A red phone box, just sitting there, a pertinent landmark to assist weary travelers find their way to the cottage after a long journey, through the final narrow and bendy roads.
The New Forest is certainly Tolkien and C.S Lewis country, here, some animals appear to have free will.
Brambly this, Merrydown that and Fiddley the other! The names of the woods, cottages and inns are simply charming.
But….not as charming as the numerous wild donkeys!
We stayed in a 350 year old thatched cottage, called Keepings in Norley Wood. It was utterly heavenly.
Donkeys called at the garden gate each day.
The advice is to refrain from touching or feeding them but sticking to that is extremely difficult, I just about managed it! As I walked away from them each day they would let out a whooping heehaw. I’m quite sure some people must be feeding them.
The curly headed one is a juvenile…..oh….
Another mother and foal…sheltering behind a car by a lake.
Such gentle, placid creatures.
I have always had a soft spot for donkeys, now I am utterly besotted!
There are no shops or pubs in Norley Wood, so hubs and I, along with the dogs, took a shortcut to one of the nearby pubs, about eight miles away.There was one about a mile away……but hubs was set on this one. Needless to say, we quickly became lost. Nothing new for us!
Our first problem was trying to drag Sam over, through or under styles [and locked gates on other walks]. He really did try to cooperate, but these contraptions are simply not doberman friendly! His trust in us somehow always got him over, through or under.
While lost, we ended up wading through a bog. Hubs was sinking deeper by the step and was calf deep at some points! Once out of that, we found ourselves on a narrow path, with the river on one side and an enclosed area on the other, forward was the only way to go.
Out of the blue, we heard loud whinnying and turned to see two LARGE wild ponies galloping behind us. We jumped to one side as they galloped on….turned out it was round-up day where wild ponies, owned by commoners are caught and broken in for domestic life. I was thrilled to see those two escape!
One day we walked for five hours and only saw one couple walking with a dog. Strangely, we met the same couple the next day in a completely different forest. We traded wildlife stories…..they saw rutting red deer, we saw fallow deer.
The wild ponies we came across were very laid back. I was worried how they’d take to the dogs, given they were free to behave as they liked. It was so strange, wandering around the woods with animals everywhere but without the constraints of fences to hold them back, suddenly the tables had turned. No people…just us wandering around, miles from anywhere with animals at every turn. Almost post apocalypse…I rather liked that!
The wild ponies varied in size, most of them look like horses to me.
While lost on yet another walk, we suddenly realized that we were being stalked by a bull. Again, it was free to do as it pleased so we hightailed it out of there, talk about getting a wriggle on! Donkeys, cows and bulls always challenged Sam, big goofy Sam, who wouldn’t harm a fly! Obviously he looked like a predator to them being a big lad!
Fallow deer, always shy, in the distance or dancing through the woods.
The white ponies in the woods looked just like unicorns, so beautiful.
The ponies are owned by practicing commoners, who exercise their Right of Common of Pasture. This is an ancient right that is attached to the land and cannot be withdrawn. The commoner has to pay a fee re each animal to pay towards the cost of those who oversee their welfare, Agisters and Verderers in the event of sickness, injuries or road traffic accidents. The system does work as I called them, given I was concerned about a particular pony, turned out it wasn’t lame, just resting!
The variety of wild ponies is astonishing. Most have headbands on that illuminate in the headlights of cars as they wander the roads that weave through the woods and commons. The majority of ponies we saw in the woods were headband free.
It was lovely seeing pigs free, they are let loose for sixty days apparently, what a wonderful sixty days that must be. The end game is still the same but at least they get a little freedom. Pigs do get a bad deal worldwide, such intelligent animals too.
We took a trip to the Isle of Wight.
Cattle roamed the cliffs, and again, they took exception to Sam. I wondered if they ever fell off the cliffs, the people I spoke to said, oh…the’re fine. I asked them if they’d let their dog off the lead on those cliffs and the answer was always a resounding NO! Talk about sheer drops!
Cows stalking Sam around the Tennyson monument. Such a stunning spot with views to die for. I wondered why the cows gravitated to this spot, then I spotted the long grass around the fencing of the monument.
I could happily spend my life walking those downs…..
And Finally…..
Given the traffic was so dismal on the way up, it took eight and a half hours, we took a detour on the way back and stopped off at the forest of Dean in the Wye Valley.
How wonderful to find ourselves back here once again.
I hold it true, whate’er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; ‘Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all.
Tennyson.
