Explore one of the New Forest’s most beautiful inclosures on this ‘figure of eight’ walk on the southern edge of Lyndhurst. See the conservation work and careful woodland management carried out in Pondhead Inclosure before enjoying the peace and tranquility of the woods along Beechen Lane.

Route

Having walked past the houses on Beechen Lane, turn left through the gate marked ‘Pondhead Inclosure’ (opposite the small gate to the Crown Stirrup beer garden).

Follow the path and you’ll come across Balanos the dragon – a sculpture creatively carved out of a fallen tree trunk. You’ll find him in a clearing behind a hedge shortly after a path junction, about 400m from the entrance gate.

Continue on the main path past some of the hazel copicing done by the Pondhead Conservation Trust. The 200-acre inclosure has not been grazed by animals for centuries so has a rich array of flora, birds and butterflies. In spring, when sunlight is able to reach the forest floor, this area is a sea of bluebells before the trees are fully in leaf.

 When the path splits, shortly after the dragon, take the path on the left. Follow the gravel path for 350m then turn right and follow the forest track round to the outer gate of the inclosure.

Exit the inclosure and turn left on to Beechen Lane. Follow the path downhill as it continues alongside Park Ground Inclosure. The path crosses a stream before a slight uphill stretch and continues on a flat straight for about 1km until it reaches its end at an open area of grassland.

Turn right through the inclosure gate. Continue down the hill, taking the first gravel path on the right which will bring you to another gate opening back on to Beechen Lane. Turn left after you’ve gone through the gate and follow the lane back to the double gate at the edge of the inclosure.