Address: Burley Rd, Brockenhurst SO42 7UP
Location
The New Forest became a national park in 2005 and was once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror. It spans 566 square kilometres and features beautiful, untouched woodlands, heathlands, and river valleys.
Today, deer, ponies, and cattle roam freely throughout the park. The New Forest is also recognised for its ecological importance, designated as a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and a Ramsar site, which marks it as a Wetland of International Importance.
What's there?
At Horseshoe Bottom, there is a large car park with a lovely view of the valley. This spot provides some of the best sights in the New Forest and is perfect for spotting ponies, which often graze in the open heathland.
The open green make this location a popular picnic and play spot for families during the summer.
Parking
Parking at Horseshoe Bottom is free and has no height limit.
There are no designated disabled parking spaces.
Accessibility
This location offers wonderful views without even needing to leave the car.
To access the valley, visitors will have to cross a ditch located at the front of the car park (pictured at the top of the page.) After that, there's a fairly steep slope down to the valley, making this location less accessible for visitors with limited mobility.
There are no accessible paths at this location.
Conclusion
Overall, Horseshoe Bottom is an ideal spot for nature lovers and those looking to enjoy a peaceful picnic in a picturesque setting. While parking is free and convenient, visitors with mobility issues should be aware of the limited accessibility options and the absence of facilities.
A nearby alternative option is Whitefield Moor, which includes an accessible walk in a less hilly environment, as well as accessible toilets.
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