A&PredictionLength=7. The lower the tide, the more can be seen.
Have a look, too, at the Manor Farm site at http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-countryside/manorfarm.htm. You might decide to make a day of it.
Pack the binoculars. There's wildlife out there, too!
Bring sturdy shoes. Remember that if you park a car at the station, youâ€™ll probably be walking back, too. Parts of the walk can be muddy after heavy or prolonged rain.
There are no shops on the route, so bring some nibbles and something to drink.
Don't forget to download the eight MP3 files from the link below.