Misty Sway and the Railway

30 December 2008

For route details click here

There have been few chances to get out over the Yuletide what with family and work. Today was my day off and earmarked for a good tramp around the countryside to walk off some of the effects of the Greedy Guts Season.

The morning didn't look all that promising - just grey and cold, no fog, no frost, not a glimmer of sunlight. I went anyway, determined on a walk gleaned from the December issue of Country Walking although I deviated a little from the text, choosing to park at Longslade Bottom Car Park (which is not where it says on the map!) rather than at Sway train station and following the route from there.

The route follows part of a disused railway which begins between Burley and Bransgore in the west and ends at Brockenhurst in the east and cuts through some of the loveliest area of the New Forest.

The sun did manage a gleam or two and occasionally the high mist cleared to show blue sky. The air was very cold but I was wrapped in thermals, two layers of socks, sweatshirt, fleece and all-weather overtop, beanie and baseball cap, and neck gaiter to cover my nose when necessary. After about 10 minutes walking along the disused railway my circulation was pumping and my poor fingers had finally warmed up.

The path across the higher moor coming down into Sway looked muddy in places but the overnight frost had hardened much of the ground and there was always a way around. Sway itself is a pleasant village. The Hare and Hounds pub is pretty especially with the Christmas lights twinkling around the windows. The village is one that has been visibly expanded over the years with pretty little character cottages side-by-side with modern brick houses of large and rather square proportions.

I met lots of nice people again. Several horseriders and among the many dogs out and about was one crazy lurcher-cross which apparently was incapable of moving around at less than top speed unless it was dancing around a person. It was never still and must be one of the happiest dogs I've ever come across. Yet for all its liveliness it was incredibly obedient; in complete contrast to the border collie that was not ready to go home yet and was chasing about the lawns near the car park, deaf to all entreaties to "come on" from the various members of its rather frustrated family.

Ahhh, it's good to be out again. Now, where to next time ... ?

Winter Days Diary - Clean Boots & Christmas Daffodils

19 December 2008

I need some fresh air before a busy shift at work so I thought I'd take a quick walk "round the block". It's all rather chilly and grey, but pretty where the Christmas lights are twinkling. What I did not expect was to see daffodil shoots poking through the soil as I walked under the trees along a rather nice street near the local park.

As for the clean boots - mine had got rather muddy (!) on Wednesday after the bog-hopping and I haven't got around to cleaning them yet. I knew the efficacy of beach shingle for removing caked-in mud from the deep treads of boots. It seems that some long, wet grass and a good, rough gravel path will also do the worst part of the job for you. All I need now is to wipe off the remainder and rub in some waterproofing. Excellent!

Deerleap and Fulliford Bog-hopping

17 December 2008

For route details click here

Clouds, fog, rawness and rain all fled and winter-brilliant sunlight poured down from the sky. What more encouragement could any walker want to get those boots on and get out?

I chose this location because it's just beyond the city and I had other places to be later in the day, and I've been meaning to try it out for ages. Incessant roadworks and traffic tailbacks stopped me before; but the roadworks like the gloomy weather had desisted for a day.

Once at the Deerleap Car Park it was evident that the beautiful weather had enticed everyone else and their dog or pony out as well. And the lawns and heathlands were dotted with the commoners' ponies and cattle.

The terrain varies from close-cropped lawns to inclosures of pine and more ancient woodland, heathland and bog. The walk from the car park to the railway crossing was pleasant on the lawn, and there is also a cycle path along it. There was a girl on a grey pony having a fabulous time cantering around, until the young rider had to rein the pony in to pass people and dogs, at which the pony protested vociferously and shrilly. It was a small pony but it had a very loud opinion!

Over the railway bridge and the river beyond to Fulliford Bog. There is a clear footpath which runs through the heathland and the surrounding squelchy bits and where I wanted to go off to the right, well, I could see the line of the path ahead. Some way ahead. Beyond an obstacle course. I have now been bog-hopping and it's actually quite fun. Somewhere under all the water and mud was part of the path ... I made it and now know that I can actually jump quite far when I need to.

The drier bit of the path formed a sort of gully for a short distance and then branched off to a small earthwork of what I presume to have been an ancient and very small settlement. There is a tumulus not far away. The earthwork itself is now marked by a line of bracken.

Ahead is a wooden bridge over a Forest stream. To the right, land belonging to Ashurst Lodge and to the right were deer grazing in the distance.

Beyond the bridge the terrain is more lawn-like for a while but wet, although firm, underfoot and a winding way needs to be taken around the deeper muddy bits to regain the path, which again disappears into mud and water. So another diversion needs to be found. This is not in the nature of complaining. It's lots of fun! For me.

Around the tall, pale wooden fencing that surrounds Ashurst Lodge so no one can see it and then to the drive and the trees begin to close in. Over the drive and down to the next railway bridge which has a pretty feature of pale blue iron work. Beyond the bridge is the gate into the Inclosure. I chose the cycle track up to the gate that leads out on to the lawn avenue between Deerleap and Longdown Inclosures as before, as I'd had enough of mud and heavy going. The cycle lane through Deerleap Inclosure runs quite close to the railway and it was fun to see a train racing through the trees.

By the time I was coming back to the car park, someone had been out with the hay truck and ponies and cattle had appeared in herds in the shadow of Longdown Inclosure to eat at and argue over the hay piles.

It was a beautiful, clear day, chilly but not raw and the light was perfect for taking photographs. And I was glad to get back to two hours tramping around the New Forest to really get the legs and lungs working. This will be my last long-ish walk before Christmas. I'm looking forward to new horizons in the New Year.

Winter Days Diary - Local Park

13 December 2008

Not a terribly adventurous walk but it got me "out of the house" and into some fresh air. It was grey, damp, a little bit boringly milder than it has been recently and all the fun of sheeting rain and howling gales had blown itself out sometime during the morning.

The River Itchen was in spate full to overflowing and was in a tearing hurry to get somewhere; probably away from the slightly sewerish scent that wafted across the footpath now and then. I'm quite sure that wasn't coming from the River though. The land about gets waterlogged and some of the more permanent pools of standing water have an oily look about them sometimes.

A couple of moorhens stood looking rather glumly at the water until a human got a bit close and then the water obviously seemed a better option than the footpath. Of ducks and swans I saw not a one. They had more sense than did I and the plethora of dog walkers who'd been waiting for the weather to clear before doing their duty.

From the park, I came back round a steep crescent which every year puts on a fabulous Christmas light show. This year, the show is a bit later but from the unlit evidence it looks like they could light up our post-Christmas dinner stroll again this year.

Oh well, not a very bright or inspired walk but it cleared the airways and stretched my legs for half an hour. I even took some photos. I'll be glad when the afternoons start stretching out again...

Winter Days Diary - Frosty Day

7th December 2008

At last, whiteness! There was but one place I could go to catch the last of the sun. I went back to Telegraph Woods. Had lots of fun playing in the mud again. This time I was on a mission to get photographs of the views from the edges of the woods and of the main features - the beacon, the earthwork, the lake and the clearings. Fortunately, the frost was still lying on the sheltered open ground around the lake and in the foresty clearing a little further on, and also on the golf course and the open spaces around the Rose Bowl.

I met a mad boxer dog that seemed intent on getting this one branch detached from its tree; apparently this was no youngster. This hooligan is 10 years old. The chap and his daughter with the boxer also had a dear little wiry terrier which came and sat at my feet, gazing up at me with one paw lifted. What could I do? She was very happy to be fussed.

Later on, I met a young black labrador. As I said "Hello dog" to it (as you do), around a clump of shrub and trees I came upon the owner in jeans and white shoes staring rather forlornly at the thick, black mud. I advised him that the way improves uphill. That didn't help his present predicament but he thanked me anyway and began to rather gingerly pick his way around the goo. I had thick boots on (no gaiters - hurry up, Santa!) so I just waded through.

