Enjoy the New Forest Walking Festival
The New Forest Walking Festival will take place between 26 October and 3 November 2013.
A section dedicated to the festival has been created on the New Forest National Park website, which reveals a choice of 11 organised group walks on specific dates and times as well as a number of recommendations for self-guided walks.
The group walks are from two to eight miles in length and most are free for those who arrive either on foot, bike or public transport, or otherwise cost from £5-£10.
The walks take place at various points around the forest and are themed: for example Ashurst Family Activity Walk, Beaulieu Road Nature Walk and the Fighters and Bombers Walk, which explores the New Forest’s fascinating wartime heritage with a guided walk around the Stoney Cross aerodrome – a major fighter and bomber base during World War II.
Some walks are also suitable for those wishing to take the family dog along!
The self-guided walks vary in difficulty from short strolls that would suit couples with a push chair – such as the famous Tall Trees Trail – to long distance trials including the 60-mile Solent Way.
The perfect place to stay for those wishing to take part is the 5-star ‘eco’ boutique B&B, Cottage Lodge, which in centrally located in the heart of Brockenhurst Village with its wide selection of restaurants and cosy pubs.
Cottage Lodge has won numerous awards for its eco credentials; solar panels are located on the roof to produce hot water in the summer (during the winter, water is kept warm via the wood burning stove), low-flow loos and showers reduce water usage and materials including Marmoleum (jute) and bamboo have been used for their green properties.
Rooms have LED lighting and low-energy light bulbs, eco paints and low impact building materials have been used throughout and one room even has a bike to power the TV!
For the months of October and November Cottage Lodge is offering three-night, mid-week stays from £120 per person (two sharing) including the famous New Forest Marque breakfast and a free 30-minute ride in a Twizy electric vehicle (usually £9.50).
To book, visit cottagelodge.co.uk.
For further information on the walking festival visit newforestnpa.gov.uk.
