Fritham-High Corner Circular
20 people attending
0 places left
6 people waitlisted
Make a flask of coffee, make sure your boots are dubbined, and make your way to a remote corner of the New Forest for a walk in which every treasured, timeless trope of autumn can be ticked off. Crackling bracken, lingering mists, plodding ponies - every season is a picture in the New Forest but late autumn must be one of the best. The birches might still retain a few of their leaves in mellow yellow, but most of the trees will either be bare, their outlines appearing bronze by the light of the pale sun, or if pines, emerald green. Autumn is a transitional time, and the changes are spectacular where the landscape is so untamed.
The walk explores more of the quieter, remoter areas of the Forest which are mostly north of the A31 which cuts the forest in half, only allowing a few ponies, walkers and riders to move between the two at occasional underpasses. The southern half is where the largest settlements, tourist attractions and transport facilities are found; the northern half has no towns and just some scattered hamlets. That said, many people appreciate the attractiveness of the area we'll visit, if the number of cars in Gorley Bushes car park in Fritham is anything to go by, and rightly so, because every habitat and landscape the New Forest encompasses, from wood pasture to heath to ancient woodland to pine plantation and from running water to standing water will be represented on this walk.
This walk will start at Fritham and proceed southwest through the lofty pines and mighty oaks of Sloden Inclosure to enjoy the sheer remoteness of the view from Hallickshole Hill. The route (click the link to be taken to the Ordnance Survey website) will then pass Hasley Inclosure before heading south across Woodford Bottom to the hamlet of High Corner with its inn. Following Broomy Walk further south and southwest, we'll turn east at Amie's Corner and continue east through Roe Inclosure and across King's Garden before veering north through Slufters Inclosure. Crossing Ocknell Plain and passing through South Bentley Inclosure will return our party to Fritham.
Dogs are welcome to join us on this event but we do ask the following: Please ensure you adhere to the Countryside Code at all times - see (Keeping Dogs Under Effective Control). If your dog is uncontrolled and strays in open land frightening other animals or livestock, the leader is supported by the OutdoorLads board of trustees to ask you to leave the event as this is not acceptable behaviour.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
(Picture credits: Hallickshole Hill: Photo © Peter Facey (cc-by-sa/2.0); View towards Ogdens Purlieu from High Corner Inn Road: Photo © Gillian Thomas (cc-by-sa/2.0); Forest Track in Hasley Inclosure New Forest Hampshire: Photo © Clive Perrin (cc-by-sa/2.0); Linwood, road: Photo © Mike Faherty (cc-by-sa/2.0); Linwood, footbridge and ford: : Photo © Mike Faherty (cc-by-sa/2.0); High Corner, footpath: Photo © Mike Faherty (cc-by-sa/2.0); Mature oaks at Castle Piece, Roe Inclosure, New Forest: Photo © Jim Champion (cc-by-sa/2.0); Cycle route through Slufters Inclosure, New Forest: Photo © Jim Champion (cc-by-sa/2.0); Dockens Water: Photo © Hugh Venables (cc-by-sa/2.0). All pictures are copyrighted but are licensed for reuse under Creative Commons CC-BY-SA 2.0 and are here attributed to their copyright holders.)
What to bring
For your comfort and safety please be prepared for the anticipated weather and the terrain of the walk. Keep in mind the following:
Boots: Hiking boots that are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support, are important as soon as you encounter any mud. Cross trainers may suffice in good weather and flat routes.
Socks: Proper walking socks keep your feet dry, and help prevent blisters.
Walking trousers: (ideally water resistant) will be more comfortable than Jeans which are heavy and cold when wet. From April to October shorts are usually a better bet.
Waterproof over-trousers: essential in any significant rainfall. Breathable ones are best.
Layered clothing: allows you to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature. E.g. a base layer or a cotton T-Shirt; a mid layer like a micro fleece, or a rugby type thick shirt, and in cooler weather an outer layer consisting of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece.
Waterproof Jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather. You get what you pay for with these. Breathable fabrics are advisable.
Hat: essential in summer to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
Small Rucksack: one that is comfortable to wear is essential so that you can use your arms freely. Place valuables in water proof bags inside.
Sunglassses: April- Sept: comfortable sunglasses enhance your pleasure and keep insects out of the eye.
Water: even in winter one can loose a litre or more of fluid by perspiration. If you fail to make this up you'll get dehydrated which can lead to headaches and other problems. A hydration bladder is easier to use than bottled water, but higher maintenance.
Food: a packed lunch will be required unless otherwise stated. In addition carry energy bars or similar to counter 'sugar lows'.
Medicines: if you have allergies, are diabetic, or have minor ailments: don't forget these!
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and drinks. There are no shops on this route.
A stop at the High Corner Inn midway through the walk is likely.