It was a lovely, cold walk with a dusting of frost to make a pleasant change to the usual drabness of the damp and the sun golden and heatless sinking into the west.

Winter Days Diary - Telegraph Woods

6th December 2008

For a sunny late afternoon I chose a lovely muddy tramp through one of my favourite places locally. Telegraph Woods is beautiful at any time of year. In the winter it has a sparse beauty with a forest of pale beeches facing tall dark pine trees across the wide main path through the woodland.

I chose to follow one of the more indistinct paths which winds through pine trees into more ancient woodland of beech and oak. The trail is one of the type that is not clearly marked and often looks as if it's coming to a dead end, but is always there and the apparent dead end is a tight corner in the narrow path leading you on.

It was very muddy and so, of course, great fun. The path ran down behind a small woodland lake and up again to emerge beside a fence that separates the woodland from the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground. However, as you come down to the radar gate on to the footpath that runs down beside the golf course, there is a clear view down into the cricket ground and then a fabulous view out over the countryside to the north.

I came back to the main path and soon diverged off it to descend a stepway to a lower path which runs around the base of the ancient earthworks and rises again to a fork. I took the right-hand fork back to the main path. I only cleaned my boots a couple of days ago; they're covered in mud again!

Near the main entrance to the woodland from Telegraph Road there is a perfect circle of open space which has a low wooden barrier running around it to mark the position of an ancient Beacon, one of a chain fired to raise the alarm that the Spanish Armada was approaching the coast of Britain, during the reign of Elizabeth I.

Just inside this entrance, nailed to a tree, is a sign: No fires are to be lit in these woods ...

Winter Days Diary - Walking and shopping

4 December 2008

I was out for an hour and a half today. I needed some more fountain pen ink and another extension lead. Some of the time was admittedly taken up with looking around but it was a fair couple of miles on a late winter afternoon, a cloud-and-sun day with a sharp breeze blowing.

To the local Hobbycraft for the ink, the trail goes along a quiet lane between the edge of an estate on one side and school grounds on the other, both sides screened from the lane by trees and high brambles (good blackberrying in September). From Hobbycraft (eventually), the way goes alongside a busy road with views out over watermeadows to the north and into wet woodlands on the south side, and into Riverside Park. At the two-way traffic bridge at Woodmill, I turn right along the narrow pavement and over the railway bridge, then left and come to the local B&Q store for the extension lead.

The way home is back over the railway bridge and back through Riverside Park.

Winter Days Diary - A walk around the block

2nd December 2008

I managed to get in two short walks today, one in the afternoon for a photoshoot; one this morning just to get out - itchy feet!

There is an open common space nearby called Frogs Copse and has recently been signposted as an area managed to encourage wildlife, which is excellent news. This has become quite a major project in this city. There are four such sites near me.

From Frogs Copse through the quieter back streets, across the main road and along the path beside the river through Riverside Park, then back along the cycle track and up round Broadwater.

This rather nice area has been a Christmas treat for several years, with nearly all the houses being done up with lights and seasonal ornamentation; it has become quite a tourist attraction! My family always takes a walk round there after Christmas dinner.

With the current environmental situation, however, I'm not sure that this pretty tradition will be repeated this year. It could be that the residents might leave putting up the display until nearer the time.

It was a cloud-and-sun morning and quite cold, but with thermals and a good fleece jacket and hat, it was very pleasant.

Winter Days Diary - Photoshoot at Itchen Valley Country Park

2nd December 2008

I'm not giving away too much yet, but some interest has been expressed in a small article I put on a walkers' forum about my first time walking. However, the "interested party" wanted a photograph (oh lor'). So my Dad being a photographer and the Itchen Valley Country Park being the starting point for the whole thing, we set off to get some shots.

It was a pleasant, if cold, afternoon. We got a pleasant walk around the Forest Trail and some decent pictures out of the excursion. I sent one of the pictures to the "interested party" and as I haven't heard anything back, I'm hoping it's OK.

Fritham to Godshill

For route details click here

The sun glinted from the blue sky, a sharp wind blew from the north and it was cold enough that many of the large water holes in the New Forest had a film of ice. There were even ice crystals in the grass in the deeper shade. Nevertheless, swaddled in three layers beneath a good fleece jacket and thermals under combats, with woolly socks and a woolly hat, I was toasty and got really quite warm during the afternoon as I tramped about the New Forest for three and a half hours today. Even my hands, although I'd forgotten my gloves, stayed surprisingly warm.

The scenery was about as varied as it gets in the New Forest starting from a tree-lined and muddy car park, past an open lake called Iron Wells Chalybeate and through a brake of trees out into green lawns dotted with faded heather and soggy underfoot. Over hills, through "bottoms" and out on to the copper bracken plain edged with the dark eaves of Islands Thorns Inclosure. An army helicopter zoomed low over my head, chuttered into the south, and a few moments later came round again from the east and across westward behind me, where it dived into the shallow valley of Black Gutter Bottom. I didn't see it again after that. Somewhere northward someone was shooting things.

Heading towards Leaden Hall I was passed by a lady on a tall grey gelding. I commented "That's a lovely way to spend the morning", to which she replied, laughing "It would be if the cold didn't make my face ache." Leaden Hall is a strange area of sand and gravel that looked like it should be under several inches of water to form a lake. The water must just sink into the ground here. Although fairly soggy it was firm enough underfoot. From here across Little Cockley Plain and down Cockley Hill through little groves of trees, across a shallow bridge over a stream where I tried to wash the mud off my boots, and up to Godshill. I found a pleasant spot with a good view and had lunch.

From my lunchspot, I walked along Godshill Ridge and then down towards Pitts Wood Inclosure on rutted green tracks and fording the stream again. There are no gates or fences to the Inclosure and it looks like the trees have been taken back so that the stream that used to run through the Inclosure now runs in front of it. There is a wide walk up through the Inclosure, today covered in brown oak leaves which covered a soggy secret. This lovely-looking walk was like a mire under the leafy carpet. Further on however, the mud gave way to good gravel track heading upwards and soon joined the cycle track along the top of Hampton Ridge. As I walked up through Pitts Wood there were some semi-wild cattle complaining loudly about something somewhere to the north of the Inclosure. They didn't half go on about it, too.

As the clouds began to roll down from the north and the sun to fall into the west, the track wound down into Amberwood Inclosure. All I heard was the faint thrumming of a distant aeroplane and then only birds. I spotted a doe watching me from the trees and managed to get a photograph of her before she bounded away.

And so back to the car park after a lovely walk full of variation and surprise.

Acres Down to Lucas Castle

For route details click here

As the afternoon turned out to be the pleasantest for some time, I was lured out to the New Forest once again. I decided to return to Highland Water within Minstead CP as it has lots of paths going off in all directions, making for interesting shortcuts and diversions off the cycle track. However, going off the well-surfaced, all-weather tracks was made more interesting by the inevitable mud. Despite this, it is possible to find good enough footing, as long as you are wearing sturdy waterproof boots.

It was also interesting to see a place once thick with leaves now bare and "see-through". You can see where the paths run after they turn, which is hidden amid the summer foliage, and look back through the skeleton trees at the bridge crossed some minutes before.

What else struck me was the sound of the wind through the tree tops. Down amid the roots of the trees, hardly a breath of wind stirred, but the sound above and around was as if the sea was in the sky. Strange but lovely to hear, especially with no other sounds, except now and then that of water when passing the river.

There is a little lake before emerging from the Inclosure out on to the moor. Very pretty and peaceful and I shall look forward to seeing it again next spring and summer.

