Getting lost is an art form we try to avoid most of our lives. Lost, we are taught, is something to fear and dread. Lost has connotations of chaos.

But the modern version of getting lost can be a healing experience.

There’s lost and there’s actually lost…

Maps, 4G and geolocation mapping services on our phones means that we can’t really be lost… so how about  redefining lost as a chance to get off-grid and lose track of time?

We love the idea of ‘taking the scenic route’ because the opportunities are profound. Reconnection. Refinding. Slowing down. Right down. Enjoying the small moments, exercising self control, being mindfully aware, using deliberate focus to enjoy the moment. We invite everyone to take this luxury, that is entirely free, but requires some courage to get started! 

 

Here’s our Guide on Where to Get Lost in the New Forest:

Central area:

1. Blackwater Arboretum and Rhinefield Ornamental drive, Brockenhurst – This is a protected forest with trails leading through some of the oldest Douglas Fir trees in the country.

 

  1. 2. Wilverley Inclosure, Brockenhurst – Make sure you get off the beaten track. This is a popular area for dog walkers so try to go midday.
  1. 3. Beaulieu Road – The walks north and south of the road here are superb. It’s not as popular as many spots. Walk, find a spot in the heather, sit down, stare at the sky, you’ll be invisible and can take as much time to contemplate your own existence as you want. Skylarks love this area in the summer. Enjoy!

Slow down and enjoy life, it’s not just the scenery you miss by going too fast…

Eddie Cantor

  1. 4. Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard – This 2 mile route starts close to the main street in Beaulieu village and follows the course of the Solent Way to Buckler’s Hard.

Southern area:

  1. 5. The coastal path from Tanners Lane to Lymington – Walk the coastal tide line as far as you can toward Lymington. We love the freshwater lake halfway between Tanners and the footpath back to Lyle Court. Take a book and binoculars and get ready to feel smug that you’re living the #slowlife
Tanners Lane bridge 50 LR

 

  1. 6. Roydon Woods, Lymington –  This is the spot. Particularly in blue bell season in May. (It’s often cited as one of the best locations to see bluebells in the country).

 

Bluebells at Roydon Woods - New Forest Escapes - Getting Lost
  1. 7. Keyhaven and Pennington Marshes Nature Reserve, AKA the ‘Seawall’ – Adjacent mudflats and salt marshes create a 5.2 mile point-to-point trail. Together these two reserves ensure the protection of an extensive area of coastal habitat.

 

Northern area:

8. Shepherds Gutter car park – Ancient trees, rolling hills (for the New Forest anyway), plenty of wild ponies and if you’re lucky you’ll find The Green Dragon Pub for a pint after. A really wonder full area.

Slowing down is sometimes the best way to speed up.     

Mike Vance

Western Area

9. Burley – Any of the car parks but head away from the golf course and the village. There are masses of ponies living here. They’ll interrupt you but get off the beaten track and we doubt you’ll see anyone else.

 

10. Frogham to Deadman’s Hill car park along the ridgelines – There are clear tracks along the top of the hills here but walk parallel to them and you’ll not see many, if any people. Lovely skylarks here in summer.

Skylarks in the Summer months

 

Enjoy!