In the Ramblers, the Area serves as the vital strategic bridge between our local walking Groups, the national Central Office and our local highway authorities, currently Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council.
We are one of 59 Areas across Great Britain. While local Groups focus on inspecting and maintaining paths, organising group walks or running local campaigns; the Area Council has a more strategic role. Our main functions include:
Read the Constitution of the Hampshire Area (PDF).
The Area Council is the governing body of the Area. It is not just a meeting; it is the decision-making entity that holds the legal responsibility for our area.
As well as the honorary officers of Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, the council includes representatives from the groups, specialist officers (such as the Area Footpath Officer) and representatives from some affiliated local walking clubs that have joined the Ramblers.
The Council meets every quarter and holds an Annual General Meeting each year. Any member of a Ramblers Group in Hampshire can attend the AGM - to vote on regional issues, elect the Council members and nominate two delegates to the national General Council.
The Area Council has a sub-committee responsible for footpaths and the walking environment.
Meetings were held on 10 March 2026 via Zoom, and on 2 June and 8 September at Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall.
Will be held at 7:00pm on Tuesday, 8 December 2026 on Zoom.
The 2026 AGM took place at 14:00 on 14 February 2026, in Romsey. The AGM elected a new committee. Find out who’s who.
The 2027 AGM will be hosted by Alton Group, on Saturday 27 February 2027 at Beech Village Hall and Recreation Ground, 1 Wellhouse Road, Beech, Alton, GU34 4AQ. The AGM will be preceded by a walk in the morning.