When I came out on to the moorland, the paths that cross it are of the "lawn" type, very green and close shaven by the ponies. Better than any lawn-mower. Behind me the sun was westering and cast a deep autumnal light on to the slopes ahead, giving them a copper glow, in contrast to the deepening shadows in the shallow dips between.

A short, sharp shower came over suddenly and changed the landscape completely, giving it a more brooding beauty.

The path I was on came down to another part of Highland Water which has to be crossed and at this point there is no bridge. It must be jumped or forded. In places it is deeper than my boots, in others shallower and running fast. I decided to cross where it branched into two streams where the water was narrower and shallower, but the opposite bank looked deeply muddy. I picked a landing place that looked more solid than the rest. I was wrong. My foot sank deep in a hole and I fell forward, fortunately landing on my hands. Mud everywhere nonetheless!

The walk took longer than expected, probably due to time spent taking photographs, stopping to look at the scenery and negotiating streams and mud.

I climbed up from Lucas Castle to where there are two lakes. I only passed the one which was ruffling in the wind. From here I failed to find the start of the path to cross Withybed Bottom. As it was now starting towards dusk, I decided on discretion and made for the nearby car park (Albert's Mare?) from where I could walk to the road and turn right along the verge back to the crossroads near Acres Down. My main worry about walking in the dark? Bumping or being bumped into by a pony or cow. Apart from this I quite enjoyed the novelty of wandering around in the twilight. Something I wouldn't as happily do in the city.

Oh, and I saw deer of course, four fallow does grazing on one of the paths I was about to walk along in Highland Water Inclosure. They soon spotted me and after staring undecidedly for a minute they trotted off.

Back at the car at last, having sloshed through another ford, there were tea and jaffa cakes waiting.

When the daylight fades too soon

What with the mad hours I work and the lessening daylight hours it's getting harder and harder to stick to my idea of getting out everyday. The gloomy weather isn't helpful, either.

However, around my home town of Southampton there is some very pleasant walking to be had.

These are my woodland favourites, for between 1/2 and 1 hour of greenery, fresh air and stretching limbs cramped from long hours sitting down.

Telegraph Woods - located at Telegraph Road, West End. In any season this is a lovely place to walk on good surfaces, although these paths can still be quite muddy after rain. There is good roadside parking on laybys both on Telegraph Road and Moorshill, and access is gained from these through radar gates (disabled access gates).

The environment consists of ancient woodland and more recent pine forest. There is a small lake to be found in the northern part of the woodland, and two pleasant open areas.

Information panels at the main entrances detail a circular walk through the woods and other paths, and also a viewpoint to the south east.

As this is close to home, it's my absolute fall-back when I have very little time but I simply have to get out.

***

Holly Hill Woodland - Again, a walking place for all seasons. The big attraction of this area is the series of lakes not far from the car park on Barnes Lane. There are manmade waterfalls, and wooden bridges over the narrows of the lakes where they spill into each other. The lakes are dotted with little islands of trees and shrubs.

The paths are well-laid out. However, be sure to wear suitable footwear if it has rained recently. There are paths to and around the lakes and out towards the Hamble River and Hook by Warsash nature reserve.

There is a specific car park for those with restricted mobility a little further along Barnes Lane from the main parking area, leading on to well-appointed easy access paths.

There is an information panel giving details of the history and nature of the woodland, with marked-out walks and viewpoints. The entrance from the main car park is through a charming green-painted iron holly arch with a leaf gate.

This place will take a good hour of your time and is well worth it. I have yet to see this woodland in Spring, but autumn seems to paint some of her brightest colours here.

***

West Wood, Weston - Another extensive walking area also accessible to cyclists, this not only has beautiful woodland to wander in, but also an open picnic area and access out on to grassland with extensive views out over the surrounding countryside and across the Solent. There is a small lake about 200 yards into the woodland from the entrance at Weston Shore. This woodland does undulate quite a lot so is good for working the legs. The paths are well-appointed and there are steps down to the lake. It is also possible to spot fallow deer in the woods, if you are very quiet and very lucky.

Parking is on Weston shore front. There used to be a car park on the woodland side of the road but this has been blocked off. There is a narrow path that leads around the lefthand side of the blockage for access across the car park to the woodland entrance.

Old Sarum & Salisbury

22 October 2008

Distance: 61/4 miles
Parking: English Heritage Car Park - Old Sarum
Map: Explorer 130 Salisbury & Stonehenge
Map ref for car park: SU141328

For route details click here

I always learn something from the walks I do, whether it be a better idea of how to frame a photograph or discovering another use for some piece of equipment. The most useful thing I learn from some walks however is how it could be improved. This particular day proved to be one of the latter.

The weather was lovely, glorious sunshine, scarcely a cloud and warm for October. I began at Old Sarum, denying myself the pleasure of a wander around the castle ruins unless I returned in good time later. I’d planned the walk but hadn’t put a time to it. Even without entering the castle ruins, there are two great moats and the ruins of the original cathedral to observe before heading down to the gate out of Old Sarum.

The walk took me along a footpath which I believe to be the remainder of a more ancient way and alongside the River Test, although on the opposite bank to the Nature Reserve walk. Lesson 1. The walk continues over a wooden bridge and down into the city centre, passing under the main road and the railway bridges of modern concrete and Victorian brick, with other smaller bridges of wrought iron and more modern architecture crossing over the river from the Walk to shopping malls. Salisbury’s city centre has to be the most charming I have yet entered. Despite the modern shopping malls and stores, the River flows gently through and on this day was flocked with swans, mature and juvenile. Older brick buildings are preserved and in one wall is still to be seen an old sluice gate with its great screws.

Further on, with the cathedral spire dominating the skyline from all directions, you come to the older, mediaeval part of the city with its narrow streets and restored buildings, and the Bargate through which you pass into the Cathedral Close. The Gates are still closed at night, between 2330 and 0600.

The cathedral rises in majesty. The spire is the tallest in Britain. And this year the Cathedral celebrates its 750th year. The Close contains several buildings of interest, including a mediaeval hall, but this is only open between April and September, so was unfortunately inaccessible today. The Clarendon Way begins in front of the beautiful West Front of the Cathedral, heads out of the Close and turns right on its eastern route to Winchester 25 miles away.

Although I didn’t visit the Cathedral, I did step for a few minutes into the Church of St Thomas Becket where there is an original 15th century “Doom Painting”, long preserved by the whitewashing during the Reformation and rediscovered and restored in the 19th century. This did nothing for my time-keeping, but I wouldn’t wish the visit undone.

Of the latter part of my walk from Salisbury back to Old Sarum, some part of it went through suburban city streets much like any other city’s; along a bridlepath called Cow Lane of little interest or beauty, except for the double railway bridges at the far end. Emerging from Cow Lane and wishing to access St Marks Lane towards a bridlepath back to Old Sarum, there is no easy access except to turn left towards the roundabout and cross over to the Church, or turn right and find the way through from there.

The bridlepath itself when reached is an excellent gravelled path accessible not only to horseriders, but cyclists, pedestrians, wheel-chair users and pushchairs. It’s only drawback in respect of universal use is that it finishes at a narrow road with no pavement, and this needs negotiating to come back to Old Sarum itself.

I didn’t return in time to have a look around Old Sarum, and a visit to the Cathedral will have to be postponed until another day, because I didn’t leave myself enough time.

So, I have planned a new, rather shorter route which will take in the Avon River Nature Reserve, the water meadows and leave time for visiting both the castle ruins at Old Sarum and the Cathedral in the city.

Wickham - Meon Valley Trail and West Walk

18 October 2008

Distance: 4 1/2 miles
Parking: Hampshire County Council Free Car Park
Map: Explorer 119 Meon Valley - Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham
Map ref for car park: SU575117

For route details click here

One of these days I will walk the 10 miles from Wickham to West Meon, and 10 miles back again, along the dismantled railway that now forms the Meon Valley Trail.

