Walkers Jack and Jenny Cummings, from Fordingbridge, with some of the 12 new walking leaflets produced by the New Forest National Park Authority.
Witchcraft, wartime and the mysterious death of an English king are just some of the fascinating topics covered in a new set of New Forest walking routes.
The leaflets provide walkers with more than just route information, with the pack of 12 routes crammed full of historical titbits and lesser-known facts to enrich any stroll in the Forest.
The set of routes has been produced by the New Forest National Park Authority to mark its 10th anniversary, and help those who are less familiar with the area to find easily accessible routes and learn more about the Forest’s past.
Walking routes range from two to seven miles in length, and feature locations including:
Burley village
Keyhaven Marshes
Brockenhurst during World War I
Brook to Minstead.
The set of leaflets was launched by Fordingbridge Walking for Health group; a biweekly group helping local people lead a more active lifestyle.
Jim Mitchell, New Forest National Park Authority Interpretation Officer, said: ‘With clear Ordnance Survey mapping, fascinating local facts and stories, and plenty of colour photos, this set of walks is the best way to explore some of the area’s hidden gems.
‘Unlike many other walking guides, these leaflets don’t just tell you the route to take; they give you fascinating details and historical tales at every turn. We hope that these guides will allow even more people to learn about the New Forest’s incredible past, while enjoying a relaxing stroll in the National Park.’
The set of 12 water resistant leaflets is available to buy from Lymington Town Hall for £8, with individual walks only £1. The walks will also be available to buy this summer at visitor information centres, the New Forest Travel Concierge at Brockenhurst railway station, and at local information points across the National Park.
You can find the routes online at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/walking.
To find your nearest Walking for Health group visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk.
