Blogs from New Forest, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe

130719 - New Forest, Hampshire First time out in the Bongo for a test trip out to the New Forest in Hampshire. We had some fun and games trying to figure out what to pack, we're a bit rusty on this travelling thing, it's been 10 years since the days of Oz and New Zealand camper-vaning after all! In the spirit of past adventures and taking us all the way back, we bought a box of Australian Shiraz, only a bit fancier than goon! A short drive out of West Sussex via Petersfield and the South Downs and we’re in the New Forest heading for Burley. On our trip, we come across a very, very posh, one-percenter posh Polo Club in Cowdray, Midhurst. Not to feel too out of place, we park the Bongo next to ... read more

Salisbury Cathedral New Forest has wild horses everywhere. Azaelas and Rhododendron are in full bloom. New Forest YHA url=http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/new-forest?utm_source=google&utm_medium=maps&utm_campaign=google-placeshttp://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/new-forest?utm_source=google&utm_medium=maps&utm_campaign=google-places... read more

I bought a Raleigh Royal, which is a steel touring bike with 700c wheels, and cycled to the New Forest and back, following the national cycle route 2. The cycle route actually starts in Dover, so I joined it as it cuts across the Marsh, just down the road from Aldington. The route starts on tarmac, but there are quite a few places where the tarmac has worn away or never had any in the first place. Day one would take me through Lydd, Camber and Rye to get to Winchelsea, mostly following the coastline, Until Pevansey, where it would head in land to get to Alfriston. Most of this route was flat, but at Winchelsea there’s an almighty hill to get over to Hastings. I tried my best, but knowing I had another two days ... read more

Three weeks out before we take the ferry from Dover to Calais and start our European adventure, Chris and I had our first night in the camper van. It was a success! We spent the evening of Saturday 2 March here - http://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/england/new-forest/setthorns-campsite - a sprawling, wooded campsite in the New Forest. We camped at a site with an electric hook-up so we could try the gas cookers, grill and oven. Everything worked.... However, a hiccup before we had even set out was that (after filling the huge water tank) we discovered the water pump wasn't working. This meant that we had water on board but wouldn't be able to use the taps in the kitchen and bathroom sinks. Only slightly deterred we decided to take a large jerry can of water with us and sort ... read more

Just having a little practice at using the site! :)... read more