Although for some it might constitute a good day’s hike, it would be nice to take it over a couple of days to have time to sidetrack into the villages along the route: Soberton, Droxford, Meonstoke, Exton and Warnford, as well as Wickham and West Meon themselves.

As well as these pretty villages dotted along the meandering course of the River Meon, there are other places of interest to interest, including the ancient hill fort of Old Winchester Hill to the east of Meonstoke and Beacon Hill west of Exton and Warnford.

Beacon Hill and Old Winchester Hill both have nature reserves, and are intersected by the South Downs Way and Monarch’s Way. Other long distance paths also cross the course of the Meon Valley Trail, perfect for creating circular walks from village to viewpoint and back again.

My walk today took in about 1½ miles of the Meon Valley Trail from the free car park at Wickham to the point where the Pilgrims’ Trail crosses it and heads into West Walk, an area of woodland remains of the ancient Forest of Bere, now managed by the Forestry Commission and offering some excellent walking.

The sun showed through in fits and starts, and although autumnal the day was not unpleasantly cold. As I was walking during the latter part of the afternoon the light had that warm, soft luminescence that comes only in the autumn, giving a golden glow to even the darkest pine trees.
Not today, but previously, I have seen stoats playing on the bridge over the river at the trout fishery, where I was also passed by a deer. On that same day, a buzzard soared over my head as I walked among the trees at West Walk.

Acres Down to Bolderwood

15 October 2008

Distance: 6/4 miles
Parking: New Forest Acres Down Car Park
Map: Explorer OL22 New Forest
Map ref for car park: SU268097

For route details click here

I chose this route because it was supposed to rain today and the mainly gravel cycle tracks would be better underfoot that "true" Forest paths (the ones designated by single dash lines on the map, which are narrow, sometimes indistinct and muddy or boggy more often than note - the fun ones!) The walk would pass over Forest streams in several places and would take in the autumnal changes of the trees.

Also at this time of year the stags come into rut. Would I be lucky?

Oh yes, I was lucky! At the Bolderwood Deer sanctuary I saw and heard not one, but two stags roaring in separate fields; I didn't get to see a confrontation. Moreover, one of the stags is white. I suppose seeing them properly wild would have been an added bonus but as I had the good fortune I did, I am not complaining.

I did select one "true" Forest path, of course. It was quite naturally muddy, even boggy in places. However, I found a great new use for my walking poles in feeling out the firm ground from the mushier parts. The poles also came into their own while crossing some boggy areas on small pieces of branch laid down for the purpose. Said branches are generally round and narrow. With a pole dug into the ground securely on either side, I maintained my balance with much more ease and consequently this part of the walk was more enjoyable.

I took nearly 100 photographs of deer, streams and scenic views. This is definitely a walk I would do again, perhaps a little more off-(cycle)track next time.

By the way, it didn't rain ...

The Cows of Itchen Valley Country Park

11 October 2008

Map: Explorer OL22 New Forest
Map ref for car park: SU462161 (parking charges apply - from 50p for 1 hour)

I'd decided that I should conquer my cowphobia and the best place to do this would be in the environs of the local country park where I know my escape routes!

The Country Park is situated off Allington Lane, West End, Southampton. It covers 440 acres and includes water meadows, ancient woodland, meadows and grazing pasture, and has many waymarked trails which can be walked separately or made into one or several integrated walks. There is a Paw Trail for dogs and separate cycle and bridle paths, although the bridlepath requires a licence to be paid by users. It is also not for use by walkers or cyclists, presumably for safety reasons.

My excursion took me first into the grazing pasture. At first, I thought I was going to be out of luck. Then through a kissing gate I found cows. They were peacefully grazing. I walked along following the path towards another gate, right beside which was a cow. I would have to pass this one to get to the gate.

Safely negotiated. The cow looked at me rather curiously but simply stood there.

I was ready to approach the water meadows.

Through the trees I could see the cows making their way feedward from the outlying meadows. A large herd of beefstock (a rather sad thought!) all about 2 years old, all de-horned bulls.

There was a family with a small child who went through the kissing gate to watch the cows coming in, and I followed in behind them, content just to watch and see how the animals behaved. This was made more interesting by one of the Country Park rangers who strode down into the meadow and headed straight for the herd. He was intent on something else and went about his business as if the cows were not there. The cows stopped as he approached and stood around watching him. Occasionally a cow would moo at him but they didn't approach him; they just stood there.

I then got talking to a lady with two small dogs, one of which was used to being around cows and took no notice even when a large black muzzle was in its face. This lady used to work with calves and so I asked her about bovine behaviour.

Cows will move away from you if you are walking towards them. If you are bothered by a cow, say something like "boo!" to it in a loud voice. Calves are turned out into fields when they are 5 months old and are still hay-fed for a while until they get the idea that green means food, so if you walking through a field of youngsters they will equate human with hay and may approach and follow you. In my experience, their approach is at a run which can be quite scary, but they will stop and stand looking at you. As you walk on, they will continue to follow until you leave their field. They look so disappointed!

Altogether, it was a most interesting and informative time.

Godshill and the Avon Valley

9th October 2008

Distance: 7.8 miles approx
Parking: Forestry Commission Ashley Walk
Map: Explorer OL22 New Forest
Map ref for car park: SU186157

• The view eastward from Ashley Walk car park are quite beautiful and promise good things for another day.

• However, this walk heads west across the busy Roger Penny Way (B3078) to follow a grassy track down between gorse bushes running alongside a fence. The grass gives way to stones and descends sharply, with lovely views over the valley. At the bottom of the steep descent is a gate left and a bridleway signpost. The bridleway passes first along the right edge of an enclosed area of New Forest land, then through another gate and up between horse pastures on either side. Pass a footpath going left across a field and continue to follow the bridleway until it emerges between new cottages to a lane.

• For those who prefer to avoid livestock, turn left here to meet Roger Penny Way again, and right towards Fordingbridge along this road. A pavement on the right hand side of the road runs a good stretch of the way. Where it peters out, cross the road (with care!) to a footpath on the other side which runs down almost to Fordingbridge, where you need to cross again to another pavement.

• For those who have no qualms about livestock, there is a traffic-free route which cuts out a sizeable chunk of the main road, although eventually this has to be encountered on this particular route.

• From the end of the bridleway above, turn right along the lane until a footpath sign on the left to a stile. The footpath runs along the left hand edge of fields. Pass through a windbreak of trees. Ignore the first footpath left and turn on to the second. Turn right and soon left again to walk down through the Sandy Balls Estate. Keep following the footpath down through trees and eventually through a small paddock to a signpost by a gate pointing back along the way and emerge to the B3078. Turn right on to the pavement and continue down into Fordingbridge as above.

• The pavement going into Fordingbridge passes under the A338. Bear right to cross the stone bridge over the River Avon. There are picturesque views to either side along the River. Pass the George Inn on the left. At the T-junction the main street which is worth a wander along is to the left. I was hoping that the Avon Valley Path would pass through the town centre; instead it bears round to the right at the T-junction and turns the next left after the Museum, into a residential area.

• Keep through here. It is much like any other residential area, being far more modern than the more central parts of the town. There are Avon Valley Path stickers intermittently on telegraph poles and street lights. When a school sign is seen ahead, turn along a road bearing right before this. At the far end of this road and before it bends right, there is a footpath signposted with Avon Valley Path labelling continuing straight ahead. The tarmac footpath soon gives way to gravel and grass. Gardens and school grounds become hidden from view by high hedges. At a T-junction turn right. The Path still runs intermittently between hedges with views over pastureland, and can be very puddly after rain. The Path comes to a farmstead and passes through the farm, past cottages to the A338. Turn right here. On the right is the Tudor Rose Pub. Cross over towards a gate on to a concrete path past cottages towards a farmyard.

