SO42 7QB SU 26616 01385 Across the road from Longslade and Hinchelsea woods is the wide expanse of the moor, bordering onto Wilverley Plain and Whitefield Moor beyond. There are several small car parks that
SO42 7QB SU 26616 01385
Across the road from Longslade and Hinchelsea woods is the wide expanse of the moor, bordering onto Wilverley Plain and Whitefield Moor beyond. There are several small car parks that enable you to access this moor and many clear paths in many directions. It can be very wet underfoot so wear good footwear and in dry spells the heather and bracken may hide adders too so not an area for casual shoes.
If you keep to the main chalky paths most streams have sturdy bridges at some point to get across. There are many routes to choose from and all afford wonderful views – keep the trees of Longslade and Wilverley in view and you cannot get too lost! For those that want a longer tramp, then head across to Ferny Knap Inclosure or Clumber wood and beyond to Rhinefield. Alternatively you can walk to Whitefield Moor, which boasts toilets and even ice-cream in the summer, or to Puttles Bridge.
This bog and lowland heath is a haven for wildlife and some car parks will close during the ground nesting season – 75% of the UK’s lowland bog is in the New Forest so it is vital habitat. There are many bog plants such as the orange bog grasses and the moor supports hen harriers as well as dartford warblers.
Hinchelsea means “red deer hind calf”, but you are more likely to spot deer in the woods. Plenty of New Forest ponies graze on the moor and gather to drink at the many streams.
This moor is one of our favourite places to walk, especially when the nearby better known spots get very busy in summer . As ever in the New Forest, the further you go the quieter it is!