The UK government has designated the New Forest in southern England a National Park.
Situated just 90 miles south-west of London and touching the coast on its southern boundary, it is an ancient lowland landscape of heathland, bogs, woodlands and streams that is often missed by tourists; a diverse landscape steeped in history and tradition, which provides some of the richest and most extensive wildlife habitats in Europe.
Entering the New Forest you can imagine yourself in mediaeval times, trekking through royal hunting grounds or walking in the more recent footsteps of smugglers.
The area is notable for vast regions of heather and grassland plains that are grazed by free roaming ponies, cattle and deer.
With numerous tracks and trails it is wonderful walking country much loved by artists and photographers; check out the
well-documented walks provided by a local rambler and the walking and cycling breaks in the area organized by local tour operator
Country Lanes.
