Social events
HILS - New Forest Area
New Forest Walk, 22nd May 2010
We had a very good turnout on Saturday 22 May. 25 adults (including our President and Hon Secretary), two children plus 6 dogs assembled at Broomy Walk car park, Linwood, near Ringwood for a reasonably prompt start. Member and guests came from far across the county. The weather was fine throughout the day, with excellent views across the open forest for much of the time.
Our morning stroll took us 3.5 miles in a semi-circular walk northwards and eastwards past Sloden Inclosure, up to Hampton Ridge and thence to the Foresters Arms, Frogham, arriving there at about 12.40 where we had well earned drinks, lunch and a relaxed time at their beer garden. James Meeke, our Vice President joined us at the Foresters.
After lunch we split into two parties - the main contingent had various early commitments, and returned to Linwood by way of short cut, ably guided by Rowan Brockhurst. The others (including me) took a roughly semi-circular route from Frogham heading south and west. We disturbed a sizeable herd of fallow deer soon after leaving Frogham, and later came upon the Red Shoot Inn - not entirely by accident. Thirst dictated a pit stop at the Red Shoot, followed by a 15 minute stroll back to the car park.
Matthew Robbins' two young daughters did particularly well on the walk considering their tender years.
I do hope all enjoyed the day - even the Presidential spaniels behaved reasonably well, although Mike Russell-Smith's west highland terriers, originally spotless white finished dark grey up to their chests.
Anthony Harris
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