Bramshaw

Date:
Location:
Walk Leader:
Participants:
Distance:
Parking:
Lunch:

26th February 2016
Bramshaw
Ray
Ray, Clive, Peter, Rob
7.2 miles
Forest Car Park
Bat and Ball ★★★☆☆

It has been decided by the committee that a 3 point scoring system is not discriminating adequately between the range of establishments visited for lunch.  From henceforth a five point system will be employed.  Scores will be shown as above to differentiate them from the old 3 point system.

This walk was another one that is mostly new -roughly 74.8%.

​A beautiful but slightly chilly morning greeted us as we started out from Bradshaw Telegraph and headed across the fairly open plain.

Across the Plain

Studley Wood

It may look simple enough to follow the track marked green on the map but there are several other paths in this area that are just about as well defined so we wandered onto smaller tracks from time to time.
​

The other somewhat unhelpful thing about the map is that it shows Footbridges that do not always exist. One of these is close to the start of Eyeworth Wood,  another two later in Amberwood Inclosure.

FB1 What Bridge?

SCRamblers!

FB2 No Trace Of This One

​We posed for this group photo beside Eyeworth Pond.  This was only in the second half of the 19th century by the Schultze Gunpowder Company, an organisation that for many years had premises in the grounds of nearby Eyeworth Lodge.  You can read more about this venture at:
http://www.newforestexplorersguide.co.uk/heritage/history-in-the-landscape/eyeworth-pond.html

​

Coffee time saw us just by the Royal Oak where we found a convenient log by which time we were all ready for refreshments.  Just on the edge of the woods here there is a somewhat unusual post box.

Powder Mill Post Box

All Is Explained

After a short stretch on the cycle path we diverted onto some of the smaller paths with just one short diversion where we had to retrace our steps.  We the came across our third missing bridge.  It was so similar to the second one that we had to check to make sure we had not inadvertently backtracked.
After a short section in the open at Ashley Cross we came across a small brick structure that was once a post connected with the Ashley Bombing Range.  Those interested in the war and the history of this unusual place can find out more at: 
http://www.thenewforestguide.co.uk/history/new-forest-explosives/ashley-walk-bombing-range/
or
http://www.new-forest-national-park.com/ashley-range.html

We decided, by a narrow majority, to go back into the woods on the basis it would be shorter and more interesting.  By the time we were back at the car park we were wondering if the additional ups and downs had been worthwhile.  The woods had certainly provided lots to look at as fairly extensive logging operations had been going on for some time.  Why would they fell trees right across the path?

Nicely Positioned!

More For The Tall Ships

We all agreed that this had turned out to be a great walk on a lovely day but, and you knew there had to be a but....we were all very pleased that we cut out the pale orange diversion that Ray had planned to ensure the walk was not too short.  This would have added another 1.2 miles and it looks as if the Leader had had quite enough without that.

Is That A Smile or A Grimace?

Lunch was at the Bat and Ball.  This is a great pub.  Open all day for ford and a really good deal for pensioners.  They could not however be given more than 3 out of 5 today as they had run out of too many things that we had chosen from the menu.  The whitebait starter was almost enough for a main!  Nice friendly staff and locals create a good atmosphere.  ★★★☆☆