Went out with Chris & Maxine. Did a foresty walk, weather cool and cloudy with sunny interval. We did the Ornamental Tree drive which stretches from Brockenhurst, crossing the A35 until it reaches the A31. We tried to get lunch near the Rufus stone - i.e. where William II, son of William the Conqueror, who was hunting in the area, was killed accidentally it’s recorded, by one, William Tyrell whose arrows, aimed at a deer, pierced Rufus’s chest. Someone later, noticed an oak tree growing on the spot, placed the ‘Rufus stone’ there. Now there is a more substantial memorial there, as the stone wore away. The pub, called the William Tyrell, was full, so we went on to another pub, the Bell Inn, where we ate - quite good, service was very good. Then we made our way to Romsey Abbey, then an N.T. House. We couldn’t get in the house - one needs to be there at 2pm to book, but the grounds were pleasant with very large old trees there, it’s called Mottisfont Abbey. Stopped at the P.Office for cream tea - delicious scones, clotted cream!

Small resort - can take a ferry to Hengistbury Head. Quay locks across the narrow channel to Christchurch harbour.
Small resort - can take a ferry to Hengistbury Head. Quay locks across the narrow channel to Christchurch harbour.