New Forest Walks - Walks near Lyndhurst

This walk starts beside Highland Water, passes through woodland and takes in the heathlands of Acres Down.

At the start of this walk, below aged, over-hanging boughs, steep-banked Highland Water flows over gravel beds on its way to The Solent. Evidence of man’s past attempts to speed the flow is visible along the way, but that does not detract from the beauty of the stream. Here, kingfishers and grey wagtails can also sometimes be seen, or more likely heard, and from the end of May until August, Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies, too.

Inclosure woodland is reached at Holmhill Inclosure. First planted in 1815, Holmhill Inclosure features many fine, mature oak and beech trees as well as a variety of conifers, including by the ride-side, a stand of larch that in winter attracts mixed flocks of finches to feed – look out for siskins, redpolls and goldfinches in loose, twittering flocks. Notice also along here the prominent nests of southern wood ants, built into typical conical shape in clearings or beside the path where warming sunlight is most likely to fall.

Ancient, unenclosed woodlands are well-represented along the way - at the start of the walk, and by Wick Wood and the areas around Broom Hill and Wood Crates. Here, relatively free from recent human interference, nature is allowed to take its course. Trees are left to live their natural span, and to then decay and fall. Timber debris litters the woodland floor, whilst deer and commoners’ stock freely wander, avidly grazing and browsing, contributing significantly to the unique character of these places.

Mid-way along the route, the high ground at Acres Down offers magnificent views westwards across a sea of trees, and is a popular spot with birdwatchers looking for birds of prey soaring on the thermals.

To the south, the landscape falls away towards The Solent, and on clear days, in the distance can be seen the hump-backed ridge of the Isle of Wight and Peterson’s Folly, or Sway Tower as it is more often known. Built in the late-19th century and standing at 218 feet high, the tower was constructed by Judge Andrew Thomas Turton Peterson, who set out to demonstrate use of un-reinforced concrete.

The heathland at Acres Down and Pilmore Gate Heath is inhabited by Dartford warblers, stonechats and, in spring and summer, nightjars and the occasional hobby. Lizards scurry across the heather tops, whilst at the first hint of danger, adders move away unnoticed.

And in the wetter places, sundews and butterworts patiently await the arrival of insect prey.