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Main Instructor:

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Hosted By:

Chris Pole

Walk Description:

Starting from Abbots Well carpark near Frogham this walk takes in heathland and forest with beautiful views.

The views start immediately stretching as far as the Purbecks and right across the forest.

Downhill to Ogdens, over the river by bridge, then along gravel lanes towards the Hasley Hill inclosure.

Across the plain on a wide gravel path and into Alderhill Incosure, up hill to Amberwood Inclosure until we reach the top of the forest at Hampton Ridge. This is 345ft above sea level. This ridge was used as a  bombing range by the RAF during the second world war. It was used from 1940 to 1946. There is a huge concrete arrow on the ground near the trig point. The arrow is 80 feet long and points to what was an illuminated target. The remains of this are at Latchmore Bottom to the North of Hasley Inclosure. This was for night raid practise by the airforce.

Also near this area is a site referred to as the "Submarine Pens" where the Grand Slam bomb was tested. 

Hampton Ridge is known to have been used by Bronze age people. The views are stunning and far reaching.

We are on a wide cycle trail which is flat for some time then descends back down to Abbots Well, a perpetual spring. We will make our way up past the previous home of Juliette de Bairacli-Levy. She was a herbalist and wrote Wanderers in the New Forest about the Gypsies people who lived all over the area.

Once we collect our cars we will drive through the village of Frogham to the Potting Shed cafe (which is heading towards Ringwood).

There is good food at the Potting Shed cafe which has toilets. There is a Deli shop next door where the garden centre is. The last orders for the lunch menu in the cafe is 2 45 pm. The cafe has a selection of cakes. 

3/4 of this walk is exposed so dress for the conditions on the day. This route can be breezy at the high point. Bring plenty of water/snack/hat. We can stop several times for a drink.

Please be tick aware in season and spray arms etc. This walk is around 5 miles and takes about 2.5 hours to allow plenty of time.

(Ground nesting bird restrictions apply, dogs to be on leads in season)

Please note this carpark has potholes at the entrance, drive in slowly.

Location Notes:

Free parking. Very bumpy entrance, two large carparks. Park in first one.