The New Forest
The New Forest
A long weekend with our friends, driving our Porsches in the beautiful countryside of the South Downs and the New Forest. One of our favourite places to be.
Heading South
A scenic route, on the roads less travelled took us deep into the Surrey Hills, before emerging into the South Downs with sweeping hills and views for as far as you can see.
A pit stop for coffee at an old favourite; The Earl of March in Lavant, was the perfect chance to cool down, with views over the rolling downs.
Into the Forest
Onwards, heading westwards towards Winchester, then fortified by an excellent lunch at an old favourite; The Running Horse, Littleton, and a turn South as a band of rain passed by.
The briefing for driving in the New Forest is simple; you can drive as fast as you can see. If you have a blind bend or rise, expect a herd of cattle, horses, ponies or donkeys to be on the other side. The cattle grids are there for a reason. It wasn't long before we saw our first wildlife.
As the rain cleared and the late afternoon sun pushed through, our scenic route wound its way through sweeping and empty roads to our overnight stop at The Burley Manor hotel, tucked deep in the forest and surrounded by a deer park.
Saturday Drive to Nowhere
"Todays route makes no sense, just follow the Porsche infront of you" went the briefing. With a route map that looked like a daisy the convoy headed out along the drive.
The first segment took us on sweeping curves and undulations of the moor-like landscape. The gorse bushes on the roadside brightened a dull day with their yellow blooms. The young leaves on the woodland stretches were an impossible green.
A quick loop around, and we headed for the 'Roller Coaster'. A perfect set of twisty and hilly lanes, just wide enough for two cars to pass, and with perfect tarmac. With the ability to see glimpses ahead of this little used road, we flowed and felt the G-forces in the dips before rising onto the high moor.
A quick photo and we are off again, more sweeping roads and forest trails before a stop at the Cliffhanger Cafe for lunch. A new favourite. Perched high on the clifftop with views as far as the Isle of Wight and the iconic Needles. A walk on the sandy beach was a perfect way to walk off a late lunch.
To the Sea
The traditional drive to the sea on a Sunday morning.
A final hurrah on the picturesque and perfect-for-a-Porsche New Forest roads before entering the Dorset countryside. Passing pretty villages and farms we head south.
WIth Corfe Castle high on the hilltop we took the left towards Studland. A twisty undulating B-road which demands your attention. With blind bends and rises, narrowing in places you emerge upwards to the unexpected view of Poole harbour, glinting in the distance.
Soon we were at sea level, with sand dunes either side of us. Lunch at the Shell Bay seafood restaurant at the end of the spit was a delight in so many ways. The most amazing seafood, with panoramic views of the harbour and a warm welcome. We will be back!
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