February Walk

23 members set out from the Denny Wood campside in glorious sunshine ! yet again! how come we are so lucky?) with Barney the guest dog. A bit muddy in one or two places to start with but firm level going for the rest. Although the distance was much the same as usual, we finished at 20 minutes to 12, probably due to the fact we didn't loiter as much as usual, the was a bit of a bite in the wind in some places. So a delighful walk in very pleasant conditions.
D.B


February Forest Freeze. [and it really was] Twenty three hardy hero's braving the low temperature to enjoy a sunny mornings meander through the pleasures of Denny Ridge courtesy of our intrepid guide Dave Butcher. [Was quite nice once one got used to the cold] Dave.W

A WALK IN THE NEW FOREST ON WEDNESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY AT 10AM, MEET IN DENNY WOOD CAMPSITE CAR PARK. DIRECTIONS: THROUGH ASHURST, JUST BEFORE ENTERING LYNDHURST ON THE A35 TURN LEFT AT BOLTONS BENCH ONTO THE B3056 (Signposted BEAULIEU). AFTER ABOUT 2.5 MILES TURN RIGHT UP A TARMAC TRACK UPTO THE CAMPSITE IMMEDIATELY AS THE MAIN ROAD SWINGS LEFT.) CONTINUE FOR ABOUT 200 YARDS PAST THE RECEPTION HUT, THERE IS A LARGE TURNING CIRCLE ON THE RIGHT WITH AMPLE PARKING. 50% ON GRAVEL TRACKS, 50% IN WOODLAND. IT WILL, I THINK BE MUDDY IN PLACES. LENGTH OF THE WALK: ABOUT 3 MILES, TIME ABOUT 2Hrs 15mins. MEMBERS ARE RESPECTFULLY REMINDED THAT THE WALKS REQUIRE A DEGREE OF FITNESS RELATIVE TO THE TERRAIN AND DISTANCE. IF YOU HAVE ANY DIFFICULTY FINDING THE CAR PARK PLEASE RING ME ON 07756901450

First walk of the year 2015

16 Members set off from a virtually empty car park in glorious sunshine on a walk through enclosures and woodland, which was 100% on gravel tracks of firm going and relatively level throughout.

2 members (nameless) mistook a fleeting glimpse of a car at some distance through a gap in the trees for a deer, both called out "a deer!" only to be politely corrected!

The originally planned route included the the crossing of a possibly slippery and flooded ford. So a minor detour took us through the Blackwater Arboretum, where, because the sunshine was so pleasant and we had the time to do a complete circuit of the Arboretum. A very leisurely way to finish a steady walk.

Dave

From Dave Watts
Sixteen U3A members started out from Blackwater Car park on the ornamental drive in bright winter sunshine, enjoying both walk and company. The walk was mainly on gravel track which does not give many opportunities for creative photography. but is easy walking... but we did our best and you should get pictures from Dave B. as well as myself. WE were almost on our own to start with but as the morning progressed we saw more and more people. In fact when we returned to the car park the incoming was exceeding the outgoing and people were looking for spaces. It's a big Car park...Just shows what a sunny morning bring out. Any way Good Walk. Good Company. Thank you again Dave Butcher

January 2015

December walk

Friday 7th November

Despite threatening weather forecasts, 20 members arrived at Cadman Pool with a chilly brisk wind, but within 5 minutes were in the woods well sheltered. The sun came out and remained with us throughout the walk with just a few clouds passing over. The conditions underfoot were a bit of a surprise, very muddy in places, even had to build a small makeshift bridge with a couple of logs over a ditch! But with such fine weather and fairly easy going terrain it developed into a very enjoyable walk, finishing along a track that had become a small stream with an inch of water, but the wind was directly behind us, a bonus!.

November Walk

Oct walk

In beautiful sunshine throughout 30 members (which included the new member Leah)  and Dylan enjoyed  a very pleasant walk over easy going terrain of open heather heathland and finishing in the cool shaded glades of Matley Woods.

Several tumuli and an abandoned badger sett were examined during the frequent stops for a chat, breather and photographs in the sunshine. 

Dave B

Photo's from Dave