• Go through the farmyard. Just before a metal field gate, there is a signpost to the left towards a suspension bridge. Cross over and walk across a water meadow to a wooden bridge. Cross here and bear right down to a V-gate. Once through this, the Path runs between fences and over tributaries of the River Avon. At one point a shallow stream runs beside the road.

• Look out for a wooden lock or weir to the left.

• Again, the way runs through farmland. Ignore all other paths and keep straight ahead on to a gravel drive between more cottages to a New Forest sign, a cattle grid and gate. This is a return to New Forest land. Ahead is a small green with fenced woodland rising beyond a narrow tarmac lane. Turn left along the lane. To the left a wooded hill rises up, the ring and bailey of a lost castle.

• After Castle Hill the land falls away steeply to the left. There is a pleasant path alongside the lane. Keep along this until a car park with benches in front. This is one of two viewpoints over the Avon Valley, with views of the River winding through. A little further on, where a Forestry Commission sign stands ("Castle Hill") is another parking area with benches and viewpoint.

• From this car park, cross the lane and through a gate into the woodland. Follow the path heading left and up through the trees for about 150 yards. Look for a clear grass path to the left again and follow this up to a gate and road. Cross the road and pass through another gate into continuing woodland.

• This is true Forest walking.

• There are two tracks heading away from the gate either side of a holly clump. Take the left hand way which seems to run parallel with the road for a little way but soon heads up through the trees. Ignore all paths to right and left; cross over a wide cycle track and continue along to a gate into a car park. If the path is muddy look for narrow paths which veer around the main track to miss the worst of the mud.

• Leave the car park heading right past two small oak trees. Keep along the path that descends into the valley and eventually runs beside a fence. At the bottom of the valley where a stream runs through, there is a choice of a wooden bridge or fording the stream. Whichever you choose, continue up along a choice of paths with the fence always to the right. Soon pass the gate and signpost to the bridleway walked earlier, and climb steeply up the last part of the path to the road. Cross the road to return to Ashley Walk car park.

Not today!!

4 October 2008

Distance: A few yards around my apartment
Parking: The chair in my study
Map: N/A



This is the view from my study window! Not very nice, and even worse when you can see the moving picture with trees waving around like oversized triffids and the rain sheeting sort of sideways.

Oh well, hoping for better things by Tuesday.

Minstead Circular

02 October 2008

Distance: 51/2 miles
Parking: In front of Village Shop by the Village Green
Map: Explorer OL22 New Forest
Map ref for car park: SU283110

Minstead is another pretty village nestled in the New Forest just north of Lyndhurst and easy to get to from the A337 south from the M27 westbound from Southampton.

The day was pleasant although occasionally cold when the sun was obscured and on the exposed ridge overlooking Withybed Bottom and Murrays Passage.

If there are no parking spaces by the village green, there is a New Forest Car Park by the cricket ground about 1/2 mile east.

From the village shop head towards the village green where there is a stocks and a memorial to villagers who fought in WWI. Pass the memorial up Church Lane with the pub on your right and pass in front of the church to a gate in the right hand corner. The footpath runs down between a hedge and trees on the right and paddocks on the left, to another gate at the bottom. Turn right to the road and left over the stream to go uphill.

Where the road forks, take the right hand lane, and at the next fork by the phone box bear left to the crossroads. Go straight over past Piglets Corner, stables and other cottages heading for Acres Down Farm. At the Farm there is a Tea Rooms open from April to September, and camping to be had from £10 per night for a small (1-3 person) tent. Continue around the corner past a sign in green pointing the way to Acres Down Car Park. Walk past the car park (or divert here to go up on to Acres Down) and around a barrier on to a cycle track signposted to Bolderwood (2.3 miles).

The track winds through the Forest passing between old gate posts and the remains of a wooden fence where a gate used to be. Further along the track goes over Bagshott Gutter. Where another track comes down from the left some way past the stream, turn right up a grass track through conifers. Go over the track at the top and follow the grass track ahead which bears slightly right. This track can be rather churned and muddy but, except where it is very wet, the mud tends to be firm underfoot. Apart from the mud this is a lovely walk with the trees closing in on both sides.

At the top of a short rise follow the track round to the left and keep along the clearer path. As the bracken begins to increase and the trees to recede slightly on the approach to a gravel track, there is a possibility of spotting deer.

At the gravel track cross over and bear slightly right to find a grass path running almost parallel to the gravel track, which soon runs lower than this grassed way. Keep along this path through the trees to a gate bearing a permissive footpath sign on the other side. Through the gate, turn immediately right and where a track joins from the left keep left. Follow this track along the ridge beside trees on the right and gorse intermittently on the left.

Here are lovely views across a shallow valley, Withybed Bottom. Looking left from the track it is possible to spot a green fingerpost, which points the way to Murrays Passage. This is a nice spot to stop for Jaffa Cakes and water and to enjoy the view. Return to the track up by the trees and continue along through the gorse ahead.

There are three main tracks through the gorse. Keep ahead on the middle way. A track will come down from the right to join this; continue a little further and at the next major fork, go right and continue to follow this path round to the road opposite the gates to Grovewood House, ignoring a path which goes left to the road before this. Along this path, look south and on clear days spectacular views can be had over miles of Forest to the rising heights of the Isle of Wight.

Cross the road towards the gates of Grovewood House and turn right along the verge to the bridleway signposted to King's Garn, which is a private residence. Follow the bridleway all the way down until a road is reached. On the left before the road is a stile. Go over the stile and up the footpath between hedge and fenced pasture to another stile. Turn immediately right down to a footbridge and then up some wooden steps and, forking right, go through a staggered gate. Cross a plank bridge, through another staggered gate and up a slope with greenhouses on the right to a car park.

Keep right and ahead is Furzey Gardens, through a wooden gate flanked by a wooden board giving details of the Gardens, to a charming cottage tucked down behind trees.

Continue along the path to the road and turn right. From here is a choice of two ways back into Minstead. The simplest is to pass a Y-junction and keep along the road, passing cottages and fields and finer houses and coming down eventually past white-walled and oak beamed cottages and the pub to the village green.

The alternative route is to go right at the Y-junction and head down this lane until a stile left into a field. The path goes up the left side of this field, which may be used for grazing horses or cattle - today it was empty except for two deer which bounded away across the field ahead of me.

Follow the path up through this field to a footbridge and stile into the next field and continue up to still another stile and the road beyond. Turn right and come down into Minstead, again past the white-walled cottages and the pub to the village green.

Spearywell Wood to Mottisfont

29 September 2008

Distance: 3 1/2 miles
Parking: National Trust Car Park - Spearywell Wood
Map: Explorer 131 - Romsey, Andover & Test Valley
Map ref for car park: SU316278

This is another lovely walk in the Test Valley through woodland, past pretty cottages and lovely river views. There is a railway to pass under and to cross - with care! The walk takes in the village of Mottisfont where there is an Abbey and Gardens. The Mottisfont Estate is run by the National Trust.

• To start the walk, pass beside the barrier at the back of the car park into the woods on a good track. The path passes through old woodland and then down through conifer trees. Bracken rises up the slope to the left, while the ground to the right is carpeted in green. There is a strange feel to this part of the woodland, the feeling that people once dwelt here.

• The path comes to a grassy T-junction. Turn left here by a way marker stone and head uphill. Where another path crosses at the top, bear right and follow the way round to a staggered junction. Here is a short-cut sign to Mottisfont Abbey. Go left, then right on to a track down through woodland, past a T junction which goes over a plank bridge into a fields and continue to a junction and turn left. Where the paths cross ahead there is a gap in the hedge, left, into a field; ahead the way continues into another field with a missing gate; to the right is a wide way, which at the time of walking this route, was cleared back hedges and a grass path running down the left side of a wide dirt track rutted with tractor treads. Go right along the grass path to the trees. There is a stile which you can climb over if you feel like it, but the path also skirts around it.

