Brockenhurst Circular

25 July. Contrary to my expectations ten people turned up for this walk, apparently eager to discover the New Forest. I had thought it would be too hot, too far, too long and the rail fare too expensive to be attractive. I hadn’t taken account of the fare when conceiving the walk and it was one of many disappointments on the recce when we battled with SW Rail and, after two unplanned changes, eventually reached Southampton, only to discover there were no trains and no rail replacement bus to Brockenhurst!  Having doggedly come so far we determined to see the New Forest and finally started the recce at 2.30 p.m.

Fortunately there were no nasty surprises on the walk and we set off through Brockenhurst crossing a wide stretch of heath before reaching the welcome shade of the trees.

Most of the morning walk was through the ancient forest, origionally a hunting ground for William the Conqueror and his successors with large tracts of this national park heath land grazed by ponies, cattle and sheep.

We reached Lyndhurst via a shady country lane and most picnicked in the churchyard where Alice Lidell of Alice in Wonderland fame is buried. The church also boasts a fresco by Fredrick Leighton.

Seven of us completed the walk after lunch. The paths were broader and less shaded than in the morning and we stopped for a heat break. Towards the end of the walk we were rewarded by glimpses of the famed New Forest ponies and a lively procession of jaunting cars.

We were glad to reach the pub for a long, cold drink before most of us boarded the fast train back to Waterloo. It is a good walk and apparently the bluebells are spectacular in parts in the spring, but rather a long way in shorter days.

Photos, thanks to Christines M and R, and Elisabeth. Sue H