15th February 2008

Rural route round TONGHAM

Walking along the old railway route Get your walking boots out and
come and discover some of the rural paths east of Tongham on this pleasant guided walk on Thursday 28th February organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership.

For anyone wanting to explore the area this walk offers the perfect opportunity. Just a few minutes
from Tongham there is a wealth of countryside and the route follows part of the old railway track as well as passing along quiet country lanes and by open fields and woodland.
It follows mostly level and surfaced paths, but does include some potentially very muddy field paths, so wet weather clothing and suitable footwear are recommended.

Today Tongham is located on the borders of Aldershot and Ash with the A331 Blackwater Valley road running to the west and the A31 Hog’s Back along its southern edge, but it was once a very rural area. The name Tongham derives from an old English word 'Twang' which means 'tong' or fork possibly referring to a fork between the Blackwater River and a small tributary (now underground) which originated from Poyle Park or Tongham Moor, and the Saxon word 'ham' meaning village or area of land.

Walking at a leisurely pace the walk will cover about five miles and last between two and two and a half hours, providing a wonderful opportunity to see some of the rural fringes of the Blackwater Valley. All welcome, although under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. If you would like to come along, meet for a 10.30am start at the recreation ground off Poyle Road, Tongham, grid ref: SU 892 492.

This walk will also be the inaugural walk of the Blackwater Valley Walkers’ Link. Launched at the beginning of February the Walkers' Link aims to keep members informed about the walks and walking groups in the Blackwater Valley area whilst regularly providing advice and encouragement about walking. Membership costs £13pa and anyone interested in finding out more can write to Walkers’ Link, Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.

For details about the walk on the 28th or the BV Walkers’ Link ring 01252 331353, email blackwater.valley@hants.gov.uk.

More about the BV Walkers’ Link >>>

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For more information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.
BVCP, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.