• The footpath follows a fence, right, for some distance. There is a view to the right over a large field and trees to a hill in the distance. In the foreground, the spire of a church can be seen rising just above the tree tops. Keep following the path round, bearing right past a muddy stream, until the way passes under the railway and comes to a bridge over the river Dun. There are pretty views both ways along the river from the bridge; however, the route turns left through a metal kissing gate just before the bridge.

• Follow the path through a meadow and rough, marshy pasture. There are two plank bridges which manage to miss the mud at either end in both cases, however it only means a short jump to the planks. Keep along the path to a double stile by oak trees. Turn right along the field edge to another stile and continue through a copse. The path passes a spring to the right and a little further on is a beautiful little cottage on the left, tucked in the trees and totally isolated. Past the cottage, the path continues through a gate and along the left-hand edge of a field, past an electricity junction and through a gate beyond which is the railway. To the right, Dunbridge Station is visible. Take note of the warning signs beside the gate. Stop, listen and look for trains coming before crossing the planks to the opposite white gate. Follow the path beyond this gate between hedges and past a defunct stile to the B3084 - a road sign opposite reads "Hat Hill Mottisfont".

• Cross the road to the gate and follow the path up through cow pasture to another gate at the top of the field. The path continues through arable land. Towards the further end of this field is a low fence bearing a sign that the path has been diverted to avoid an old oak tree invaluable for conservation. The tree is large, quite beautiful and almost symmetrical from this angle. Continue along the path, through the fence and turn right along the lane beyond. This is Hat Lane, now closed to motorised traffic, and comes down past a grey phone box on to the main road through Mottisfont village. To visit the Abbey and Gardens, turn right here past the 12th Century St Andrews Church on the right and pretty Hazel Cottage on the left.

• To continue the walk, turn left with the pub and then the wall of the Abbey grounds on the right. At the road junction turn left up Bengers Lane and take the path right which goes across a field (be careful not to turn up the driveway of a house which is the first path on the right!). Pass between two oak trees and through a windbreak of trees over a plank bridge, and across another field to a gate in the far corner. Pass around the gate and out on to the road which, turning right, comes back to the car park. There is a grass verge on the left side of the road past the cottages. However, I should mention that I was subjected to verbal canine abuse from one of the gardens, which made me jump! The verge eventually ends and the car park is just a few yards ahead.

Timsbury to Mottisfont Circular

24 September 2008

Distance: 8 miles
Parking: Hunt's Farm Sports Ground, or parking at the side of the A3057 heading south to Romsey
Map: Explorer 131 - Romsey, Andover & Test Valley
Map ref for car park: SU347251

(I am indebted to Test Valley Borough Council for the original directions for this walk.)

This is a pleasant walk from start to finish, as the paths are clear and well-kept and usually a comfortable width. The only domestic animals I encountered today were sheep at the Church at Michelmersh and they were in the graveyard keeping the grass down. Much better than a lawnmower.

This walk starts from Hunt's Farm Sports Ground in Timsbury, entrance off the A3057, but the parking area mentioned above may be more convenient.

From the Sports Ground car park, return to the entrance and turn left on to a grass verge, or cross the road (it is fast and can be busy) to the pavement opposite. On the left side of the road turn up Heron Lane (this does not have a road nameplate at the moment) just before the parking area at the side of the road. The village hall is tucked behind a hedge to the right at the start of this lane.

The lane soon becomes a bridlepath. Keep following this round past houses and Hunt's Farm on a new tarmac road to a Y-junction. Take the left hand fork on to the road. Follow this road with care into the village of Michelmersh. On reaching a crossroads and a roadsign turn right and then left on to a track after the houses. This track goes up between fences, through two gates and passes to the left of a reservoir. Come to a gate and cross the small field ahead to the Churchyard. Go through the churchyard past the entrance of this lovely church and out through the gate to the road.

Turn right and cross the road to a footpath heading down beside fields until a footpath sign pointing in all directions. Go right here, uphill towards a copse. Take a few pauses to enjoy the unfolding view across the Test Valley.

Go through the copse with farm buildings to the right and out the other side to another field. Pass through the gap in the electric fence and head diagonally across the field to a sprung gate into woodland. The path downward is quite steep. There is a handrail for a little way but it continues steeply after the handrail finishes. Keep following the path down to a stile into a field. A hill rises steeply to the right. Continue down to the road beyond another stile.

Cross the road with care and pass through the fence-gap and over a bridge with lovely views along the Test River on both sides. Keep along the tarmac path to a stile beside a gate into the flat field beyond. There is a sign on the post advising walkers to follow the white posts. This path leads across to another bridge, which has a step-over rail.

Turn left after the bridge along a gravel drive past pretty cottages. Pass over another bridge. Look for a kissing gate on the left in the hedge. This leads into the Mottisfont Estate which the Test Way continues through. Today, there were notices of a diversion of the Way; however, it appears from the map on the gate that this may be a permanent change as it is the same as the Explorer map route. Cut diagonally across the field through a break of trees and continue towards a footpath sign in the middle of the field next to some more trees. Turn a little right again and head slightly uphill to the gate to the road. On the left across the field is Mottisfont Abbey.

Turn left along the road, past the walls of the Mottisfont Estate and keep left as the road bears. Choose to continue along the road, past Hazel Cottage on the left and the 12th Century St Andrews Church on the right to visit Mottisfont, and return to the Church after the visit.

To continue the walk, turn up the road right with the Church on the left. The lane soon becomes a long path. Follow this to a stile into a conservation area. Dogs are requested to be kept under close control here. Cross the field along a well-defined grass track to a bridge over the River Dun. The view to the right is pretty.

Continue through the gate on the other side of the bridge. The path climbs steeply between fencing and woodland to another tall gate. Go through this and over the railway bridge. Follow the path along until it reaches a crossroads. Turn left here and descend gently to the road.

Turn left over the level crossing into the village of Kimbridge. Kimbridge Farm Shop is on the left. The shop sells, among other things, miniature bottles of flavoured wines which also come in normal sized bottles as well. There is a tea shop called Annie's within the building. There is a lovely wooden, covered bridge over an ornamental pond to the entrance, and a huge willow tree stands before the building. It is all very picturesque.

From the Farm Shop continue along the road through Kimbridge. This road is surprisingly busy for a minor road and there are verges to step onto out of the way of the traffic. Follow the road all the way along until it reaches the A3057.

On the other side of the road is The Bear and Ragged Staff pub. The walk continues, when you are ready, up the lane which passes to the right of the pub. Just before a crossroads on the outskirts of Michelmersh, turn right along a footpath which runs alongside a house. There are two gates to pass through, the intervening space is the garden to the house, so please be respectful of this space.

Through the second gate, the path skirts the edge of a cornfield over a stile and continues right. Keep following the path along. It goes over an entrance to the claypits and on the other side of this track follows the edge of the claypits/brickworks and down to the brickworks yard. Turn right to pass buildings out into the road and turn left.

On the right side of the road is a footpath sign. There is a gap in the hedge but the stile is no longer there. Pass down through the field and into woodland; there is a stile but no fence. Follow the path down to the tarmac road and turn right down to the main road. Turn left and follow the road back to the Sports Ground and car park.

Hut Wood circular

16 September 2008

Distance: 31/2 miles

Parking: Off-road raised area on B3043

Map: OL22 - New Forest

Explorer Map ref for car park: SU426183

I don't have any photos of this so I shall have to walk it again to get some. This is a very easy ramble between Chilworth, Chandlers Ford and North Baddesley - barely outside Southampton and about three miles from my front door.

