South West England, UK: A Solo Road Trip

The Solo UK Leg – April 2022

 

So after beginning my road trip with the girls in Hampshire, we parted ways at Woodhenge, and I continued solo. Boot jam-packed with more than I needed, I was ready. I had my tent, sleeping bags, blankets, bodyboard, wetsuit, clothes, and food. I always overpack when I solo travel by car.

 

Sadly, I have yet to find all those images from my DSLR so this will be a post with a sorry selection of pictures. Even the remaining images on my phone are not the ones I remember, no idea where I saved them. Still, I’ve caught up with modern technology now, so my phone should be automatically saving these days.

 

The Little Village

 

To get over a lover you move on to the next one, or so they say. Well, solo and single, I headed to Lover. That’s what that saying means, right? As it’s on the outskirts of the New Forest, I thought I might as well. Sadly, the pub in Lover has closed but there is the Woodfalls Inn just around the corner.

 

For many years Lover had a thriving Post Office that would see itself inundated with hopeless romantics queuing to have their Valentine’s cards marked “sent from Lover”. Due to the popularity, every year for one week only, a temporary Post Office is reinstated for the novelty.

 

Lover itself does not have much in it but I will mention St Marys Church, a pretty, typical village church, providing various services.

 

If you fancy a walk through this area, take a look on Walking World for a guide.

 

I parked up in the free car park at Tinney’s Firs and threw my walking boots on. A few hours in the forest worked up an appetite and I decided to head on into the New Forest to set up camp.

 

From Tinney’s Firs, I drove on to the New Forest. Once you cross those cattle grids, drive slowly, you never know when a horse may appear in front of you. Even on the straights, they can run faster than you anticipate, don’t take the chance!

 

The New Forest

 

Driving through Burley, full of witchy-vibes and free-roaming horses, it can feel like you have stepped into another world. I came here a few times when young and still see the attraction. This day though I just passed through as I had to keep up a pace, so I didn’t arrive at camp too late. I’ll stop next time.

 

I pulled into a random car park, somewhere in the middle of the New Forest for a pre-bought snack. I had no phone signal, no idea exactly where I was, but the sun was shining, and I could see some horses in the field so figured it would be a nice place for lunch. As I got out of the car to stretch my legs, a lone deer leg greeted me. Note to self, don’t come here alone in the dark… Some car parks have different opening periods so don’t assume you can park there all the time and, if you’re in a campervan, many you cannot stay in overnight.

 

There are many campsites in the New Forest, though some have no facilities and require you to bring your own toilet facilities. Be sure to check your chosen site is suitable so you aren’t disappointed.

 

After stepping over the skeletal remains, and watching the horses frolic for a bit, I finished off a sausage roll and made my way to the next destination. I tried to get a little closer for a decent picture, but the horses took too much interest in me, so I kept clear. Keep your wits about you and treat them as wild animals, not all of them are friendly, especially if they have foals in tow.

 

Digging out the old paper map I had buried in the boot, I figured out where I was and made my way down. Solo travel requires a little more thought sometimes, especially when you don't have a co-pilot and the sat-nav fails.

 

The Campsite

 

Norden Farm is a favourite of mine and I’ve watched its evolution over the years. Their shower block and kitchen spaces are large and well maintained. The latest addition of the ‘The Spotted Pig’ snack hut has proven a hit with reasonably priced, delicious, hearty food. The crow I befriended wolfed down the sausage I dropped so I guess he agreed with the verdict.

 

This is one of the best campsites I have stayed on with ample facilities for all occasions, the farm shop onsite is well-stocked and the staff are brilliant.

 

The house and cottage onsite at Norden look wonderful, though I have always camped with my trusty little dome tent, still going strong after about 10 years. Best £7 I ever spent in Tesco.

 

The farm animals provide entertainment and horror – did you know pigs will eat chickens if they feel their piglets are threatened? That mentally scarred a few witnesses. The goats pretend to have their horns stuck in the fence for attention and simply disentangle themselves as soon as you walk off.

 

Notice how cosy I make my tent; I have a yoga mat, blankets, sleeping bags, more blankets, and pillows. There is a little hook in the centre where I hang a torch so I can read in the evenings. It’s all about the small details.

 

In the Area

 

There are lovely walks all around here, Corfe Castle being a magnificent neighbour, with some of the best cream teas down in the village. I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing various jets pass overhead during the airshows, too.

Over the years I have used this campsite as a base to visit places such as Swanage, Brownsea Island, Studland, Lulworth Cove, and Durdle Dor to name a few. Next time I visit, I’ll be sure to take pictures, especially for my readers.

 

A short drive away, there is also Monkey World and Farmer Palmers for younger kids.

 

Bovington Tank Museum is an interesting day out, and a good option if it’s raining as this is mostly indoors. And yes, I did queue up like an excited child for the opportunity to sit in a real tank.

 

The Jurassic Coast offers many places to swim, snorkel and fossil hunt. I swim no matter the weather, even in April the water felt like ice though. Even the calmest looking water can have strong undercurrents so watch out for riptides.

 

I find fossil hunting most lucrative after a storm but be aware of cliff falls and other dangers bad weather can present, this is often when the beaches are at their most dangerous.

 

Carey's Secret Garden offers a scenic place for a coffee and a walk. After being abandoned for 40 years, this garden is now being revitalised.

 

Overall

 

I know this post may not have the most interesting pictures, but I hope it sparks enough interest to send you on your own adventure in this neck of the words. There are some incredible natural wonders as well as historic features that deserve a look. A firm favourite between my friends and I, the whole of this area has proven to be suitable for solo and group adventures alike. Happy travels!