That forest is nothing short of magical! I remember how we almost spent the night there last time we visited! Utterly lost we were! How I wish a donkey had followed me home! xxx
Oh, that shot with the woods and sunshine is just magical! Love it that you could wander to your heart’s content. And am amazed at all the places you could take Sam! With all your admiration of them, I’m only a little surprised one didn’t follow you home.
I missed this lovely post as I was away myself. What a wonderful trip and stunning photographs. I love the cottage you stayed in. I adore donkeys, when my children were young we had a lovely donkey called Hamish who was such a character, he had a wicked sense of humour. You must have been in heaven with all these free range animals. Not sure about free range bulls though, I’d have been terrified.
It is a glorious place for sure, as was that cottage. I have to admit to being a little unnerved by the bull! Hamish sounds fabulous, we had a donkey when I was a child, my mum used to bring it into the kitchen when it was cold out, it loved sitting in front of the range….donkeys certainly do have personality! Thanks Chloris.xxx
The New Forest is one of my favourite spots in the UK. My great grandmother on my father’s side is from Dorset very close to the Forest and so as a child I enjoyed the wildness of it all…which you have captured so beautifully in these pics. Funny thing is I don’t recall donkeys – just ponies, but like you I do love the little creatures…they are such characters.
The Isle of Wight is another lovely spot although I do know the locals are very concerned because of the ferry prices. Didn’t seem like much to me on a one off trip but if you needed to go back and forth to the main land for any reason I could see it would be difficult…although having said that, why would you want to go to the mainland if you live on the IOW?:)
Sounds like it was an idyllic holiday all round. Janet xxx
How lucky you are to have spent your childhood visiting such a beautiful place. I wonder if the donkeys are a more recent addition, there are hundreds of them roaming around. I didn’t find the ferry too pricey, I suppose it would add up if you had to work on the mainland. It certainly was a great holiday, I fully intend to go back. Thanks Janet.xxx
Some super pictures. Love the deep stillness of the lake and the fiery sunset reflected back from the tree. Of course, who cannot help but drool over the animal pictures. Those donkeys have seduction down to a fine art.
We have a few red phone boxes still in use in some of the isolated corners of our remoteness, where cell phone signals just do not reach.
Again, another lovely travelogue. xxx
Thanks Menhir, yes, the Forest of Dean is beautiful too, so much to explore and so little time though.Oh….those donkeys, yes they have seduction of to a fine art. Lovely to hear you still have the red phone boxes, I love them. xxx
Looks like a magical place. I remember staying a few summers in a place where there were a fair number of free range goats, and a couple of donkeys as well.
It certainly is a magical place Jason, it is great seeing animals roaming free isn’t it?xxx
Lovely experience and I doubt I would have been able to resist those donkeys. it reminded me of a holiday in a cottage in France where we had goats visit us each evening. The farmer just went and opened the gate to their field and they made their own way up to the farmyard when they were ready. On the way they passed ‘our’ garden gate and stopped off for a chat and a windfall apple.
It took all my will power to resist those donkeys, you could tell they wanted to be fed and stroked. Love the story about the goats, that has me smiling. Thanks Sue.xxx
Dina heaven!! xx
Oh yes!!!xxx
What a lovely holiday .. and perfect for you with all the animals! I love the way they are able to wander freely about and especially the pig having absolute freedom to move about. I would have trouble resisting the donkeys … they are beyond cute! I loved the cottage too… it all reminds me of English story books I read as a child. Lovely post Dina. Xx
Thanks Gerrie. It was a fantastic holiday, over all too soon. Seeing animals roaming free was great, if only they all could….that area is all very English! xxx
Wow, what an amazingly perfect holiday that sounds to be. We would LOVE it! I’m glad to read Sam survived all the adventures, too. 🙂
I would have to sneak a hug with those donkeys. Many years ago, I bought this book for my mother, because it sounded so sweet, and we read it at night in those last months before she died. It enchanted her, and I reread it only last month, and loved it just as much. I bet you’d love it, too! https://www.amazon.com/Travels-Donkey-Trap-Coronet-Books/dp/034020303X
How lovely to be just one animal among others, and on their turf, so to speak, instead of the artificially dominant animal in every given situation! I love this post, and all the photos, Dina. Thank you! I want to live in that thatched cottage. Imagining that will be the perfect way to fall asleep these cool autumn nights. 🙂
You would love it there…..as would your pack!!! Seeing so many animals free is a pleasant change. I looked up that book, oh, how sweet it sounds! Being one animal amongst others was a refreshing change, that’s how it should be. You and me both re living in that cottage, it’s the stuff of fairy tales!!! Glad you enjoyed the post, thanks Kitty. Love and huge hugs to all.xxxx
The New Forest is such a wonderful place.
