High Corner, Dockens Water, Splash Bridge and Hasley Hill

A Family Stroll with Fun for Children and Forest Clearings to Picnic On

This is a delightful morning, afternoon, or summer evening stroll that offers complete freedom from traffic. You follow the course of Dockens Water on the shallow river valleys that run west across the more remote northern areas of the New Forest to meet the River Avon. As you follow the streamside, the valley reveals all the gentle beauty and variety of New Forest scenery, where dark pinewoods contrast with open glades of oak and beech that are home to roe and fallow deer, badgers, and woodland birds.

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Start Point

High Corner

Grid Ref: SU 19969 10521

Total Distance

3.8 miles (6.1 km)

Total Climbing

102 metres

Estimated Time

2 hours

Difficulty Grade

Easy

Trail Navigation Files:

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Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

Essential paper map for exploring the New Forest, Southampton, Ringwood and Lymington:

OL22 New Forest →

The Walk Report

The white-washed High Corner Inn dates from the 1700s and was originally a farmhouse. During coaching days it thrived as an inn, and today it is well known for its excellent food and woodland garden overlooking the valley.

After a short walk through woodlands, you reach Dockens Water. This stretch is associated with New Forest heroine Alice Lisle, who lived at nearby Moyles Court and sheltered two wounded fugitives after the Duke of Monmouth's defeat at Sedgemoor — for which she was beheaded by order of Judge Jeffries. You follow the stream alongside Dockens Water to Splash Bridge.

From Splash Bridge the walk heads north up to Hasley Hill Inclosure amidst fresh green heath in spring and rich autumn tones of brown and gold, where you are likely to spot wild New Forest ponies. Near the end of the walk, Ogdens Purlieu reflects the ancient crown dispensation allowing certain lands to be enclosed and cultivated outside strict Forest laws.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.

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High Corner, Dockens Water, Splash Bridge and Hasley Hill

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

The Walk Report

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