Tadbas one

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Tadley to Basingstoke (Tadbas 1) review.

A straightforward walk south through woodland and fields, but bookended with urban stretches.

The pavement route out of Tadley is along the A340.

There is then an excellent walk through the SW corner of the extensive Pamber Forest (Photo 1). There was an access issue at SU614598 with a blocked gate (Photo 2). Either climb over or use the forest footpath that circumvents it.

There’s a break point at The Plough Inn (Photo 3) at Little London.

The highlight of the Slow Way is the two-mile walk through fields and woods; crossing several chalk streams (Photos 4 & 5). The footpaths were dry on my walk, but from another review it does sound like the streams can easily cause muddy conditions.

The approach into Sherborne St John is by fields given over to wild flowers buzzing with insects (Photo 6). I met the land owner who told me he was inspired by the rewilding project of Isabella Tree and Charlie Burrell. It’s brought the village pond back to life and woodpiles are home to lizards and snakes.

The Swan in the village provides a break point (Photo 7).

The Slow Way soon reaches the edge of Basingstoke. The route does a good job of keeping to leafy footpaths (Photo 8) most of the way into town.

Overall the route is good. From Basingstoke the first 2.25 miles are paved through housing estates. After this the route becomes more rural with several gates and a couple of stiles. It is worth noting that just north of Sherborne St John, the 0.25 mile stretch between the Sewage Works and the southern tip of Morgaston Wood becomes an absolute quagmire after prolonged rain. It would add only a small distance to take the path round the west side of Edgerton’s Wood. The rest of the route is cross country with the last 1.25 miles on pavement through Tadley.

Mixed feelings about this route.
It's not exactly safe (#1) or off road (#5) for about 30% of the walk.
For example, if you start in Tadley, you walk along the A340 for maybe 1km. So keep to the footpath on the right of the main road until you reach the Pamber Green sign, then cross.
The road through Little London has no pavement, so not good for larger groups or (possibly) dog walkers.
Walking through the woodlands & fields is great.
HOWEVER. The OS map and Slow Way do not seem to agree on the exact direction once you get to the edge of Basingstoke (Marnell Park, etc). You might find Google or another app gives a better route(!)
Overall, the route back through Basingstoke to the railway station is the weakest part of the journey.

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