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.
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.
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