Fritham Plain Walks #1 + #2

These are two back-n-forth walks across Fritham plain from the car park at Fritham heading west towards the ford over Dockens Water, near Holly Hatch Cottage.

The shorter route stops at the bifurcation of the path, which is 1 mile from the car park. The longer route heads on down the hill to the ford.

Both distances are entirely wide gravel path but it does have lots of large puddles in rainy times.

Distance: [return distances]#1 = 2 miles (across the plain to the division of the track - divides towards ford (left hand fork) & towards Deadbuck Hill (right hand fork))#2 = 3.4 miles (down Ragged Boys Hill, to the ford itself near Holly Hatch Cottage, over Dockens Water)Duration @about 3-4mph#1 = 35 mins#2 = 65minsElevation = #1 = 345 - 379ft (var = 34ft)#2 = 216 - 379ft (var = 163ft)Footwear = wellies unless has been dry, as almost always some standing puddlesDog mud factor = if your dog stays on the path then wet paws, if they venture off the path then muddy (standing water takes a long time to drain even in good weather)Weather = suitable for all weathers as gravelledViews = good views across Fritham Plain north & southParking = free parking at the main & overflow car parks at the top of the walk, they can get full though as this is a busy route at weekends and holidaysFacilities = there are no facilities directly attached to the car parks, but the Royal Oak pub is just off the car park and does drink, food, has toilets & often has open fires in the winter

I don't think the road [off Forest Road] that runs down in to Fritham is actually named (to the best of my knowledge)! So, beware your sat nav might struggle, however the pub address is: Royal Oak, Fritham SO43 7HJ

Detailed Google maps with landmarks & route info: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z0TySz4DssdU.kXc0ALrRJ2co