I’m so pleased you had a great holiday, that cottage looks beautiful … so too all of your other photographs, a joy to see.
I think it was great that you also got over to the Isle of Wight and came back via the Forest of Dean.
Just brilliant.
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan, it was a wonderful holiday, it flew by….staying in that lovely cottage was such a pleasure too. I did enjoy the forest of Dean, a great way to wrap the holiday up. xxx
Such a lovely place… oh yeah, Tolkien and his friend C.S. Lewis would have loved it.
Unfortunately, the movie was shot in New Zealand, but actually, the hobbit holes could have to be no matter where… 🙂
I wish to visit once the Isle of Wight, we were in Salisbury… but I was much more attracted from Stonehenge (no wonder) 🙂
Next time we come to England… on our way, to visit you as well!!!
🙂 hugs and kisses
Oh…one fine day I hope to visit New Zealand.You would love the New Forest, it’s delightful. How I would love to see you…..hopefully sooner rather than later.xxx
Super post. Really brought out the atmosphere and attraction of the New Forest. We love it. Hugs. 💕
Thanks Bushka, it is heavenly! I can’t wait to go back.xxx
The New Forest is magical, isn’t it! Glad you got over to the Island as well, another fabulous spot, especially in the nice weather you obviously had – and then to finish with the Forest of Dean! Perfect. The Forest was a holiday gathering point for my parents and sisters with our children for many years and I loved it. I’ve enjoyed every picture and sentence of this post, Dina – thank you for taking us along with you on your hols! xx
Magical is certainly the word for the New Forest, the glorious weather was the cherry on the cake! Lucky you having visited so often, I shall certainly go back. Thanks Caro, glad you enjoyed reading of your childhood woods.xxx
What a wonderful holiday you had with all the animals in the New Forest. Your dogs would thoroughly enjoy all their new walks too. Our first holiday after getting our rescue dog was to the New Forest, it is such a magical place with such freedom to roam. Thank you for the memories.
Thanks Pauline. It is a marvelous place for dogs, ours where in heaven. The endless woods full of free roaming animals are just magical! xxx
This really sounds like the perfect holiday to me. And the photos tell the story as well. I know that it is always for the sake of the animals that they tell us not to touch, but I can appreciate your desire to pet such a friendly donkey. And it is also nice to see pigs in a pleasant environment. I have seen wild pigs in nature, and they seem much more attractive than they do in pens on a farm. Very good to hear about your trip, and I am sure that you’re just telling the highlights, and that the adventure had many subtle experiences… and thoughts… learning experiences… How wonderful, Dina. xxx
It was a lovely holiday Shimon, I especially enjoyed seeing so many animals roaming free, as for those donkeys….adorable they are. How I agree re the pigs, they do look far more attractive and happier being able to do their own thing. There is plenty to reflect on, not crossing the path of other people was most odd. Thanks Shimon.xxx
Thank you for this.
It took me back to wonderful holidays with my husband and children.
We got lost in the new forest on many occasions, but that was part of the fun.
I agree with you, seeing animals roam free is wonderful. And those lovely donkeys with the sad eyes, don’t they draw you in.
You hubby and dogs must have had the most wonderful time 🙂
Lucky you having so many lovely memories of the place. It is just beautiful isn’t it? Getting lost is part of the fun, we spent most of the week lost. Oh….Those donkeys, I’d go back to see them alone. Thanks Cheryl.xxx
What a wonderful holiday you have had at the New Forest! I think I would love the place too and all those free roaming animals. And also your two lovely dogs! Sam especially, he is so cute though big in size! I enjoyed reading this post very much! Thanks for sharing all those lovely pictures and stories!
I think you’d love it there! Thanks Jade.xxx
A most enjoyable post and lovely pictures. Good to see that you enjoyed yourselves. xx
Thanks Flighty.xxx
I would be in my element there with donkeys, pigs and little piggies too. It sounds like you had a fabulous time, all the open space and so many animals. I bet Sam and Annie loved it too.
Thanks Jo, it really is such a wonderful area. I fully intend to return. Oh, how the dogs loved it.xxx
What a wonderful holiday: a beautiful cottage; stunning scenery and animals galore. Your knee must have recovered well to cope with those long walks (in the mud too!). The photo of the pigs enjoying their freedom (even if it was only for a short while) really warmed my heart. As for the donkeys: they are so adorable, I don’t know how you managed to resist stroking them – you’re a better man than I am Gunga Din! xx
Gunga Din!!!! Smiles…. It was soooo difficult not to stroke those delightful donkeys. Thanks Veggiemummy.xxx