It's a walk I would recommend for any pleasant day, but not mid-week for parking because of overspill from the nearby industrial park and some inconsiderate parking methods.

The weather was pleasant and the woodland glowed golden when the sun came out. I stepped into a deep puddle because I was watching the trees for the source of interesting rustlings.

The walk starts in Hut Wood going from East to West along a wide track, from which you have to find a barely defined footpath winding up over an earthwork up to a right of way (footpath). The route turns north on to a bridlepath right of way up to Castle Lane where you cross over to follow a foot-and-cycle path alongside a private woodland until you cross over again to walk south along Misslebrook Lane to Botley Road (which goes to Romsey).

Cross Botley Road to the safety of the pavement, then recross in front of the Chilworth Arms to a bridleway which doubles as a tarmac drive past houses until the tarmac bears off to the left and the bridlepath continues as an earthen path. Eventually the bridlepath intersects with the footpath, as before. Turn right along the footpath and look for the bit of woodland you memorised earlier to find that little indistinct pathway down into the woods again.

Follow the main track back to a T-junction shortly and turn down the left-hand track and just keep following this back to the metal gate and parking area.

I spotted a small black lizard scuttling off path into the undergrowth. It was about three or four inches long, including the tail.

And being me, I saw a deer. She was standing in a small glade between trees. She stared for a moment, then she bounced away and ran across the path about twenty feet from me.

And all this so close to home.

Stockbridge to Danebury Hill

16 September 2008

Caveat: Parts of this walk are not suitable for children or dogs, and great care must be taken with the two fast roads encountered

Distance: 7 1/2 miles approx
Parking: National Trust Car Park The Lions Den (free)
Map: Explorer 131 - Romsey, Andover & Test Valley
Map ref for car park: SU357347

Today, I headed for Stockbridge in the Test Valley, overlooked by Stockbridge Down to the East and leading, via part of the Test Way and a well-maintained Restricted Byway, to Danebury Hill, or Danebury Ring, the remains of an Iron Age Settlement.

I parked in the National Trust car park called The Lions Den and accessed via a very narrow country lane which runs parallel with the A3057 from Kings Somborne.

Two gates lead on to a Common popular with dog walkers and marked on the map as access land. Between the two gates runs the Test Way. My way turned right from the gate towards Stockbridge.

There are some peculiarities with this walk. Part of the Test Way runs along the verge beside the A3057 after the roundabout at Stockbridge. On the map, it shows the Way going through the roundabout. I think this inadvisable; probably best to do what I did – go left, cross at the island and follow the way safely along the verge from there.

Other oddities of this walk will be revealed, as in every good tale, as I come across them.

Eventually, the Test Way goes off on its safer course parallel to the road but separated from it on a proper footpath.

I’m heading for the lane that heads west to Longstock. As I walk along, I see an interesting path cutting up to the left. I pass it, though wondering where it goes. And a few yards further on I see a large green bridge affair passing over the path ahead. Now I know where that other path leads. The large green bridge affair is the road I’m after. The Test Way runs under it. To get up on to it I have to go back and up the other path.

This road is bordered by lots of streams all gushing, bubbling and trickling, and woodlands of birch trees and nettles. There is no way through those woods. As the lane continues it becomes more and more charming with little fishing huts, and a small weir and the river running alongside the road.

And then into Longstock itself. Hampshire can pride itself on its little villages and hamlets and Longstock is a very pretty example with its thatched cottages, lovely old church set on its own little hill and The Peat Spade Inn which designates itself as a “rooming house”.

After stopping to take photos, my way lies up Church Lane which eventually leaves tarmac behind becoming a restricted byway. Some of it lies between hedges which can become a little tedious, although the way is clear and firm underfoot. I amused myself, as I was heading for Danebury Hill, imagining I was some Iron Age traveller wayfaring to trade with Danebury. At the top of a rise, beside what are designated on the map “new buildings” and really aren’t! there is an open area with views out on three sides. Eventually, the byway ends at the junction of two undesignated roads.

Here is another peculiarity of this walk, and a not very pleasant one. Eventually the way lies across the road along the continuation of the byway; but if you want to get to Danebury Hill, there is no provision for walkers except this very fast road, on the road. The verges are overgrown, and never meant to be footways as far as I can tell. I did it, there and back again, because my goal for my lunchbreak was Danebury and having been there before (albeit by car) I was looking forward to being there again.

There is a public convenience, which is clean and well-maintained but rather strange. It is in the form of a roundhouse, although brick and tile, rather than wattle and daub. The ladies, at least, is a white quarter circle chamber with a high window, one toilet and washbasin. There is a notice on the door that warns “Do not lock the door, it doesn’t unlock.” I used my rucksack to hold it closed.

Lunch on the ramparts was pleasant, as the sun came out. Helicopters were flying back and forth out from Middle Wallop Airfield just over the way to the northwest. I had a wander around the Fort, taking in the atmosphere, and as a cold wind began to come up I departed to play with the traffic and start the return journey.

The second part of the walk continues along a byway on the south side of the road. This was muddy at the start today, but soon became dry underfoot, if a little rutted for some way. It runs between hedges as before but with gaps to left and right so you get views of Danebury to the right, and an arable field bordered today by a mass of scarlet poppies. The ruttedness soon calms down and becomes a clear track.

At the corner, where the byway becomes a lane, there is a footpath marker with a yellow Hampshire County Council tag over a stile. This is the path to follow. I must say the farmer has done a better job of keeping his bit of the path clear than HCC have their bit, but for all that it is perfectly passable – just don’t wear shorts.

The views begin to expand again until you turn southeast to follow the footpath along the edge of the now resting cropfields. Into the second field, the path begins to lose some of its clarity but it is still passable. The view drops away as you drop downhill but there is a treat in store.

Not immediately, though.

The footpath goes through the corner of a hedge, hard to spot but it is there – you just have to trust me! DO NOT RUSH THROUGH! The hedge is right on the edge of the A30. No verge, no pavement, nothing but fast traffic to play with. I rather enjoyed the idea that as people roared past they caught a glimpse of someone standing in the hedge.

In a break in the traffic (it does happen) get across the road and over the stile on to an indistinguishable footpath. Just keep the hedge on your left.

There is one further stile and on the other side the most beautiful green greenway I have yet encountered. It is tidy and quite a lovely place to walk. There are nettles on both sides but not overgrown, and enormous dock leaves. Someone other than nature has gone to a lot of trouble here. And soon Stockbridge is just visible between the trees ahead as the path descends. The byway comes out on to a road by a school. From here, it is a simple matter of following the road down and round to the right and along the main street of Stockbridge.

This is an old stamping ground of mine – I should say “singing” ground. I used to sing in concerts in St Peters Church some years ago with a small group of enthusiastic amateurs called Opera Dever. As I had not done so before, I took photos of the Church both outside and inside.

Continuing on towards my reward of tea and chocolate, I went back along the road by the roundabout I came along towards the beginning of the walk and met a small, black, hairy friend; a very friendly cat that seemed to think the middle of the road was a good place for a fuss. With laughing from onlookers, I eventually managed to coax the cat off the road so the oncoming car could get going again, and it was pleased to be fussed over for a few minutes. I had to leave my little friend and continued back along the few yards of the Test Way back to the gate and the car park, where I had tea waiting in a thermos flask, and a small bar of chocolate.

