A Wheelie Good Walk around Flood Meadows, Alton

Start: Alton Community Centre, Amery Street, Alton GU34 1HN ///dent.bronzes.looms

 1

The walk starts at the main entrance to Alton Community Centre. From here head towards the road, cross over and turn left then take the short path through the trees and cross over the road to head down Tanhouse Lane. This leads you straight to the meadows.

Flood Meadows is a few 100 meters from the source of the River Wey. This section of the river is a 'winterbourne' with a narrow gravel bottom and naturally tends to dry up in summer. There is a noticeboard at the opening to the meadows which tells you about the plants and wildlife living in the beautiful meadows.

 2

Enter the meadows and take the path straightahead, ignoring the path off to the right. Carry on until the first turning to the left marked with a sign "Wey Walk'. There are two options here:

One: go straightahead to Step 3.

or

Two: if you feel confident in your mobility chair or scooter you can take the boardwalk to the left which winds round and loops back to the main path. But please beware that this path is not paved and has gravel/chippings so is very bumpy. From here you can get close to the ducks and other birds on the water and take in some different views of the Meadows. Note: do not take the boardwalk path off to the left as the ground is rougher and the path narrows.

Rejoin the main path and carry on straight ahead.

If feeding the ducks, please only use proper duck food. Bread and other food is very dangerous for all birds.

 3

After a short distance there is a dipping stand on the left that sits over the water. This is accessible and offers a very good view over the Meadows and another opportunity to feed the ducks.

Carry on along the path until reaching a crossroads junction. Turn left and take the path downhill.

 4

At the end of the path you reach the exit to Flood Meadows. From the bridge you get a good look at the river. Take the path leading away from the Meadows and emerge on to Basingstoke Road. Turn left at Floodmeadow Cottage.

 5

Head along the Basingstoke Road until you reach a turning on the right to Westbrook Road. Cross here - a dropped kerb crossing is by the front door of the blue and white house. Travel along Westbrooke Road. Take care here as it will be necessary to travel a short distance along the road. Turn left into the Public Gardens.

 6

Go through the gardens, along to Capra Coffee Stall. Exit the Public Gardens by the toilets (accessible toilet here) and across the car park to the far corner to reach the Market Square. There are several accessible paths here so you might want to take a detour. For more information about the Public Gardens and events held there click here.

 7

Head to the diagonal corner of the Market Square by Alton Foodbank and turn right into Market Street. Continue along the street until crossing the road and taking the wide alleyway between Alton Flooring and Quirky Women. Follow the alley until you reach Hart Wildlife Rescue and enter the car park. The Community Centre is in the far right corner.