Thursday 16 October 2014

Walk 29 - Parkhurst Forest - 4.5 miles

Despite it still being 22 degrees, it is officially autumn and the leaves beginning to turn, so I thought I'd take advantage of being in the area to walk in Parkhurst Forest and track down the squirrel hide there. The number 7 bus stops at the junction of Gunville Rd and Forest Rd and the entrance to the forest is a 5 minute walk to the right, just past Island Cranes.
I instinctively avoided the path marked Challenge and Adventure, but, after much wandering found that was the route to the very well hidden squirrel hide.
Parkhurst Forest Entrance Sign
Taking this path towards Signal House, turning left through an unmarked gate by some more signs I eventually  found a post with this symbol on. 
Parkhurst Forest carved squirrel signpost
 The signs had come off, but turning right leads past this carved squirrel.
Carved squirrel in   Parkhurst Forest
 At the next squirrel, a left turn leads to the hide.
Carved squirrel sculpture by the hide in Parkhurst ForestThe hide was in fact so well concealed that no squirrels actually located it during the time I was there, so I gave up and retraced my steps to the car park.
Wooden squirrel hide in Parkhurst Forest
This is my 'camping in the Canadian Rockies' picture...almost!
Campervan in Parkhurst Forest
From the car park a long avenue leads around the western edge of the forest.
Tree lined avenue in Parkhurst Forest
Parkhurst Forest is one of the country's most ancient woodlands, a medieval royal hunting ground and the oak plantation dates from Napleonic period, when what is now the prison was a barracks and there was a need for timber to build warships. There are nationally rare species of pasture woodland and open heath grassland species, giving a pleasing variety as you walk through different areas of the forest.

Tree lined trail in Parkhurst Forest
As usual I got a bit lost, as it is quite hard to work out which are the main tracks and which are just firebreaks. Have decided that in future I will just follow the main route instead of being creative!
Autumn trees in Parkhurst Forest
The last hundred years has seen the planting of many conifers, with much of the forest now composed of Spruce, Scots and Corsican Pine, Firs and Cypress, but there are still patches of the mature Oak and Beech dating from pre-enclosure times.

Row of conifers in Parkhurst Forest
Fortunately there were quite a few dog walkers around who knew their way around better that I did.
Conifers in Parkhurst Forest


Conifers in Parkhurst Forest



Tall conifers in Parkhurst Forest


Horse Chestnut and autumn leaf




Walking Trail in Parkhurst Forest, avenue of overarching trees


Horse chestnut lying open on the forest floor


Tall conifers in Parkhurst Forest


Sunlight streams through conifers in Parkhurst Forest


Autumn pine cone


View upwards among conifers in Parkhurst Forest


Conifer trunks in Parkhurst Forest
Unfortunately, I hadn't found this useful map, available here from the Forestry Commission website.
Map of walking trails in Parkhurst Forest
Walking Route map in Parkhurst Forest, Isle of Wight

2 comments:

  1. Lin, thank you fir this wonderful account of Parkhurst Forest, on what looked like a lovely day for a walk. I was there earlier this year, in late summer early autumn. I love your photos, which show the variety you speak of, nice details too of chestnuts (horse chestnuts?). I lappreciated the history too. Of the changes in the forest over time, in response to such things as war and Forestry Commission policies. Will look up more of your walk descriptions in preparation for my next visit to the Island.

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  2. Thank you, Maura for your lovely comment. It is so nice to hear from someone who enjoys walking on our lovely island. I hope you enjoy exploring next time you come.

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