Meet as usual at the main car park in Brookley Rd, Brockenhurst 8.50 a.m for a 9.00 a.m start.
This weeks route meanders along the familiar terrain of Rhinefield Rd before crossing the A35 to begin the ascent of Col de Bolderwood, passing the Knightwood oak on our right.
The Knightwood oak is the largest tree in the New forest and at well over 500 years of age the oldest pendunculate oak. Known locally as the 'Queen of the Forest' this young, verdant and attractive tree was reputedly visited and much admired by Henry VIII. A keen horticulturist himself Henry attempted to plant the 'Queens' acorns in his extensive gardens at Hampton court but became frustrated and ultimately enraged by their failure to germinate.
In a peak of fury the King sent his men to lop of the head of the blameless 'Queen' finding her guilty of High Treeson🎤⬇️ . Henry's ongoing problematic relationships with plants can easily be remembered using the mnemonic; Divided, pollarded, died, coppiced, deadheaded, survived"
At the top of Bolderwood we take a right turn downhill towards Emery Down passing the 'Portuguese fireplace', a Tourist attraction only rivalled as a 'Honey-pot spectacular by the forests own Rufus Stone and the hanging gardens of Babylon.
At Emery Down we turn left before taking a right towards Minstead, then left again to the A337. We cross over to Beechwood rd and pass through Bartley, At the heart of Bartley we reach the rightly famous "Tin Church"
Turning right we head towards Woodlands then then right to Ashurst. From here we turn left onto the A35 before taking the right turn down Deerlepe lane to Ipley Cross. From here we head towards and by-pass the hotbed of feudalism that is Beaulieu before returning to Brock via Hatchet pond,
Current forecast is o.k for the time of year. I am back in rude health so hope to see another record breaking turnout.
download the route here.
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