Dan posted an update
a year ago (edited)
Near Ashurst, New Forest, Hampshire
Early February 2025
The New Forest is always an easy choice for a night under the stars. This was my first time visiting this particular area and it was peaceful and quiet. Despite being close to a golf course and having plenty of well-worn paths and great camping spots along the small river, I didn’t see anyone all night or in the morning as I packed up.
The area consists of some mature ancient woodland alongside managed tree enclosures, which provide plenty of options for camping with a tent, bivi, or hammock. Being winter, much of the ground – both in the wooded areas and open grassland was muddy, waterlogged and boggy.
The area along the small river offered plenty of flat, sandy banks that would make ideal tent spots. I’ll include images of these further down.
Initially, I planned to camp on one of these sandy riverbanks but I reconsidered for a couple of reasons:
Firstly, the sand was extremely cold. Even with two sleeping bags, my sleeping mat has a low R-value and I knew the cold would get through.
Secondly, I had to be up early for work, which meant crossing the river in the dark. I used fallen trees to get across in the evening, but I didn’t want to risk doing the same in the morning with all my gear.
Instead, I set up just inside the treeline on the edge of the grassland. The ground was slightly warmer, and the trees provided some shelter from the cold wind.
Coordinates:
GPS:SU 31109 10647
Google Maps: 50°53’40.0″N 1°33’32.4″W
What3words:skip.congratulations.earmarked
Getting there:
I took the train to Ashurst New Forest and walked the 2.32 miles/ 3.73km between the station and the camp spot.
Heads up:
Had a 4G phone reception but it was slow.
I saw a few people and horse riders on the main paths as I left Ashurst and entered the forest, but once I was further away and off the main trails, I didn’t see anyone.
There were plenty of horses around when I arrived in the evening and one gave me a real scare later that night.
While kneeling outside my tent brushing my teeth, I suddenly heard the crashing sound of woodland debris being moved, branches snapping, and heavy, stumbling footsteps. In the moonlight, I made out a white pony I’d seen earlier. It seems that even horses trip and stumble in the dark.
#newforest #hampshire #ashurst #tent #wildcamping
1 Comment
There are large areas of flat grass and plenty of decent spots along the river.
