The Quest for the Seven Altons: 88 Miles for Local Charities
Three days, 88 miles, one more village called Alton – raising money for the charities at the heart of September's Big Alton Charity Walk.
The Charities We Are Supporting
All funds raised will go directly to four incredible local organisations that work tirelessly with children, young people, and families in and around Alton:
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Bushy Leaze
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Riding for the Disabled
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Home-Start
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The Kings Arms
All four charities work directly with children, young people, and families in and around Alton. Every donation, whatever the size, will help.
To sponsor Ian, visit his fundraising page.
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Alton Ramblers Enjoy a Successful Lake District
Walking Week with French Friends
On Monday 22 June 2026, eleven members of Alton Ramblers welcomed one Bromley Rambler and thirteen walkers from Les Mille Pattes, the walking group from Alton’s twin town Pertuis in France, for a memorable week of walking in the Lake District.
The visit continued the close and much-valued relationship between the two walking groups, first encouraged through the town twinning initiative. Over the past ten years or so, members have enjoyed regular walking visits in both France and the UK, building friendships through a shared love of the countryside, good company and time spent outdoors.
This year’s base was Derwent Bank Hotel in Keswick, Cumbria, ideally placed for exploring some of the Lake District’s finest scenery. A full programme of walks was arranged and led by Patrick Giles, Chairman of Alton Ramblers, and Paul Naish, Footpath Secretary, offering routes to suit different interests and abilities.
Tuesday 23 June
The first full day offered a choice of walks. One group took on the rewarding route over Cat Bells, Maiden Moor and High Spy, covering 14.5km with a total ascent of 653m. Another group enjoyed the gentler but equally scenic route through Elterwater, Skelwith Force and Slater’s Bridge, covering 12.8km.
Wednesday 24 June
Wednesday brought another varied day on the fells and paths. The more challenging option was Haystacks, a 7.5km walk with a total ascent of 890m including a visit to the Honister Slate mine, while others walked from Ambleside to Grasmere along the “Coffin Trail” via Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage, a 10km route rich in landscape and literary associations.
Thursday 25 June
On Thursday, walkers enjoyed Applethwaite and Latrigg, a 12.5km route with a total ascent of 300m. The walk provided fine views and a relaxed opportunity for a visit to Keswick Town market, shops and the Pencil Museum before returning to the hotel.
Throughout the week, the friendly atmosphere between the groups was every bit as important as the walking itself. The shared routes, meals and conversations helped strengthen the bond between Alton Ramblers and Les Mille Pattes, demonstrating once again how walking can bring people together across communities and countries.
The Lake District week was a great success, enjoyed by all who took part. Alton Ramblers look forward to continuing this special friendship and to many more opportunities to walk together in the future.
For a full set of photos, you can view the gallery 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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Recording Walks for the Routes Library
I was talking to someone last week, and they were discussing a walk in which the walker was struggling with a steep climb, as they did not realise how challenging the walk was. Walk leaders can help walkers by recording their walks when the rece is completed and publishing it via the Routes Library. Ramblers can see the route and how difficult it is.
To complete the recording:
- Open up the OS Maps app
- Press the [Record] button and [Start Recording]
- At the end press the [Pause] button and then [Finish]
- Enter a title and press [Save]
- Click on the [Saved] button at the bottom.
- Click on the title of the route just recorded.
- Click on [Export GPX] and click on your email icon (e.g. GMail). It will open up with a .gpx attachment.
- Email to the webmaster – if you don't have my email, contact me via the Contact Us page.
I will load it and let you know when it's done.
