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 in England now. So perhaps we should redefine lost now. And achieving it. As an actual goal.
We love the idea of lost 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 and bloody-mindedness to get started.

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

Central area:

1. Wilverly Enclosure – start here. Head back towards Brockenhurst. Make sure you get off the beaten track. This is a popular area for dog walkers so try to go midday.
New Forest Ponies - Our Guide to Getting Lost

 

2. Any National Park car parks off the B3056….

Our favourite is Beaulieu Road. The walking north and south of the road here is 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 the journey right now. Take time for the people in your life. They won’t always be there.

Joel Osteen

Southern area:

3. 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
Cormorants in the New Forest

4. If you’re staying at Pitts Deep Cottage…

… then just walk the coastline. You don’t have to go far. Maybe 10 minutes amble. Then you’ll be all alone, watching the seabirds and noticing that you’ve not heard a car engine for a long time.
Pitts Deep Cottage - Ideal for Getting Lost in The New Forest

Pitts Deep Cottage

Classic New Forest Walks - Enjoy getting lost at Round Hill

Walking from Round Hill campsite area

4. Roydon Woods.

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

For fast acting relief, try slowing down.

Lily Tomlin

Classic New Forest Woodland Walks

Northern area:

5. Shepherds Gutter car park in the north of the forest.

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

 

Moorland and Woodlands of the New Forest National Park

Western area:

6. 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.

7. Frogham and walk back toward Deadmans 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
Deer in The New Forest

Deer in the New Forest

Enjoy!