Potterne wood, Crane lake and Ebblake bog.

A beautiful walk for all the family. Starting from the pylon near bridge at Potterne wood close on Ebblake. We crossed the bridge and turned left walking down through the woods to just before the meadow. On the right is one of our favourite family Hide and seek areas. It's an area of cleared woodland with lots of lovely mature trees. We enjoyed coffee and homemade cake on the round bench in the meadow and poohsticks off the bridge before heading down to the lake. There were two lovely swans on the river today, I think they are planning a new family again for the spring. Our dog loves to play ball in the meadow but isn't so keen on a swim in the river, just dipping her toes in by the next bridge. After walking alongside the beautiful lake in the lovely spring sunshine we turned left after the next bridge (beside the golf course) and then entered the woodland on the left through the small gate. This area runs along the edge of Ebblake bog and is a joy to walk; never busy and a great spot for yet more hide and seek and "mountain climbing" the small bank to our left that divides off the bog and forest land. At the next pond keep left and cross the open area on a wide path to reach a small gate. Turn left here and follow the bridleway to a small footbridge before the houses. Keep left of the houses to reach the little playground, a great spot for a last bit of climbing. Now follow the path down behind the houses and small stream back to the pylon. The route takes about an hour but with little ones allow at least a couple.

Castleman trailway from Ringwood to Ashley Heath.

Walking form Ringwood to Moors valley CP along the Castleman trailway today with Martin, Phoebe and our youngest granddaughter. We saw a few swans, a little Egret, lots of seabirds and ducks and squirrels too. Walk down from the centre of Ringwood, down onto the Bickerley Green, following the Avon path. Once over the bridge and onto the Castleman trailway, turn right and head towards the A31. Pass under the road bridge, following the red road marking, cross the road behind it and you will see the the left turn onto the castleman to Moors valley and St Ives. Once you get to a small road to a business you can turn right to ascend the hill if you want to follow Pine Avenue back, through to Ebblake and Verwood or cross the road and continue to reach Moors valley, St Ives or still further West Moors. This track goes most of the way to Poole with a few on road parts.