A lovely crisp morning with a brisk walk promised ahead of us - it certainly sounded good. Well nine of us (plus a dog) certainly thought so as we met near The Happy Cheese in Ashurst.    Allowing a couple of minutes for latecomers we trooped off along some familiar paths into the Forest.    Once amongst the trees it was noticeably peaceful and quiet and quite warm with just the sound of happy chatter between ourselves as we caught up with each other’s news.    Some of the trees looked stunning displaying their golden leaves and one of us was successful in catching a leaf or two as they swirled around us.  There were quite a few birds flitting around but too quick for us to determine which.  Oh how we miss Stuart who seemed to know them all - even by their sound when they were invisible. 

We plodded on with a friendly nod or a good morning to other passing walkers including the Lyndhurst Healthy Walkers group who tell us that they have a walk together each Friday morning.    After an hour we could tell we were almost back to our destination by the sounds of the trains travelling up and down.    It still took us another 20 minutes or so to reach the car park, via the Ashurst camp site, as a small diversion was necessary to avoid a rather wet and muddy area blocking our path.   

Another successful hour of exercise and conviviality enjoyed by us all ( and the dog seemed pleased too) so thanks to Brian and Ingrid once again.    We’ll arrange another for Jan/Feb next year.

See you soon.  Ken. 

Will it, won’t it?  The forecast was good for today but there were a few threatening dark clouds above (where else would they be?) as 10 of us congregated at Matley car park this morning.  We were pleased to have 2 new companions- one who’s only been on one previous walk and a brand new guy contemplating joining our U3A - so I hope we’ve made a favourable impression. 

10am, almost on the dot, we started off into a woodland area chatting, catching up with individual’s news and getting to know the newbies.    Easy walking ground though there were one or two fallen tree trunks across our way which were easily negotiated

Within 15 minutes we emerged on to open heathland making for distant trees and, just before them, took a sharp left along another track where we admired the heather which was at the point of bursting into blossom.

Then a few spots of rain was felt which developed into a light drizzle but, unperturbed, we continued back to the shelter of Matley Wood.    We didn’t re-enter at the point I had planned and so went slightly adrift but with the aid of a GPS signal and instinct we walked through the camp-site and soon reached our starting point and back into the sunshine. 

Nonetheless, we enjoyed our hour or so of exercise of both legs and jaws, and look forward to the next occasion. 

I hope to see many of you at the lunch on Tuesday and at the next general meeting on the 13th August.    Ken. 

 

Walk From Millyford Bridge – 16/6/23

 

Seven of us met on a hot sunny morning at Millyford Bridge car park at the start of our walk.  As we sorted out rucksacks with water, sun hats etc; a mare & foal wandered by.

We started out along a long gravel track & into the inclosure where we followed tree shaded tracks into woodland going uphill.  There was plenty of conversation & a fair bit of exclaiming over the heat, but we made the most of the shade where we could, even disturbing a few deer who ran past us.  We made our way to Acres Down Tea Rooms – a usual port of call for this walk – but unfortunately it was closed due to the owner’s health issues – the picture below shows disappointed walkers, we could only look over the gate & drink our water while imagining the lovely cake we usually indulge in.

Veering back away from Annie’s Tea Room we cut across open heathland & edged round along the tree border.  One member spotted a buzzard as it launched from a tree nearby & we stopped (in the shade) to watch as it gained height eventually disappearing from sight.

We eventually returned to the starting point after a couple of hours & agreed that it had been a very enjoyable, if rather hot, get together.  Our thanks to Brian & Ingrid for their guidance around the area.

 

 

 A wonderful 10 members came together this morning to enjoy a walk around the Shatterford area of The Forest: more than double my expectation.    Great!

Carefully crossing the railway bridge by the Drift Inn we were soon striding out over the heathland in bright sunshine, chatting and laughing along the way.    A skylark was soon spotted above us trilling away, probably a warning if we were too close to its nest.    Then over a wooden bridge which had a pool of water to one side big enough to contain water lilies.    There were also one or two dragonflies flying lazily backwards and forwards over it. Some of us heard a strange low sound in the area but, despite some hard looking, we couldn’t discover its origin.

We plodded on along footpaths and grass tracks, through woodland and over more bridges also some dried out (thank goodness) boggy areas before we circled back to reach the car park about an hour and a half from our set-off time.

Thanks to all of you who came along and made it a most enjoyable morning.  I understand that Ingrid is proposing a longer walk on the 16th June incorporating a stop at Annie’s tea rooms near Minstead (Mmmmmm.  Yum yum).    Let’s hope that that thought is an incentive for even greater numbers to join in. 

Ken. 

 Friday, May 26th at 10.00am is the date and time for the next short walk.  We’ll meet at Beaulieu road station in the car park opposite The Drift Inn close by the horse pens.  The walk is a little more taxing than usual at about 2 miles plus but not difficult terrain.    One or two muddy patches so appropriate footwear required.

See you there.    Ken. 

 Short walk 3/3/23

Six of us met in the car park at Rhinefield Ornamental Drive on Friday morning.  We set off along a gravel track that took us away from the usual Tall Trees walk.  Although chilly we were largely protected by the trees soon warming up nicely.

The path then took us along & across various intersections eventually connecting with the Tall Trees walk which we followed.  

Having completed the walk & with all in agreement we added in a stroll around the Arboretum, admiring the various trees & sculptures as we went.

The next short walk will be in May - details later.  We'd love to see some new faces, why not join us?

Charmian