RAF Beaulieu near East Boldre

New Forest Walk

Walk Route Description

A New Forest walk exploring the site of the old World War Two airfield that was known as RAF Beaulieu. Now mainly heathland, there is still plenty of evidence of its former existence - if you know where to look! During our walk we come across plenty of that evidence including a well-preserved air raid shelter, a water tower, the remains of a bomb loading ramp and we even got to see some aircraft, but not quite what we were expecting.

Although it was a lovely sunny September day, the area is fairly "exposed" (it is a vast open expanse) and there was a significant wind at times which did have an effect on the sound audio which I hope does not spoil your enjoyment of the video. NOTES: The Control Tower Foundations & Water Tower are on the West side of the site and not the East side (as stated in the video). Since making the video, I have been advised that the Air Raid Shelter is, in fact, on private land - I would not have ventured there if I had known. It is situated at the side of a field right next to the heathland area of the airfield so you should still be able to view if from a distance.

Route details: Start at Hawkhill Car park. Go straight over B3055 & follow old service road leading from bomb storage site to airfield. Turn right at T junction & follow disused taxi track as it goes round to the left. Eventually, just after tarmac gives way to gravel, follow cycle track as it goes sharp right (pass hangar foundations). After 100yrds, turn left at T junction along cycle track. Eventually reach wooded area at Roundhill campsite. Keep left along narrow tarmac road going half-left along campsite for half a KM. Leave cycle track where it turns right and go left beside vehicle barrier. Turn left through left-most farm gate & follow bridleway. Pass overgrown pond on left & follow path down then up a small valley. Pass large barn at Dilton Farm. Turn left after barn & go around 2 metal barns & a modern barn. Follow bridleway across two fields & get to a gate that takes you back on to Beaulieu Heath (where the airfield is). Turn right along grassy ride. Eventually go straight ahead at 4 way junction of tracks, continue for 300 yards and at next Y junction turn sharply left & follow track across heath. Soon after the bend, re-join the old taxi track & follow it right, the whole way round, passing the model plane flying area. Eventually you will get back to the service road to the B3055 & the car park.

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