New Forest Short Walk 1: Hinchelsea (2.0m/3.3km)

START: Longslade Bottom car park (SU 26996 00173)

1 From Longslade Bottom car park, head towards the bridge. Follow the path that goes underneath the bridge and head straight on towards a bridge that goes across a boggy area.

2 After crossing the bridge, do not follow the path to the left but turn right and head uphill towards the trees (Hincheslea Woods).

3 When you reach the top of the hill (SU 27072 00669), carry straight on (north-east) into the woods. Almost immediately you will reach another path; continue in the same direction veering slightly to the right.

4 Where the path splits (SU 27253 00730), keep to the left and walk through the woods past a small pond.

5 Ahead you will see the ruins of a large house destroyed by fire in 2002. As you reach the edge of the woods (SU 27435 00815), turn right on the path that heads downhill.

6 At the bottom of the hill (SU 27676 00645), on the edge of the woods by the telegraph pole, take the path that goes left and winds through the trees.

7 At the junction with another path (SU 27827 00780), turn right.

8 Continue following the path as it bends round to the right and crosses a small stream and boggy area.

9 Shortly after crossing the stream (SU 28049 00685), take the small path to the right that heads towards the pine trees. The main path bends round to the left.

10 When you reach a wide grassy track, carry straight on under the power lines to the bank ahead which is a disused railway line.

11 Turn right (SU 28068 00415) and walk along the railway track, crossing a bridge.

 12 When you can see the car park to the left, head across the plain towards it.

END: Longslade Bottom car park (SU 26996 00173)

Trees and Plants:

Beech / Birch

Holly / Pine

Rowan / Fern

Primrose / Strawberry

Bogbean

Raising money for research into Breast Cancer and Crohn's Disease. To make pledges or contributions please contact Anne Pinnock:  email anne@newforestramble.info  or text 0791 3113797

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