SO42 7UP SU 26120073 Four car parks and many varied walks and rides for cycles and horses too. Nearest public transport is Sway or Brockenhurst There are many wonderful walks and panoramic views from any
SO42 7UP SU 26120073
Four car parks and many varied walks and rides for cycles and horses too. Nearest public transport is Sway or Brockenhurst
There are many wonderful walks and panoramic views from any of the four adjacent car parks along this valley – Heath and View are closed in winter, but the other two are open all year round.
There is so much variety here – a wide open valley grazed by New Forest ponies and cattle, the raised disused railway and the woods above up steep tracks. Near the car parks it can be very busy and unfortunately sullied by dog pooh – abandoned by those who don’t walk far and cannot be bothered to pick up after their animals. Many just get out of their car and sit nearby to picnic, play games or simply take in the views. The further you walk the more peace you will find and the more magical things to explore and wonder at!
The open valley is so green and edged with heather and bogs – the lesser bladderwort thrives here, and you can easily spot dragonflies. The spagnum mosses here are so lush that local children were required to collect it every Friday during the First World War to be used as wound dressings for injured servicemen. Scots pines fringe the raised railway bank – once part of the Castlemain Tramway, it is now a great place to walk or cycle. The disused railway bridges have been blocked off for some years, resulting in an awkward slope for cyclists , rides and walkers to navigate – quite a saftey risk , but there are due to be repaired by 2023.
Steep tracks wind up to the ancient woodlands of Hinchelsea – this name dervies from the meaning of “red deer hind calf” – here are very old beeches and hollies as well as ornamental trees – well over 300 years old. The whole woodland has a magical feel and is captivating for children and adults. There are great trees to climb and many dens and tree houses to explore.
If you venture down the far side you will catch glimpses of the estate of Hinchelsea Lodge, which was occupied since before the Domesday Book – there are private gardens here and farm buildings still in use. If you carry on down and go right past a rather ugly sub-station you will come back round to the valley and can find you way back to the car park. Look up for the buzzards overhead soaring in the skies over the wide open spaces.
You can visit this area all year round and always find new aspects and unexpected areas to investigate and enjoy – one of our favourite places to go!