My Favourite Pub Walks .com

Dedicated to Pub Walkers across the UK

To Setley Pond through open heathland where the New Forest ponies and Highland cattle graze oblivious to their beautiful surroundings

By The Filly Inn

Walks in the New Forest take you back in time over 900 years. In 1079 William the Conquerer declared a large area of land as his own hunting ground, driving away people and destroying villages. This has resulted in giving us beautiful and interesting walks in approximately 120 square miles of heathland and woodland.

This is the second of two walks contributed by The Filly Inn. You are welcome to leave your car in our large carpark as you walk off your lunch.

Setley Pond.

Length of the walks can vary, depending on which bridlepath you follow. They may be on gravel paths or on rough and muddy footpaths.

Route

·  Cross the road across the pub onto a grass verge.

·  Turn left and go through the gate on your right into the open land.

·  Follow the footpath parallel to the main road towards Lymington.

·  At the edge of the section of heathland follow the footpath round to the left.

·  Eventually you will reach the B road between the A337 and Sway/ Burley, both pretty villages where horses and donkeys are allowed to roam freely.

·  Cross the road and along a gravel road to Setley Pond. Here you will see enthusiasts controlling their remote model boats.

·  At the pond, turn right and follow the path round the pond returning to the spot from where you started.

·  Alternatively, when you reach a gravel road about halfway round the pond, turn right and walk towards the railway line which links London to Weymouth.

·  The path goes over the railway line using an old bridge.

·  You will find yourself in a beautiful and quiet part of the forest where a little stream runs.

·  Over the horizon you can see the Sway Folly, which was built many years ago to prove that the concrete created would last. It lasts to this day and is now a private residence.

·  Retrace your path back to the pond and continue round.

·  Walk back across the road, this time, continuing straight on.

·  At a larger crossroad turn right and head towards the A337, keeping the Sway/Brockenhurst road to your left.

·  Cross the main road back to the pub.