West Walk, Forest of Bere

My favourite time of year is when summer turns to Autumn and you see a final burst of activity in the forests and woods around Hampshire, where leaves turn golden in the intermittent spotlights of sunlight, streaming through the trees and undergrowth.

Park Wood, Forest of Bere

As you walk “off-piste” through the leaf-strewn paths of the forest floor, you step satisfyingly over fir cones, fail ferns or catch your jeans on tendrils of vicious blackberry bushes.  The Hound of course prefers to dive straight into the muddy puddles created by sudden Autumnal showers.  Wellingtons are de rigueur in this unsettled environment where he meets friendly dog after dog, all enjoying this escape into nature.

Queen’s Inclosure, Forest of Bere

So where are we walking?  Well, here’s a cornucopia of imagery from those fragments of the Forest of Bere that The Hound and I have so far discovered:  West Walk, Park Wood, Queen’s Inclosure and Creech Wood.  All are so very different and each walking experience is unique.  It’s very strange to think of them – and the areas between them – once being part of one large Royal Forest.  I am sure there are more more relics of the Forest of Bere to be discovered in the future.

Creech Wood, Forest of Bere

Wherever you go this weekend, enjoy this extended Autumn we appear to be having!  These four beautiful parts of Hampshire are perfect for any four-pawed friends who like to roam!

Contributor & Photographer: Sue Lowry

Follow A3Traveller on Twitter: @A3Traveller and Sue Lowry on Google +, YouTube, Linkedin, Flickr and Pinterest. I also operate another blog for my company, Magellan PR – http://www.magellanstraits.com. They can be followed on Twitter: @MagellanPR, on Google+, on YouTube, on Pinterest and on Facebook.