This gentle stroll around the southern edge of Botley will give you the opportunity to sketch a variety of vistas around Botley.

This gentle stroll around the southern edge of Botley will give you the opportunity to sketch a variety of subjects from streamside woodland and open fields to the old cottages and mills which are a reminder of Botley’s past as a market town on the River Hamble.

We will start with a simple ’warm up’ exercise and then walk on stopping two three times to sketch ending up at Botley Mills where we can compare our work over a tea or coffee.

Elwyn will be there to offer advice and guidance. At the end of the walk, we will have a ‘throwdown’ where we put down are sketches together and see what we have achieved. It is always interesting to see what other people have done in the same place.

Elwyn is a local artist who runs urban sketching workshops in the area. His aim is to encourage people to ‘have a go’ at drawing. This walk will give you the opportunity to create some images in response to what you see as you walk along the historic High Street of Botley.

Paper and basic materials for sketching will be provided but feel free to bring their own favourite art kit such as watercolour paints, pens and crayons.

It is a 10-minute walk along the High Street to get back to the Mortimer Road car park, if you have left your car there. It is best to walk along the northern side of the road to the pedestrian crossing outside the primary school because the pavement on the south side is much narrower and this road is very busy.

On the day

We will meet here: Carpark on the corner of Mortimer Road & the Botley High Street

What3words: https://w3w.co/holdings.pixies.apart

By Bike: There are cycle racks outside the Coop on the High Street.

By Bus - The No.3 Southampton/Eastleigh bus runs along the High Street (Closest bus stop Botley Primary School)

By Train - Botley Railway Station is just to the east of the village, about 1 mile along the A334 from the start of the sketchbook walk.

By Car - There is free parking available at the Mortimer Road car park at the beginning of the walk.

Please wear suitable clothes for the weather and suitable footwear for walking on various surfaces, enclosed footwear recommended.

Bring along:

A bottle of water

Sunhat, sun glasses and suncream

Camera and or phone.

Anyone who might need to sit and rest or would be more comfortable sketching whilst seated is recommended to bring along a portable seat.

Please Note:

Walk grade: Easy

Who should attend: Adults and children aged 11+

Sorry pets are not allowed to join a led walk unless they are a guide or assistance dog.

Child friendly: Yes. Suitable for children aged 11+. Any under 18s attending any of the activities must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

Walk distance: 2 kms

Facilities: There are various pubs and cafes along the High Street and at Botley Mills.

Inclusive: This walk includes some slopes and steps, as well as some uneven paths which make it unsuitable for wheelchairs.

Description supplied by the event organiser.