Starting from Longslade car park, this route takes in some of the New Forest’s best wide open heath land views, along with a walk through the woods of Set Thorns Inclosure.

Route

From Longslade Heath car park, take the path to the left of the open grass area. After 200m from the car park, the track crosses a stream before heading upwards, curving to the right for 600m towards Horseshoe Earth.

Follow the track for another 600m, enjoying the views to your right towards Longslade Bottom and Hinchelsea Bog.

You’ll reach the beech and pine trees of Hinchelsea Wood. Follow the path for about 300m as it skirts the edge of the forest until it splits and heads downhill. Before heading down the hill you might want to visit the stick house hidden in the woods just off the path.

Take the path heading downhill. After 400m you’ll reach an old bridge of the Castleman’s Corkscrew railway line – now a cycle and walking path. Go underneath the bridge and through the car park. Cross the road and enter Set Thorns Inclosure through the gate opposite the car park entrance.

After 300m you’ll come to a crossroads on the paths and join the New Forest Cycle network. Keep straight ahead for another 400m and take a right turn at the next crossroads – cycle route marker 200.

The path takes you through Oaken Bottom caravan site. Continue as the path curves round towards the entrance to Set Thorns. Turn left off the path and go through the gate and across the old railway bridge towards the entrance to the inclosure by Set Thorns Cottage.

Turn left out of Set Thorns Inclosure and follow the road for 400m back towards Longslade Heath car park.

Map

Walk Information