The New Forest

The New Forest is one of the oldest in England. Just accept it. There are several interesting things to see here, from the remains of iron age settlements to modern day animals roaming around freely. Once you get off the motorway you're in a completely different world, an England of small villages, thick, dark woodlands and open pastures and heathland. It's very, very pretty.

Local cattle and horses graze on the land, and it is they that keep it open. They wander around on the roads and sometimes you have to be careful about not hitting them. The ponies in particular are interesting, as they are of a native, English breed. Farmers also make use of their ancient right to let their pigs roam at certain times of year.

I had one destination in mind - the Rufus Stone. Reportedly it was erected on the site where king William II, (un)popularly known as Rufus because of his ruddy complexion and red hair, was killed in 1100 - possibly by orders of his brother. The murderer, Sir Walter Tyrrell has had an inn named after him, which lies a few hundred feet from the stone.

All New Forest pics here.

All the pwetty horses.


Blithely ignoring anything and anyone who hasn't got any food.


The Rufus Stone.


Sparse grassland and chalk, sweet chalk underneath.


The Tyrrell Inn.


Inside the inn. Very cozy.