Abbotswell To Fritham

This is a lovely day walk, with some great view, and is perhaps best enjoyed starting at the Abbotswell end, heading to Fritham for lunch & then back to Abbotswell afterwards.

The walk contains some moderate gradients. The path is well gravelled throughout.

Starting at the Millenium monument in Abbotswell carpark, head over the lip down towards marker post 4 at the start of the walk. Head up and along Hampton Ridge passing markers 5 and 6. Shortly afterwards you have the bomb crater & tumulus between markers 7 & 8. Come to the end of the ridge and head down the hill, passing markers 9 & 10. Go around the horseshoe section of the path near passing marker post 11 and crossing the small bridge over Latchmere Brook. Continue along the straight section passing marker post 12, towards marker 13. Head up the hill, which then brings you out in to Fritham car park.

The Royal Oak pub is situated about 100m along. Its serves food, has toilets & allows dogs inside.

Postcode = Abbotswell car park SP6 2JD; Fritham car park SO43 7HJDistance = 8.4m return (4.2m in each direction)Duration = About 90 minutes in each directionElevation = 217-340ft (var = 123ft)Footwear = shoes are usually sufficient even when wetDog mud factor = Most of the route is (for the forest) well gravelled and fairly dry, but like everywhere in the forest standing water and streams are everywhere as soon as you are off the pathWeather = Exposed as over 300ft along Hampton RidgeViews = There is a viewpoint at the end of Abbotswell car park. Along the route there are great views from the tumulus near the bomb crater on Hampton Ridge in all directions, Latchmore & Alderhill Bottoms & the forest to the south & towards Godshill/Fordingbridge to the northParking = Formal car park at either end of the route (free)Royal Oak pub = http://thegoodpubguide.co.uk/pub/view/Royal-Oak-SO...Detailed Google map route: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z0TySz4Dssd...