Are you looking for a family-friendly winter walk in The New Forest? Consider a walk at Ashley Walk In The New Forest Hampshire. We didn’t walk very far with our children, as when we arrived it was very icey, but the children still talk about this walk! It’s a great winter walk in The New Forest with children as you can park close by, and walk a short distance to find some fun for the children.
We are so lucky to live where we do, as we have so many outdoor places to visit. With beaches, countryside and The New Forest, only 20-25 minute drive away from us.
The New Forest covers around 219 sq miles of heathland, grassland and woodland areas. There is so much to explore, however, we haven’t really explored very much of it at all. So with this in mind, we headed off for an explore. I had spotted a beautiful picture on Life At Cooks Cabin, and as I know she lives locally to me, I had to ask her where it was. In the New Forest, so I headed that way to see if we could find this beautiful place too.
We found it! Ashley Walk, in Godshill.
When we parked up, I knew what a great walk this was going to be. The kids loved the look of the windy path, and the big hill the other side to climb up. The path was disappearing in to the distance, so they had no idea where it was leading!
There was a main path leading down the hill, but they liked the idea of cutting through the healthland and finding their own paths! Just watch your bum on the prickles! It may look pretty, but it hurts!!
When we reached the bottom of the hill, we found a running stream, with a little bridge over. This brought lots of excitement, as they found huge stones to throw off the bridge, paddling through the water and even Gus loved it, despite how cold it was!
Once they had been playing in this for a while we headed off up the hill, we were in no rush and the kids sure weren’t either! They had so much fun playing in the ice streams, that were running down the hill. Slipping and sliding all over the place, I love how they can get so much enjoyment out of something so simple.
Their little hands must have been frozen (they did have gloves!) but they wanted to touch it, and explore it as they don’t normally get this much ice!
We found a big piece of area that was covered in ice, this gave even more enjoyment, and they loved it more because they said it was secret as it was off the path and through some trees!
I wish I had 4 paws with claws on too, as Gus coped with it better than we did!
Tips For Ashley Walk New Forest
- Large area to walk into, this was a small area
- Lots of WW2 history in the area, head to the concrete arrow in the ground from here
- Follow The New Forest walk from Ashely Walk for further directions
- Car park directions below is where we parked, but there are a couple along this road
- No toilets, but plenty of nice pubs in The New Forest if you want to stop off for a meal or drink
- Suitable for dogs, under control due to animals
- Like us visit the hill when icey for children to play
Pictures Taken January 2016
15 Comments
What a fab walk for you all to enjoy, I bet the kids absolutely loves exploring the Ashley Walk. It’s undeniable the shot with the path going off up the hill the other side really does make you want to go exploring and discover where it leads next! That bridge looksl ike the perfect place to stop and play, the kids and Gus all look like they’re having a fantastic time.
Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.
The New Forest holds a particular fondlness for me and the little lady. It was one of the last places we went together with our gorgeous border collie for our “Mamma Day”. Your gang look like they are having such fun, and if Gus could smile, I think he would be beaming 🙂
What a lovely place to explore. I haven’t been to the new forest since I was young but its on our list for this year x
What a beautiful walk – and what lovely weather you have! The last few times I’ve been down in the New Forest, the weather has been terrible – but these pictures have inspired me to try again. I love the photo of Gus jumping in! #countrykids
I remember exploring part of the New Forest on a bike with my boyfriend (now husband), and our four acorns were not even a twinkle in our eyes! I remember being amazed at the sight of wild ponies roaming freely. What a beautiful place!
By the way those pretty and prickly yellow blooms are gorse flowers, and they are edible. Better pick them in spring when they’re at their freshest – they then have a lovely coconut scent. You can make cordial or even ice cream out of them, yum 🙂
#countrykids
Oh wow I never would have thought you could of eaten those! Such a beautiful part of the country isn’t it. Thanks for commenting
do you know what, I have never been to the new forest. It looks amazing, so beautiful. I really need to explore the UK more!
Oh wow! This looks so beautiful. We really should make the effort to go on more walks, it looks so idyllic xx
Wow how gorgeous does this place look!! I have always wanted to visit the new forest! Xx
We’re over in Poole and don’t think we’ve ever been to Ashley Walk before, will def be heading over to check it out!
Oh how I wish we lived nearer to the New Forest! What beautiful photos too. I am going to make a conscious effort to visit soon go on a little bit of a road trip and take the boys. Hubby and I had a lovely weekend stay nearby when we were expecting Kipper. Thanks for the inspiration, stopping by from #CountryKids.
It looks a great place for a walk. The dog is loving life. Shame it’s so far away from us x
What a lovely place to visit and it looked like a beautiful day too. Love the pony. I hope we can make it to the New Forest at some point. #countrykids
WHat beautiful photos – I love family days out like this x x
What a wonderful place to visit!!! And your photos are gorgeous, I love the photo of your little one holding the ice! Xx