By Katie Isham.
Let’s go back in time a little, to the late 19th century. Thornhill Park was still an estate, but a sprawling parkland one of over 400 acres. It was initially formed by Michael Hoy, later passed to his widow, Elizabeth and then after her death, to her nephew. In its heyday, the grand House of the estate was the hub of a thriving social scene.
And why are we learning all this? Have you ever wondered about the surgery along Thornhill Park Road named Ladies Walk? Seems right up our street, surely?
The titular ladies are those who would embark on mild adventures from the aforementioned House. These grand dames would don their finest bonnets and take their walk down towards the tennis courts. Yes, the tennis courts that lay in the expanse of the estate grounds. Alas, the tennis courts are no longer in service, but there is still opportunity for a walk and a talk with the ladies. We are the ladies. Bonnets optional.
Begin on Thornhill Park Road, the hub, the mecca, the focus of Thornhill. There is a row of shops and services of the very varied variety. Takeaways, a pharmacy, a sandwich shop, a hairdresser, a post office, a vet, a laundrette, a bike shop and the jewel in the crown: the Revitalise charity shop. Head west along the road towards Bitterne, but don’t go as far as the road turning into Bitterne Road East. (When does that exactly occur?) Stop for a browse or a bap as needed, and continue until the cutway to the left.
Steer left into the avenue of trees. It’s easy to pass along this road and never notice the pathway leading into the forest of Thornhill. Through here, there’s a wonderful array of trees: fir, oak, beech, chestnut (although sadly no horse chestnuts it seems). The autumn sunlight streams through the turning leaves inviting adventurers deeper into its crisscrossing pathways.
Take the left path as it dips down into the woodland. Keep an eye out for delicate fungi amongst the mulchy mosaic of the fallen leaves. There may even be the odd bloom popping up to enhance the colour palate.
This path goes along the side of the children’s play area and the trees just about hide the spider climbing frame that looks perfectly at home amongst the green canopy. Any little adventurers might like a slide when passing here.
Follow the path past and loop up to the right to take the higher ground back up into the woodland and passing the playground from on high. There’s lot of forest bathing to do hidden away within this estate; it’d be rude not to complete the full loop. Remember to look up and admire the stretched arms of the branches and to always spot some squirrels.
Once the southern end of the playground is in sight again, and the trees give way to open grass and beige houses, take a left heading back into the suburbs. The spirits of writers walk these streets, named after the literary greats from before Thornhill Park House was even thought of.
Wander with Byron, pass Chaucer and meet up with Cowper. Take another left at Cowper Road turning back towards the main drag. Pass the bungalows and garages and wonder what the walk would’ve looked like with a grand house with Grecian pillars and abundant ivy, had it not been demolished in the 1920s.
Another left to catch up with Browning and then right onto Thornhill Avenue. Make time to enjoy the gardens and the well-tended pavement patches along here. Then the razzle dazzle of Thornhill Park Road is almost upon us. Be sure to pause to greet the sunflowers on the fire escape at the corner.
Another trip to the charity shop? Surely, it’s what the ladies of Ladies Walk would want? There might not be a tennis court to wander to, but some of the trees are probably peers of that time. And who knows when there might be a bonnet ready to be rescued in the local charity shop?
Cost: Free walking but there may be some cost to stopping, especially in the hallowed charity shop.
Accessibility: All the paths are paved and extend onto the pavements. Reach Thornhill from many bus services including the Number 3 Bluestar that stops along Thornhill Park Road.
Facilities: Some car parking along the residential streets nearby. Lots of shops along Thornhill Park Road including convenience stores, takeaways, a petrol station and the mighty charity shop. Also, the Bittern pub is en route if you’re in need of greater refreshment or of the water closet.
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