The forest closes in around the path which dips and rises as it follows the gentle progress of the Highland Water. The Highland Water rises north of Bolderwood and will eventually become the Lymington River. In this part of the forest it is still a babbling stream, twisting and turning as it makes its way through the peaceful woods.

Route

From the Bolderwood car park, cross the Emery Down Road and go through the gate alongside the tree line near cycle marker post 143.

Follow the path downhill for 350m until you come to a T-junction at cycle marker post 145.

Turn right onto the gravel cycle path and follow it as it dips, rises and bends its way through the woods.

After 800m, continue past cycle marker post 146 and shortly afterwards, go through the gate into Holmhill Inclosure.

When the path divides at cycle marker post 147, take the path to the left and you’ll soon come to a bridge over the Highland Water. The Highland Water is one of the main waterways in this part of the forest – rising north of Bolderwood, it joins with Blackwater and Ober Water near Brockenhurst to form the Lymington River.

At the next junction – at cycle marker post 148 – turn left.

The path curves gently to the left to bring you to another bridge, in a wonderful area of ancient woodland where several streams feed into the Highland Water.

Cross the bridge and follow the path as it bends to the right and continues through the inclosure with the Highland Water in the trees to your right.

Stay on the main gravel path until you reach cycle marker post 102.

Turn left and follow the path downhill where it crosses a small stream, then climbs and curves to the right until it reaches cycle marker post 144. Continue for another 100m and turn right at cycle marker post 145 onto the track which takes you back uphill towards Bolderwood car park.

In Pictures