Barhi

When did you see the donkey?

When driving in the New Forest, you should always be aware that at any second, the animal that is on the verge could choose to step into the road. In the case of a cow or a pony, they are relatively easy to see. When they are this close to the road, you should beContinue reading “When did you see the donkey?”

Why visit Beaulieu?

If you have already heard of Beaulieu, it is probably because it is home to the National Motor Museum, which was founded by the current Lord Montagu’s father in 1952. The Montagu family have owned the Beaulieu estate for almost 500 years. The entrance to the Motor Museum is some way out of the villageContinue reading “Why visit Beaulieu?”

What public transport is available?

The main train line between London Waterloo and Weymouth runs through the New Forest. Most trains stop at Brockenhurst. Other stations within the National Park are Ashurst, Beaulieu Road, and Sway. Change at Brockenhurst for the branch line to Lymington Town and Lymington Pier (for the ferry to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight). The main busContinue reading “What public transport is available?”

Kings Hat

In this episode, Dave explores the area around King’s Hat – located about 3 miles to the West of Dibden & 7 miles to the South East of Lyndhurst. Dave’s 3 mile circular route starts & finishes at the Forestry Commission car park at King’s Hat and initially takes him South West over the RiverContinue reading “Kings Hat”

Where can I cycle?

You can obviously cycle on the Forest roads, but it isn’t always pleasant having to share roads with other traffic. Fortunately, it isn’t always necessary for cyclists to use the public roads. Forestry England has provided over 100 miles of off-road cycle routes in the New Forest so that you can explore the depths ofContinue reading “Where can I cycle?”

Have you been in a Forest jam?

Have you been in a jam in the New Forest and wondered why the traffic was moving, but very slowly? Well, the answer is it was probably caused by forest animals moving from one place to another. In the main, the animals will follow the highway code and stay on the left-hand side of theContinue reading “Have you been in a Forest jam?”

Who owns the New Forest?

You know you are entering the New Forest when you cross a cattle grid. Nearly half of the 566km2 area designated as the New Forest National Park is managed by Forestry England on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This land is often referred to as Crown Land. WhenContinue reading “Who owns the New Forest?”

Emery Down (Cut Walk)

In this episode Dave visits the pretty village of Emery Down (near Lyndhurst) & explores the surrounding countryside. Dave’s 4 mile circular route starts & finishes at Swan Green – a lovely open area of ground to the East of the village looked over by delightful thatched cottages & The Swan Inn. His main objectiveContinue reading “Emery Down (Cut Walk)”

Do you know the Three Car Rule?

A small number of roads in the Forest are designated as Single-Track Roads with Passing Places. In order for these roads to function effectively, you need to know that the passing places are long enough for three cars (or one car with a caravan). The passing places are typically on alternate sides of the road. Continue reading “Do you know the Three Car Rule?”

Castleman’s Corkscrew Trail

In this episode Dave undertakes a linear route following a section of the line of a disused railway track (part of the “Castleman’s Corkscrew line” ) that runs from just South of Brockenhurst to the edge of the New Forest boundary in the West. The Southampton & Dorchester Railway Company was formed in 1845 withContinue reading “Castleman’s Corkscrew Trail”