A circular walk which takes you across Holmsley Ridge – with stunning views over the heath land south of the village of Burley – before sweeping down to explore the woodland of Holmsley Inclosure. This route is particularly stunning in late summer when the purple and pink heather is in full bloom.

Route

From the car park, walk the short distance up Holmsley Passage and head out on the path across the heath beyond the vehicle barrier. Once on the path, you’ll have views over towards Burley and Turf Hill to your right. To the left is Holmsley Inclosure.

After about 600m you’ll come to some ponds which can be accessed down an incline to your left. Take the path on the right of a fence as it continues across the ridge.

After 100m, turn right on to the cycle path at marker post number 170. Follow the path through the inclosure as it gradually curves to the right past marker post 171 and crosses the Avon Water stream. It then curves to the left past cycle post marker 172 and continues to the edge of the inclosure at marker post 173.

Exit the inclosure gate, cross the Holmsley Passage road and go through the gate on the opposite side. Continue on the straight path through the woodland for 400m, passsing through a small open area of grass, until you reach the back of a working sawmill.

A narrow track leads through the fir trees alongside the edge of the mill. Go through the pedestrian gate and turn left, joining the path that runs in front of the mill. The A35 can be seen to your right. Continue past a barrier and on to a gravel path. The path goes gradually downhill past a pasture field with a horse shelter.

Follow the path as it crosses three footbridges over the Avon Water in quick succession.

After another 450m, turn right on to another path which takes you the short distance to a bridge under the disused Castleman’s Corkscrew railway line. Climb up the bank on to the line. The Old Station Tea Rooms are a short distance to the right. The old station also serves as a stop for the New Forest Tour buses during the summer.

Turn left and walk for 700m along the line until it reaches a barrier when it meets Holmsley Passage. Turn left and, taking care along the roadside, walk the short distance uphill back to Holmsley car park.

In Pictures