Picket Post to Burley

15 September 2008

Distance: 7 miles
Parking: Picket Post
Map: OL22 New Forest
Map ref for car park: SU791182

The Car Park has great views out over Ringwood and into the heights of Dorset. However, the air quality has been hazy since the sun started coming out so distant vistas can’t be well-defined.
I followed a path around the eastern slope of Foulford Bottom which turned back on itself to emerge on to Smugglers Road, a great name for this broad greenway along the ridge down to Vales Moor. I went along a path a little east of Smugglers Road to come down to the road then, after the bridge, across and up Castle Hill on to a “traffic-free” cycle route – traffic-free except for cars and 4x4s from the houses en route.

I had a wander around the lovely village of Burley, with its witchy shops that sell everything from brooms, cauldrons and hazel wands to wonderful ornaments. You can get lovely fudge here and there’s a fun music shop along the little precinct between the car park and the main road.

To leave Burley I went up the main road that eventually passes the Picket Post car park. There is a handy footpath, gated to prevent ponies, cattle, donkeys, etc. which takes you into Burley Street. I turned right on to Forest Road and where the road bends sharp right, kept straight on up a no through track (for cars) which eventually forks, going right to Turf Croft and left to Turf Farm.

I saw deer. I always do. The nearest one which saw me first was stamping the ground with its forefoot while it was watching me. (In the photo above, the foremost deer has its right foot raised.)

The farmhouse is lovely, a modern-ish brick building but well-laid out with neat stables attached. These people can saddle up and ride straight into the Forest by turning right out of the yard, over a pretty little stream and out on to Ridley Green. A double path (very squelchy but firm underfoot) leads up into Ridley Wood. I followed the westnorthwest path through here and out into Ridley Bottom which goes up to Picket Plain.Once back at the car park, three hours later, I grabbed my lunch and my little tripod seat and sat overlooking the stunningest views while I replenished.

Harting Down

27 August 2008

Distance: 10 miles (approx)

Parking: National Trust Car Park South Harting (free to NT members or £2 all day ticket)
Map: Explorer 120 - Chichester
Map ref for car park: SU791182

There is a choice of direction from the waymarker in the middle of the green lawn in front of the car park. To follow the walk I took today turn eastward, after admiring the view out over the village of South Harting to Torberry Hill and beyond. The path is well marked out and passes between trees to a gate. Go through the gate and out on to Harting Down.

Follow the South Downs Way along the top of the Down. The views over the valley are lovely and the hills in the distance seem to beckon the walker to discover their secrets.

Continue down the other side of Harting Down into Bramshott Bottom, past the waymarker in its broken cairn and choose from a variety of paths going up on to Beacon Hill. To follow my path, you will have to climb up the steep chalk path ahead which goes up to a gate. There are foot steps in the path and the grass either side to make the going a little easier. I found my walking poles to be invaluable here. After the gate, the ground rises still but less steeply. There is a trig just to the right of the path, and a bench. According to the map, this route is a bridle path!

Go over Beacon Hill and drop down steeply the other side. From here you may choose to continue on over Pen Hill to Mount Sinai. I choose to follow my planned route and passed around the base of Beacon Hill following the South Downs Way. It comes around the far end of the Hill and passes through a gate alongside wheatfields eventually coming back down into Bramshott Bottom.

From here follow the way back up to Harting Down. As you return, ahead you will see Tower Hill on which stands a ruin, probably dating from the Victorian age.

Continue along the path back through the gate to the car park and pass on through now heading west of the car park. You drop down through trees through Two Beech Gate and cross the B2141 to the path which leads you around Tower Hill. Be careful of the steep drop to the road below as the path continues. There is a kissing gate a little further round through which you can pass if you wish to climb up the field to see the ruined Tower at closer quarters. There are two five bar metal gates to pass through. Be sure to secure them properly both on the way in and out. Be aware that there may be livestock in the fields on this hill.

Come back down through the kissing gate to the path again and continue westward. Eventually you will come down to the B2146. Take care crossing this road, listening for approaching traffic as there are blind bends on both sides.

On the other side of the road is a waymarker explaining that the path ahead is a restricted by-way. There is also a path which goes down to the right waymarked to South Harting and lists its major features, including a shop, pub and B&B. This is a footpath only and comes out eventually into a structured park.

For now, follow the by-way, called Forty Acre Lane, alongside two crop fields, passing through a windbreak of trees half-way along. Continue until you come to a metalled road. There is a barn in the field to your right, and a red-brick house to your left. The road follows the Sussex Border Way and does not show as a road on the map because it is a private drive.

Pass down between steep-sided woodland until you come to the B2146 westward out of South Harting. Cross here and head up the public footpath which passes around the lower slopes of Little Torberry Hill. The footpath eventually comes out on to the West Harting Road. At the junction follow the road ahead signposted to West Harting, following the line of Torberry Hill. At the T-junction turn right towards South Harting.

Along this road there is a metal gate wired open, with an old tractor and horsebox off to one side. A fenced path leads up and from here it is possible to get on to Torberry Hill, a meadowland in Summer. There are various legends attached to Torberry Hill: it is the Devil's spoon, flung away in rage when his punch was too hot; there is gold hidden under the Hill; it can only be ploughed with a golden plough; and fairies dance on the Hilltop on Midsummer's Eve.

From the top of the Hill there is stunning view all around across the valley to the north; the Downs rolling away to the east, and West Harting Down rising behind to the west.

Return back down from Torberry Hill the way you came and continue right along the road until you reach a green path going down between two large cropfields with Torberry Hill to your right and the village of South Harting ahead with Harting Down rising behind. To your left is Manor House.

Cross the B2146 and walk up the metalled drive towards the farm buildings. Follow the footpath waymarkers to the left and along a lawned path between fences. The path turns left and right again past the church and into the village. You need to turn right to pass alongside the church, but take great care as there is no pavement. Walk along the road and pass to the right of a small walled car park into a park beyond. This is the park mentioned above. With trees on your left, walk through the park and into the woodland beyond. There are several paths waymarked into the woods. Take the path straight ahead. The climb although not steep is long. Eventually you come out at the post with the South Harting information panel on it. Turn left and cross the road to pass back around Tower Hill and follow the way back, across the B2141 again and slightly uphill, returning to the car park on Harting Down.

Fritham to Abbot's Well

20th August 2008

Distance: 9 miles approx
Car park: Fritham Forestry Commission Car Park
Map: OL22 New Forest
Map ref for car park: SU231141

Jarrold's Pathfinder Guide No. 12 Hampshire and New Forest (Walk 28)
with my own diversion

This walk goes over Hampton Ridge which shows off some wonderful scenic views west towards Dorset and south over the New Forest. There is wild moorland of fern and (at this time of year) purple heather, and ponies and cattle graze among the vegetation.

As the track is a cycle path reaching practically from one side of the Forest to the other it is a popular route for everyone, cyclists, horse-riders and walkers.

I followed the walk according to Jarrold's until part way along the return. At point D on the map I turned along the right hand, unhighlighted track, a wide, grassy ride that runs straight down the side of the hill and through a gate into Alderhill Inclosure. The track continues east of south for about 150 metres until a left turn on to another gravel track, the way ahead continues on grass. The gravel track eventually comes to a T-junction and this is where I continued to follow the Jarrold's directions.

The Abbot's Well itself is actually on the side of the road, and although the water looked very clear, I wasn't tempted to try it as both holes were full of leaves and other sundry vegetation. There is a pleasant Forest lawn, kept short by the ponies, and a handy bank to sit on to enjoy the immediate rising view all around.

This is an easy trail to follow. Depending on your favoured pace it is a good distance for a half-day walk (it took me three hours). The ridge is mostly flat with a steep dip at the Frogham end. The tracks through the Inclosures are hilly and in a couple of places quite steep, although not too long where they are steep. However, the gentler slopes can be quite long.

The last mile or so is a very easy, flat gravel track back to the car park.

And, of course, I saw a deer. It was standing in the heather to my right as I came down the track. As I watched and walked quietly on, it bounced away down the slope and out of sight.