Alton Ramblers

Temporary Closure of Colemore, Priors Deane and Newton Valence BOATs 

This action is to prevent the likelihood of serious damage to the road surface.

Road to be Closed: Colemore and Priors Deane BOAT 22 & Newton Valence BOAT 30
Alternative Routes: Adjacent Public Highways Available
Period of Closure: From 01.05.2026 for a period of 6 months.

If you have any queries regarding the above, please contact the Countryside Access Team, tel: 0300 555 1391, or via e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

JONATHAN WOODS, Countryside Strategic Manager, The Castle, Winchester, SO23 8UD

You can see the full notice here.

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Why I am a member of Alton Ramblers

I have always loved walking, enjoying local walks in Hampshire, many of Britain’s long-distance footpaths, the hills and mountains of our National Parks and organising guided mountain walks overseas.  I feel privileged to have lived in Medstead for the past 35 years, with a superb network of paths and tracks in my backyard, which I never tire of exploring.  

I joined Alton Ramblers 8 years ago with the aim of finding new walks and meeting like-minded people. Although I love walking on my own and with my husband and family, as I approached retirement I also had a desire to walk in a group. Alton Ramblers has exceeded my expectations by introducing me to wonderful new areas that I have never walked in before and to a new circle of walkers and friends. I really appreciate the ability to decide I want to join a walk at the last minute without needing to plan and book in advance, and I love the small group size.

As a keen walker, it is great to be able to help keep our local paths open and accessible by volunteering with our Footpath Maintenance Team to clear overgrown vegetation and waymarkers, gates, steps and other necessary hardware. I also enjoy regularly checking my village paths and reporting any issues that I encounter.

And there is also a superb, varied social programme that gives us the chance to get together without wearing our walking boots and walking holidays, both in the UK and abroad, to enjoy.

I hope I can continue to enjoy Alton Ramblers for many years to come!

Louise Fletcher, Membership Secretary

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Walking in Europe

You probably already know that membership in the Ramblers assigns you to a local walking group, but you have unlimited access to walk with over 500 groups across England, Scotland, and Wales.

In addition, the Ramblers are a member of the European Ramblers Association (ERA). An ERA-affiliated organisation is part of a network of over 60 walking organisations in 30+ countries. There is no formal "free entry" to paid events, but most European clubs will welcome Ramblers members on their group walks for free or at the local member rate upon presentation of your membership card. It is a "gentleman’s agreement" of mutual hospitality rather than a legal entitlement.

This year Eurorando 2026 is being run, which is a European hiking festival taking place from September 20-27, 2026, in the beautiful Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) along the German-Czech border. Ramble through stunning landscapes with a selection of 50+ trails, from scenic walks to challenging hikes.

Perhaps there is a local group that you could join the next time you are walking in Europe.

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Alton Ramblers support Alton Walking Festival

Walk Alton and Alton Town Council announced the Alton Walking Festival, with a series of walks throughout the month of May. The festival has scheduled a range of walks from a gentle stroll to something more challenging, covering greater distances. Alton Ramblers are pleased to support the festival by offering walks led by our trained walk leaders to everyone in the walking community.

You can find additional information about the festival here. If you are keen to join the festival, go direct to booking here.

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