POSTPONED - New Forest - Trees Trail Spring Walk
15 people attending
5 places left
The walk will comprise a 10 mile loop of the lovely New Forest on woodland tracks and gravel.
Throughout the walk there will be explanations of the trees we encounter from the mighty veteran oaks to beech hangers or the birch and holly which fringe the moorland.
The highlight will be the circular 'Tall Trees Trail 'with the awesome firs and redwoods of Blackwater, planted in the late 1850s to create the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. The Trail is roughly 1.5 miles in length with the two tallest trees of the Forest, a pair of coastal redwoods standing each side of an open grassy ride. A little further up the trail you will encounter the biggest tree in the Forest – the giant sequoia, also known as the Wellingtonia which can grow to be the largest living thing on earth.
From here our next stop will be the Knightwood Oak, the largest, and at over 500 years old perhaps oldest tree in the forest, also known as the Queen of the Forest.
On our return to Brockenhurst there will be opportunity to have a drink at one of the village pubs such as the Foresters' Arms, the Rose and Crown or the Snakecatcher.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Food & drink
Either bring a packed lunch or buy something in Brockenhurst, which has shops, pubs and cafés. Bring water and keep hydrated for the walk.