With tougher restrictions on what we can do in Hampshire in place once again, each week we’ll be featuring a selection of walks, things to do at home or places to visit all of which adhere to social distancing guidelines
This week we are featuring some of Hampshire’s best walks in the New Forest. Please check all links before heading out as locations mentioned may be closed. Please also only travel to walks near you
Rockford and Ibsley
The route heads south along part of the Avon Valley Path – a 34 mile long distance route between Christchurch and Salisbury – passing Moyles Court School before crossing Dockens Water to arrive back at the start.
Click here for details of the four-mile route.
Lymington and Keyhaven Nature Reserve
There’s more to the New Forest National Park than just woodland and heath, notably a fine stretch of coastline which affords excellent views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
Click here for more on the 7.5-mile route.
Minstead
Situated a couple of miles to the north-northwest of Lyndhurst (the New Forest’s unofficial capital) and not far from the A31, the picturesque village of Minstead is well worth a visit. There’s an attractive green, complete with replica stocks and an unusual church where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s grave is to be found.
Click here for details on the 7.5-mile trail.
Fritham
Although quiet today, albeit well-frequented by visitors, Fritham has not always been so. From the 1860s to the 1920s it was home to the Schultze Gunpowder Factory, which manufactured smokeless gunpowder, used for sporting guns.
Here’s more about the six-mile route.
Hatchet Green and Woodgreen
From Hale Purlieu the route heads north to arrive at Hatchet Green with its picturesque thatched cottages overlooking the village green. The stone sculpture by Paul Wilson was commissioned to celebrate the Millennium, as was the planting of one of the trees; the other tree commemorates the 40th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne.
Click here for the full five-mile trail.
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For more information about any of the events listed above; how to get there, how to book tickets and prices, please follow the links in the event name.
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We update 5 things to do in Hampshire at the weekend every Monday. If you are in need of inspiration, bookmark this page for events from Friday through to Sunday.
