Terrain: Mostly level ground, but with one moderately steep downhill section. The route includes minor roads, a short(ish) stretch of the A35 and a bridleway that after rain can be quite wet and muddy. Strong boots are therefore recommended.
Distance: 3.5 kilometres (2¼ miles).
These outlying hamlets of Pikes Hill, Emery Down and Swan Green enjoy a rich and varied history. Richardson, King and Driver on their late-18th century map of the New Forest show Pikes Hill as Pigs Hill, for example, whilst Emery Down is well-known for its pretty church, its alms houses and as the birthplace of New Forest snake-catcher Brusher Mills. Swan Green, meanwhile, has a picturesque cricket pitch and perhaps the most photographed thatched cottages in the whole of England.
A bridleway takes walkers into Emery Down, but this is not just any old bridleway. It borders the old Manor of Minstead, and retains to this day a 19th century Manor of Minstead boundary stone by the trackside. The Manor dates back to at least the 11th century and it is tempting to suppose that the bridleway is of similar, or earlier, vintage.
Then for those who appreciate refreshment along the way, the walk passes three of the areas most attractive, and historic pubs – the Waterloo Arms at Pikes Hill, the New Forest Inn at Emery Down, and the White Swan at Swan Green.