One of the most tranquil and atmospheric corners of the New Forest, Bramshaw Wood is a tapestry of gnarled oaks, ancient beeches, and silver birch.

Wander beneath the centuries-old trees in the dappled light, with a soundtrack of tapping woodpeckers and the gentle creak of old wood.

 Route

From Bramshaw Wood car park, cross the small area of grass oppose the entrance and take the path on the right leading downhill on the rough gravel track into the woods. Continue straight ahead for 300m, past a crossroads in the path, until you reach a ford.

When the track forks shortly afterwards, take the path to the right and continue walking gradually uphill through the woods.

Keep the earthen bank on your right for 150m until the path forks again. This time, follow the track on the left and continue weaving through the woods for 750m.

The path can be indistinct at times and it is prone to fallen trees obstructing it in places. However it gradually climbs and gets steeper until you emerge from the woods at Black Bush Plain.

Take the path to the right. Cross the open area of grassland until another path leads downhill to the right, close to Pipers Wait car park.

The path widens out down a steep, uneven bank heading downhill. This stretch can be difficult with tree routes and muddy patches after wet weather. After 250m, before your reach the valley bottom, take the path curving to the left heading further downhill into the trees.

Continue for another 250m until the path emerges on an open area of grass. Cross the grass area – which can be muddy after wet weather – towards the gravel track straight ahead.

Follow the path for 200m until you reach the junction with a path which heads out of the inclosure with a barrier on the left. Turn right and follow the undulating gravel track for 450m through the woodlands until it meets the path you originally took from Bramshaw Wood car park at the start of the walk.

Turn left and walk uphill back towards the car park.

To visit the village of Nomansland, turn left out of the car park and walk alongside the road for 400m.

The name Nomansland dates back to 1802 when a court case deemed the settlement not to be on Crown land within the New Forest. The village cricket pitch and wooden war memorial – The Well of Sacrifice – can be seen on your right, with the Lamb Inn pub dead ahead.

In Pictures

1 2 ►