
I planned this walk using OS Explorer map OL22 with my 'equals' partner. The aim was to create an 18 mile walk linking different routes we knew but creating a new long distance walk close to home.
From Waters Green follow The Merrut Rd North West to Black Knoll. 200m. Cross the footbridge onto open forest heath land and head diagonally North West to Water Copse Inclosure. Turn left at fence and follow to footpath. 1.1miles/1.7km. (Saw deer here as it was very early morning.) Turn left on footpath and follow to Rhinefield Rd. 0.9miles/1.5km. Turn left and follow Rhinefield Rd to ford. Turn left and follow Brookley Rd to end of shops, at cross roads turn right on Sway Rd and follow to School on right. 0.8miles. Turn left across Culverley Green to road. 300m. Cross road and follow North Weirs 0.7 miles/1.1km, on bend turn left onto open forest heath, Whitemoor, cross diagonally and then cross road and continue across Whitefield Moor to car park. 0.6miles/1km. Continue on path to Puttles Bridge, 300m, turn left and take foot path on right diagonally to track and turn left to road. 600m. Turn right on road and follow for 0.9miles/1.5km to Blackwater car park. Turn right and follow footpath and then track for 2.9 miles4.7km/ towards Bank to gate at road. Turn right onto Pinkney lane and follow to main road. 0.9miles/1.5km. Turn left on main rd and then right past small theatre on right to join main road through Lyndhurst High Street. Follow to end of shops and open forest on right. 1mile/1.6km. Turn right and follow road to turning for Denny Lodge campsite on right on bend of road. 2.2miles/3.5km. Turn right on track through campsite and follow for 2 miles/3.2km passing Denny Lodge. Take right fork at track junction and follow past Victoria Cottage to Balmer Lawn. 1.8miles/2.9km. Walk in front of Balmer Lawn Hotel and follow main road left to Waters Green.
Total distance covered 18.2 miles/ 29.5km Time taken 6hours 28mins.