New Forest & Jurassic coast: Durdle Door, heathland & ponies

Long weekend trip to the New Forest and a taster of the Jurassic Coast. The New Forest is an area of southern England that includes one of the largest remaining pieces of open pasture land, heathland and forest in the south east of England. On the Saturday we take a day trip to explore the Jurassic coast and the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage.

The holiday is £275 for 2 nights (no food is included) in a twin or double en-suite room for sole occupancy there is one single room available for £265. Doubles or twins for 2 people are available for £360. Although food is not included in the price, breakfast can be purchased at the hotel and I will make dinner reservations for those that wish to be included.

Accommodation
We will be staying in Ringwood at the Original White Hart. There is also an option to arrange your own accommodation and take the walks only option for £75.

Itinerary
All walks are self drive and there may be parking charges.

The walks

Friday: North New Forest: Fritham meet at noon and head to the hotel afterwards to check in
This is an easy to follow walk which goes almost from the Eastern to western side of the New Forest. As it runs all the way on gravel tracks it is a good route to follow after heavy rain. This northern part of the New Forest mixes both conifer and ancient woodland with heathland, and this path goes through various habitats. Two areas of high heathland provide good views across the neighbouring forest landscape.
5.5 miles approx 3 hours

Saturday full day trip: Durdle Door, Lulworth cove and Swanage
Saturday is a day trip to the Jurassic Coast, about an hours drive away, with a walk along the South West coastal path enjoying the stunning views at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, after the walk there is an opportunity to take the short drive to visit the coastal town of Swanage which is pure nostalgia, walk along the Victorian pier and gaze out over Swanage Bay from Durlston Castle order fish and chips.

The walk: SW coastal path, Durdle Door & Lulworth cove
A walk to take your breath away in every sense of the word! A switchback up and down four hills before returning along a relatively level ridge. There are spectacular coastal views from the high paths trodden by people since Stone Age times, with tremendous vistas over the chalk stacks and arches carved by the sea in Jurassic times.

7 miles approx 3.5 hours

Sunday: Hengistbury Head
This stunning nature reserve on the Dorset coast rewards with fabulous views of the Isle of Wight, Mudeford Spit, Christchurch Harbour and Priory, the Purbeck Hills and Bournemouth Pier and beach from Hengistbury Head. The walk then heads along the lovely Mudeford Spit with its gorgeous beaches lined with pretty beach huts. The trails are on well defined gravel paths taking you through lovely heathland and sand dunes with views of freshwater ponds, reed beds and salt marshes. Over 300 bird species have been recorded in the area including Purple Heron, the Pink-footed Goose, the European Honey Buzzard, the Melodious Warbler and numerous Skylarks. There is also a wildlife pond where the country's rarest amphibian, the Natterjack Toad can be spotted.

6 miles approx 3 hours

Payment
A deposit of £100 is due when signing up for the trip. The balance is due by March 31st. If you cancel a refund will only be provided if your place is resold and a £25 admin fee will be charged.

Please make all payment by bank transfer:
Name: David Jackson
Sort code: 070116
Account number: 11883226

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(https://www.meetup.com/Chiltern-Walks-Meetup/pages/22004536/Legal_Disclaimer/).