Alice's Adventures in the New Forest, 10 miles, moderate

Calendar

When:

November 20, 2021 @ 10:00 am

2021-11-20T10:00:00+00:00

2021-11-20T10:15:00+00:00

Where:

Brockenhurst Station

Cost:

Free

Contact:

Tom H

Walk

Booking Required Circular moderate Walk

This 10-mile circuit from Brockenhurst will take in the New Forest in autumn colours.

Walk details

After the success of our trip to the New Forest in June, I thought it would be a good idea to return later in the year to take in the autumn colours. We start at Brockenhurst station once again, but this time, start by walking the other way. The first stage of the walk takes us through Brockenhurst village centre and across Black Knowl, where we can expect to see some of the famous New Forest ponies, before entering the Forest proper at Bolderford Bridge.

From there, we continue heading north until reaching the “capital” of the New Forest, Lyndhurst. The church of St Michael and All Angels in Lyndhurst is famous for being the burial place of Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Alice in “Alice in Wonderland” (although her gravestone bears her married name, Mrs Reginald Hargreaves). Depending on time, numbers and preferences we can stop in Lyndhurst at either a cafe or pub. It is also possible at this point (approximately 5 miles into the walk) to drop out and return to Brockenhurst by bus.

The walk then continues by returning to Brockenhurst through a different part of the Forest. Heading through Park Ground Inclosure, Parkhill Inclosure, and Ramnor Inclosure, the final stretch of the walk leads across Balmer Lawn. If there is a long wait for the train from Brockenhurst to Reading, we can wait at the Foresters’ Arms pub, very close to the station.

Travel details

Please catch the 08.52 train from Reading if coming by train. The walk leader intends to travel on this train – if it is delayed the start of the walk may be as well.

Parking with charges is available at the station, or nearby in Brockenhurst at Brookley Road – or park considerately in the surrounding streets.

Notes

If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
Please be considerate to other path users and step aside to let people past – and don’t forget to say ‘hi’ or ‘thanks’!
Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
If it’s a rainy day, please bring waterproofs.
Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Booking details

Do not turn up for the walk without booking, else we will have to turn you away.
Book a place on this walk by completing this Google Form. Booking will open the Wednesday evening before the walk.
If you have any queries, please email walkbookings@berkshirewalkers.co.uk.

Booking onto a walk

Most walks do not require advance booking, and you can just turn up on the day. We encourage those comfortable with Meetup to indicate there that you plan to come though, so that others can see there will be plenty of people there – this really helps to encourage new members to come along.
For the few which still have limited numbers, this is handled via Meetup. Follow the link to a walk’s Meetup page (or press 🎟 Register / 🎟 Tickets / 🎟), and mark yourself as attending.
Social and other events may have their own booking system – please see the event description.

Pace Guide

Gentle: led at a gentle pace with regular short breaks for water or rest. Should be suitable for anyone capable of the distance. (Expect 2–2.5 mph.)
Medium: led at an intermediate pace with fewer breaks but still suitable for most walkers. (Expect 2.5–3 mph.)
Fast: led at a quick pace with minimal breaks. May be a challenge for those with less fitness. (Expect 3 mph+.)

Speeds quoted are only a rough guide, including time spent on short water/rest stops and negotiating stiles/gates/roads etc. but not that spent on longer lunch or pub stops.