Walk to Ashurst and Lyndhurst circular

 Wednesday 23rd August

With Harry. 12 miles and some more. 

To Ashurst co-op, then along the Lyndhurst Road, turning left just before the station . 

Follow the path close to the railway line, until it joins a cycle track just after a bridge leading to Ashurst camp site and Ashurst Lodge.

The bridge is on the right, but our path goes through a gate into the woods.

Follow the track, keeping the railway on the right, and after about a mile, you reach a bridge. Turn right, crossing the bridge over the railway and then the infant Beaulieu River, and continue south west, across open heathland. Where tracks fork, take the right hand fork leading towards Matley Wood and the campsite, with its welcome shade.

At the road we take the track alongside for a while, heading slightly north of west towards Lyndhurst. Very little shade for a good mile and a half - noticeable in the hot weather.

In Lyndhurst we headed for the Greenwood Tree cafe for a late lunch - sandwiches with plenty of tea.

We made our way back following paths, through the edge of the golf course and into the woods to then north of Lyndhurst  towards Woodlands. 

North as far as the highest point at Redbridge Hill, and a bit further, then east.

Much easier to navigate with the OS map app showing our exact position!

Back at the main road, which we followed. Essential ice cream stop at the Co-op before the last mile or so home.

We decided we had earned a lazy next day.