9 miles New Forest

Next week's 7-10 group walk is a 9 miles circular, 5½ miles am and 3½ miles pm; with certain arrangements a morning (or afternoon) only option is quite feasible, parking at the Queens Head in Burley - parking fee applies (cash only, 4 hours £3, 5 hours £4) but is set against cost of lunch. 

For anybody wishing to walk the ½ day but not to have lunch at the pub other parking options are available which I shall advise when we speak .

The start point for Thursday's walk is the Holmsley Walk car park (SZ 2099 9929), it is quite a small park and very popular with dog walkersso car sharing would be most helpful.  The car park is adjacent to the Holmsley Caravan & Camping site, turn left into the car park just before entering the camp site.   I hope to able to start by 1015hrs but this could slip depending upon how many ½ day walkers need transport to the start.  We should finish by 1530hrs.

There are two routes which may be used to reach the start:

1.  M27/A31 towards Ringwood, leave at Pickets Post then via Burley (this route took us 40 mins from Ollie Bee).

2.  A35 from Lyndhurst towards Bournemouth, after passing the "motorway-type" exit/entry for Burley look out for signs (right) to the Holmsley Camp site, turn into Lyndhurst Road then first right into Forest Road.  The camp site is on the right (sharp turn) after approx ½ mile.

Anybody who would like more detailed directions just ask.

Though classed as a moderate walk the area is essentially flat and easy walking, the most significant incline/decline(s) are into and out of Burley village and the dismantled railway cutting.  There are no gates or stiles and we only cross roads on 4 occasions.

There are opportunities for a comfort stop at the start point and throughout the walk.  We will mainly be in open countryside with "mature" undergrowth (hence the views) with only a few wooded areas.

Lunch is at the Queens Head in Burley, this is now owned by the Chef & Brewer Company and has changed quite significantly since we last walked in this area.  However, the food is good and very reasonably priced.  Please let me have your choice no later than that hour on Wednesday 1 October. Picnic spot nearby  

There was no mud when we pre-walked earlier this week though recent rainfall has begun to indicate where this may form should precipitation increase; boots are recommended but walking shoes should suffice.

We hope you are able to join us  please use email. 

Paul & Barbara