Walking the New Forest

During our travels I've always yearned to take a long walk. There's no better way to understand the landscape. So today I'm off to walk the New Forest. And in particular the inclosures; protected woods amongst the heath.

The New Forest was established as a hunting ground by William I in 1079. He also put in place a management system that included these inclosures and also also the right of Commoners to graze animals such as ponies and pigs.

Being the first day of a long weekend I expected a lot of traffic on the M3 heading south to the coast. As it turned out the journey took about 1.5 hrs. Not bad. I arrived at Telegraph Hill forestry car park at 10:30. The planned walk essentially circumnavigates a set of large inclosures to the north of the Forest.

As I started out it was a little cool - about 13 degrees - and overcast so I donned a jumper and started off across the heath. Almost immediately I say horse riders coming my way. There was a cross country event on today. Soon the traffic noise dropped away and I could start to enjoy the walk. I passed a number of ponies and foals - but all moved on as I approached.

The inclosure loomed on my left. To my right was the heath. This particular area was used as a bombing range during WWII including the 'Dam Buster'. I could make out the scars of few craters and even a brick and concrete observation hut.

A few miles down the track I turned to walk in to the inclosure. Soon I was enveloped by large oak brimming with almost fluorescent new leaves. On the floor of the woods were the first of the blue bells. Around me I could hear the birds. It was just what I was looking for.

I stopped for a sandwich in midst of the woods; sitting on a log in solitude. As I ate a pony approached and moved on.

I continued the walk until it broke out to heath land again and arrived back at the car about 13:30. Not wanting to stop there I took a short drive further south to Wilverly Inclosure for another walk.

Not long after starting this walk I came across an old Victorian cast iron marker plate stating that this particular inclosure is 500 acres and was created in 1775. Most of the waslk was via gravel bridleway with plenty of benches for the odd rest. There were a variety of trees including oak, holly, fir, and redwood. There was a sweet scent whenever I passed the fir and redwood. Just another element of the walk!

The guide book I was following recommended a cream tea at the halfway point of the walk. I couldn't resist stopping at the Old Station Tea House at Holmsley. Its a converted rail station serving a wonder array of teas. I ate a scone and tea (didn't want to undo all the good walking) and enjoyed it in the sunshine by a small pond and waterfall. If you're in the area, I can recommend this place.

Returning I had to ford the Avon River (only about three metres wide and may be 15 cm deep!). Then on to my final walk of the day. The Tall Trees Trail. Here was a chance to see some of the largest redwoods in England. Being about 5pm the sun was starting to get low which served to highlight the new growth on the trees. Along the way I came across the largest redwood in England - planted in 1853 and about 50 metres tall. But I think the most impressive was a pair of redwoods that straddled a grassy avenue. I could really appreciate their size. So I sat amongst the oaks and just enjoyed the noises.

I headed off back home about 7pm exhausted but glad I made the effort. I've posted some photos here. I recommend you take a look.