TravelWise and gateway to the South Downs
Discover our gateway to the South Downs
This week, we are taking part in TravelWise Week, a week-long campaign promoting active and sustainable travel across Hampshire.
This is the last day of the campaign and we have been telling you about the various travel options you can take when working, studying, and playing in Hampshire. If you can swap your car for a different mode of transport one or more days each week, that would be great, and it would be brilliant if you could also tweet a picture. So, join in, leave your car at home, and discover alternative ways to travel. #BeHantsTravelWise
Today we are going to tell you how to discover the South Downs by train.
East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership
There are six stations that serve this National Park, starting in the north with Alton, and then coming south to Liphook, Liss, Petersfield, Rowlands Castle, and Havant.
The East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership is a ‘not for profit’ organisation which provides a link between the railways and local communities. It promotes all the great local activities that you can find to do, from these stations. From walking to the village where Jane Austin lived, not far from Alton station, to viewing medieval paintings at St Hubert’s Chapel which is about 2 miles from Rowlands Castle station. This website is full of fantastic information about local walks and bike rides. There are also details of 15 self-guided walks from the stations - copies of the leaflet can be ordered from info@easthampshirerail.co.uk
Three Rivers Rail
The Three Rivers Rail partnership are a group of local authorities, local people and the rail industry who promote local train and bus services. The rail routes go from Winchester to Bursledon, and Salisbury to Southampton, and cross or run alongside the Avon, Itchen and Test rivers.
Their website is full of interesting information about places to visit along this route from ancient churches to a stately home to a magnificent Tudor garden. A copy of their station walks can be ordered via info@threeriversrail.com
Discover more with Komoot
Whichever station you decide to visit, you can also be inspired by local walks using Komoot. Simply enter your location, the activity you wish to do, and you will be given some super suggestions for that particular area.
Remember it would be brilliant if you could tweet your pictures switching the car for alternative modes of travel. #BeHantsTravelWise #TravelWiseWeek