The official route of Wellow Public Footpath #10 is finally back on course after a decade of wandering 40 metres off-track, thanks to a coordinated effort by the Romsey Ramblers and Hampshire County Council.
Key Points
- ✅ Original path realigned after persistent 40m deviation
- ⚡ New pedestrian bridge replaces hazardous sleeper construction
- 💡 First major footpath restoration in Hampshire since 2019
Walkers had been diverted through an unofficial corridor marked by a crumbling sleeper bridge and a stile, both of which had become safety hazards. Hampshire County Council engineers identified the misalignment as a liability risk and sought assistance from the Ramblers, who specialise in footpath maintenance across the region.
| Feature | Previous Route | Restored Route |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge Type | Sleeper bridge (dangerous) | Pedestrian bridge (new) |
| Path Width | 0.8m (narrow) | 1.2m (standard) |
| Accessibility | Stile barrier | Level crossing |
The restoration began with a clearance of dense hedgerow along Wellow Drove, creating a corridor wide enough for the new bridge. Hampshire County Council supplied materials and logistics, while a six-strong team from the Ramblers handled the physical installation over two weekends in late September. A new fingerpost now stands at the roadside junction, guiding walkers back to the definitive route marked on Ordnance Survey maps.
Not all work could be completed immediately. Dense vegetation obstructing the restored path must remain until after the bird-nesting season concludes next spring. Until then, the Ramblers have advised walkers to stick to the newly established route, avoiding the old deviation near the stile.
💡 Pro Tip
Check Hampshire County Council’s footpath updates before heading out—minor realignments often go unnoticed but improve safety significantly.
The Romsey Ramblers, a volunteer-led walking group, have restored over 12 public footpaths in Hampshire since 2020. Their latest project reflects a growing trend among local councils to partner with community groups on infrastructure maintenance, reducing strain on limited public resources.
📋 By The Numbers
- £18,500 — Estimated cost of bridge installation and materials
- 6 — Volunteers from Romsey Ramblers involved in construction
- 12 — Total footpaths restored by the group since 2020
Landowner consent was secured before work began, ensuring the project met both legal and environmental standards. Hampshire County Council confirmed the restored path now complies with Public Rights of Way regulations and will be formally inspected in early December.
- September 23 — Hedge clearance begins along Wellow Drove
- September 30 — Pedestrian bridge installation completed
- October 7 — New fingerpost erected at roadside junction
- December 5 — Official inspection scheduled by Hampshire County Council
For those interested in joining future restoration efforts or organised walks, the Romsey Ramblers meet every second Thursday at Romsey Community Centre at 7:30pm. No prior experience is required—just sturdy footwear and a willingness to help maintain the region’s most treasured walking routes.
🌿 Footpath Restoration in Hampshire
- ✅ Romsey Ramblers have restored 12 footpaths since 2020
- ⚡ Hampshire County Council partners with groups on 60% of rural path repairs
- 💡 Public footpath realignments reduce erosion and improve safety