Carters Lane
Summary
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New Forest Walking Guides
Carters Lane
This trail takes you through woodland and open farmland following track and paths traced back on historic maps as far as 1791.
Key
- Trail Starting Point
- Trail
- Point of Interest
- Public House
- Trail Steps
Directions
Twiggs Lane
Head down the road from the church, looking out for Twiggs Lane on your right. Use the crossing, follow Twiggs Lane for about 250m and then turn left (east) on the driveway track towards ‘Dunclagh’ opposite ‘The Cottage’. Turn right (south) at Hammond Lodge (called ‘The Bungalow’ on OS map) and through the gate
Beacons Field
There is a pretty green path through Hammond’s and Fir Copse ending at a stile into a field. In the field follow the line of the copse south, passing a deer hide on your left. Look out for a footpath through a gap in the hedge – this is your return route later. From here the marked path goes diagonally across the field, but you can follow the route around the field edge
Birchlands Farm
Follow the field boundary to the farm gate then follow the track towards Birchlands Farm. About halfway along this track the Right of Way cuts across the field, we suggest you stay on the track. Follow the track, at the gate turn left (east) following the track and field boundary. Turn right (south) through the gate towards the stables of Birchlands Farm
Carter’s Lane
Follow this track around the stables to Carter’s Lane. To return, retrace your steps until you get to the footpath identified on the way out. Turn onto this path through the woods until you emerge over a stile into a field. You will then see Home Farm ahead which was once part of the estate of Marchwood House. Cross the field diagonally with Home Farm to your right. You can see the tall brick walls that formed the walled gardens
Home Farm
Once across the field, head left (north) towards the woods. Enter the woods through the gate, looking out for a lake on your right (east) that belonged to the estate. Follow the track north. These are some of the older routes here, with banks and ditches either side of the track
Continue to a junction where you turn left (west) along a field boundary. This part of the trail takes you along a formal track, a legacy of the old estate. At the end turn left (south west) on to the track leading back towards Hammond’s Lodge. From here you should retrace the route back to Twiggs Lane.
Carters Lane
The history on this trail travels back to the time of large estates with wealthy owners supporting the community by building schools and the local church.
Trail Overview
- Start/finish: Twiggs Lane south of the Marchwood bypass (A326).
- Grid reference SU 385 102
- what3words: what3words.com/hype.fuel.casino
- Ordnance Survey map: Explorer OL 22 New Forest.
- Distance: 2.5 miles (4km) – 1.5 hours.
- Local facilities: There is no formal parking for this trail. There is some parking in Marchwood.
Accessibility
Fairly flat. Path through woodland and farmed fields, expect muddy patches. Some surfaced farm tracks. Short section on road. Some stiles, narrow plank footbridge, gates.
