If you feel like a walk in and around North Baddesley you have a number of choices. Just a step across Botley Road you can take the footpath which is between the NHS building and the rear of the houses in Baddesley Close. This leads to Baddesley Common or whats left of it. Unfortunately you are not free to walk on much of the common now because a large chunk of it is owned by Drapers. However you can walk along the footpath which is fenced on both sides. On either side of the fences you can see horses grazing in the fields. The footpath leads to a kissing gate and into a large grassed area, which if you go left across this area takes you to a kissing gate into the nature reserve of Emer Bog and Blackwater Pond. If you go to the right to another kissing gate and follow the yellow markers will lead you to another gate. Beyond which take the right path which leads to Pound Lane or the left to Green Lane.

What ever time of year that you venture in this part of the common you can escape into fields, woods and grassland and all you will hear is birds singing and the occasional train in the distance. You will also see an abundance of wildlife and fauna.

It is advisable that you wear a good pair of hiking boots because the ground is very uneven and in the winter months it can get very wet underfoot.

Also beware of the adders, especially in the spring and if you are walking a dog keep it on a lead.

Another option is to walk up the new cycle path alongside Rownhams Lane heading towards Rownhams. On the left hand side you will come across Rownhams Wood which is a large enclosure and ideal for an early morning or afternoon stroll.

Note: There are many footpaths around Baddesely so get a map, preferably an inch to the mile one and go exploring them.

If you want to go further afield you will find books on the subject with many interesting walks to go on in Hampshire. See
http://www.countrysidebooks.co.uk