I do agree with the previous review that this is not an easy access route for the same points identified. I'm not sure how far an alternative "winter route" could be plotted given this southwestern approach to Fordingbridge resolves to the meeting of the Allen and Avon rivers, but it could be worth exploring, even if no more accessible....

Charles312

A few stiles or gates to climb between Alderholt and Fordingbridge, along with narrow and overgrown paths....

Russell Haley

The dip in the track approaching the Great Yews identified in the previous review was still flooded in the summertime.* It required climbing high onto the verge to bypass which wasn't easy nor did it feel particularly safe. The track passing the Great Yews featured deep ruts and puddles, mud, exposed roots and other debris. There are several nearby paths and tracks that could be taken to avoid the approach to and/or passing of the Great Yews, though I cannot attest for them at the time of writing...

Charles312

The route leaves Fordingbridge via the B 3078 on a path running beside the road. When leaving the RSPB reserve the route continues on a small country road towards Nomandsland and then after having crossed the B3079 one quickly reaches the entrance to Deazle Wood. Once leaving the wood one crosses Sturtmoor Common with the path running over fairly wet and soft ground, until one reaches Canada Common at the outskirts of the hamlet of Canada. Canada Road leads up to the crossing of the A36 and there is a bus stop close to the roundabout. After crossing a country lane the route carries on over a crop field and then turns north over some fairly wet and soft fields until it reaches another country lane leading to the A27. The path carries on through fields (free running cattle) with a number of gates and stiles before one reaches Sadler's Mill at the periphery of Romsey. I very much enjoyed walking this route as it has a lot to offer with respect to varying country side and some beautiful views....

Haymo Thiel

From there one walks on paved roads for about 2.5km to and through the Long Beech Hill Campsite. The route leaves Brook by ascending a very muddy uphill path with a large tree trunk blocking it to any four wheeled transport when reaching the top of the hill. The route carries on via a mix of footpaths and small country roads to Newbridge. After having crossed the motorway, the route again carries on over a mix of footpaths and country roads before reaching the outskirts of Totton. Personally, I found the section from Godshill to the Long Beech Hill campsite to be most enjoyable one of the whole route....

Haymo Thiel

This is an easy to follow quiet backroads route between Fordingbridge and Salisbury....

Slow Ways Darren

After taking fairly quiet roads out of Fordingbridge, it follows country footpaths to Godshill, then crosses open New Forest heathland, then goes though woodland to Nomansland and on to Canada Common. Near Telegraph Hill the route leaves the heathland, follows the main B3078 road for approx 800m, then joins the footpath through the woods to Pipers Wait (the highest point in the New Forest, at 129m above sea level). Nomansland to Wellow: If you have have diverted to the Lamb Inn at Nomansland, then starting from the front door of the pub, looking onto the cricket pitch, the route follows the road straight ahead past the car park, heading towards the B3079 Bramshaw Road. The route then follows Furzley Road for approx 600m and crosses through Deazle Wood to Plaitford Common and West Wellow Common (together comprising Canada Common) until it hits the unmade road along the edge of Canada Common. At Wellow, the route follows the A36 for approx 300m and goes left shortly after the Red Rover pub onto Slab Lane, then joins Maurys Lane until it hits Romsey Road. Wellow to Shootash Crossroads: From Wellow, shortly after joining Romsey Road the route follows the footpath, Wellow FP 24, through the fields, to join Foxes Lane at Kings Farm. Shootash crossroads to Romsey: From near Shootash crossroads, the route goes along the main A27 road for approx 600m, then at Troy House cuts off left along a footpath that skirts Squabb Wood, then goes through the wood to meet the Test Way into Romsey....

pter

It is generally a good route (with the exception of the main road out of Fordingbridge) mainly using paths through open heathland, then paths through Bramshaw Wood. The route follows the main B3078 Southampton Road out of Fordingbridge, cuts off through a footpath through Sandy Balls holiday park, rejoins the B3078 for a short stretch to Godshill, then crosses open forest, then heads up through the woods to Nomansland. The route leaves Fordingbridge along the main B3078 Southampton Road across the bridge....

pter

Generally a nice route, @Pter's modification being a good way to avoid the private land and busy roads to the west of Romsey....

nickw4426

Nice route, could possibly be diverted west of Brook by following the south side of the golf course to hit the (quiet) Rufus Stone road, and then north to Brook. This would avoid the section along the busy in summer B road....

nickw4426