Located an easy train ride southwest of London, the landscape of the New Forest has remained virtually unchanged since 1079 when William The Conqueror named the area his ‘new hunting forest'. The ancient system he established to protect and manage the woodlands and wilderness heaths is still in place today through the efforts of Verderers, Agisters and Commoners - literally the judges, stockmen and land users of the Forest.
Our view from the tour bus, we were up top, on a cold and breezy day. Enroute from Brockenhurst to Lymington at 16 Brookley Road, New Forest National Park.
One of the many unique New Forest homes on Sway Road in Brockenhurst.
Horses, ponies, donkeys, burros and cattle roam free in the Forest.
Looking over the back of the bus at St. Thomas Church, Lymington.
Moor and forest borderlands between Lymington and Beaulieu.
One of the many unique New Forest homes. At the intersection of Hatchet Lane and Lodge Lane just outside Beaulieu.
One of the many unique New Forest homes. At the intersection of Hatchet Lane and Lodge Lane just outside Beaulieu.
One of the many unique New Forest homes. At the intersection of Hatchet Lane and Lodge Lane just outside Beaulieu.
One of the many unique New Forest homes. Ryehill Cottage Bed and Breakfast on Hatchet Lane just past the Palace Lane turn off to Beaulieu.
There were two open top bus tours, covering separate areas. We took both, and saw animals roaming free all over the area. At junction of Palace Lane and Hatchet Lane just outside Beaulieu.
Beaulieu River and Millpond marker.
Buckler's Hard footpath and Riverside Walk marker. We got of the bus here, and walked some of this route.
The Beaulieu River Millpond.
I made a new friend as we walked along the footpath toward the Beaulieu River.
More sweet horse friends along the footpath toward the Beaulieu River.
Jim in Beaulieu Village. Its origins date back to soon after the area was designated a royal hunting ground & the first known building was a hunting lodge used by King John.
The Tour Bus Stop at Beaulieu Village. Very nice tour, with many stops to get off and on at will.
Molting European Robin. Same bird, two images merged together. Cheeky little creature, it landed in front of us and gave us a good looking over before it flew off while we waited for the bus.
A common sight, 4-legged critters wandering at will.
The tour included villages and open rural areas, these horses were grazing freely alongside the road just east of Beaulieu.
Francie Stoutamire Photography
