Compton and Shawford Walkers’ Group: Deadman Bottom and Worse

Three members of the Walking Group plus one visitor and two labrador dogs ventured forth from Turf Hill car park on a sunny Saturday in August. The walk took us through the less visited, but none the less attractive, northern part of the New Forest where all three species of heather provided seasonal colour.

The water hazard in Deadman Bottom was negotiated without incident, but worse was to come in Black Gutter Bottom. The leader missed his footing and filled both boots with evil-smelling peaty-coloured liquid. That decided it: his walking socks really did need washing now! Old craters on the former Second World War bombing practice range shown on OS maps as ‘Leaden Hall’ provided further interest.

A pause for lunch was taken in the garden of the Horse and Groom in Woodgreen, watched over by the resident alpacas, Gizmo, Spencer, Mortimer and Al, all recently shorn. A stroll across the open space of Hale Purlieu back to the car park completed the day.

Ian and Pat Acton