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Autumn in the New Forest

Blow out those autumn cobwebs with a weekend of brilliantly sociable guided walking in the New Forest and Hengistbury Head.

Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 30
Level: Leisurely (with Active walks subject to participant numbers)
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

In a Nutshell:

  • Stroll through the Arboretum’s impressive ornamental conifers and ancient oak woodland.

  • A chance to watch up-close the Bolderwood fallow deer.

  • Explore the scenic headland and nature reserve at Hengistbury Head.

  • Lounge in front of open fires and get to know your fellow walkers.

 

How do we grade our walks?

A social weekend of woodland, wildlife, and windswept headlands.

This guided walking weekend combines one of the best woodland walks in the UK - through the New Forest’s Bolderwood Arboretum - with a chance to blow away the cobwebs on the beautiful headland of Hengistbury Head.

Add a healthy heap of laughter, chatter and good food into the mix, and it all points to one of those weekends that will be filed away under the ‘Happy Memory’ category.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

As you pitch up (from 5pm onwards) at the country house close to the village of Burley in the heart of the New Forest, you’ll be greeted by our Large Outdoors host.

Settling in will be easy as the comfortable lounge with open fire will immediately work its magic as you get to know your fellow walkers while dinner is being cooked, which will be served at 8pm.

Day 2

Having devoured breakfast and made your packed lunch, we don boots for today’s walk through the Bolderwood Arboretum along flat trails, making it perfect for walking newbies as well as seasoned strollers. Subject to participant numbers, we will offer a shorter and a longer walking route today.

Along the way we’ll have time to visit the observation platform overlooking the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary and have front-seat viewing of the beautiful fallow deer.

On our return, you are also free to spend time in Burley village as the independent shops offer a fine chance for retail therapy or you can slake your thirst in one of the hostelries in the village! After all that, it just leaves time for a bit more relaxation while your Large Outdoors host prepares your dinner.

Day 3

In contrast to the woodland walks of the previous day, we drive a short way to Hengistbury Head. This stunning headland is now largely a nature reserve and is an outstanding site for wildlife as well as offering beautiful beaches and views across the New Forest and the Isle of Wight.

During our 5-mile walk, there will be plenty of opportunities for ‘view stops’ and then it’s time to say farewell - unless of course you fancy heading to a local pub of café for lunch with your fellow participants before heading home.

Please note: On some days there could be a short drive required - where activities don’t start from the door of the accommodation. We don't include transport and participants normally car share.

Good to Know

  • Meeting Time: from 5pm.
    You can arrive any time from 5pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you. Dinner will be served around 8pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.

    Meeting Location:
    YHA New Forest
    Cott Lane
    Burley Ringwood
    Hampshire
    BH24 4BB

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    Parking: There is parking available at the accommodation.

    Public Transport: YHA New Forest is located 7.5 miles from Brockenhurst Train Station, with services to/from Weymouth, Bournemouth and London Waterloo. There is no bus service from Brockenhurst.

    Please Note: On some days there could be a short drive required - where activities don’t start from the door of the accommodation. We don't include transport and participants normally car share.

    Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day between 1pm and 3pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.

  • Our accommodation for the weekend is YHA New Forest, also known as Cottesmore House. It’s a converted country home set in tranquil grounds and makes for the perfect location to head out on wonderfully autumn walks.

    We’ll have great social spaces at our disposal, including a light and airy dining room for our dinners and a lounge complete with open fire - perfect for getting cosy with a glass of wine after a day out walking!

    Bedding is provided - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.

    Accommodation Address:
    YHA New Forest
    Cott Lane
    Burley Ringwood
    Hampshire
    BH24 4BB

    Room Types:
    You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
    Bed in a Shared Female Room
    Bed in a Shared Male Room

    There are Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a room - with bunk bunks - with other participants (room sizes vary and bathrooms are shared).

  • Included:

    • 2 nights accommodation at YHA New Forest - we have taken over exclusive use of the hostel, so it will just be Large Outdoors participants staying.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.

    • Guided walks on 2 days (Day 2 & Day 3) through the autumn loveliness of the New Forest.

    • Home-cooked set 2-course dinners at the accommodation on both evenings.

    • A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).

    • A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) for Day 2’s walk.

    • Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.

    • Bedding - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door. On some days there could be a short drive required - we don't include transport and participants normally car share.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.

    • Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

  • • What level of fitness is needed?
    This trip is graded as Leisurely and Active (subject to participant numbers), as we will definitely offer a Leisurely walk and subject to participant numbers will also offer an Active route option. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.

    • Can I attend on my own?
    Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
    Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.

    • What transport is provided during this trip?
    We do not provide any transport for this experience. On some days there could be a short drive required to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the accommodation - participants normally car share.

    • Can I bring my dog?
    Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.