‘The abandoned medieval village of Hartley Mauditt’ is how this place is mysteriously described on the ordinance survey map. As the description suggests, there is not much left of the village other than the 12th century church, a pond and some delightful countryside to explore.

Starting at Burbush car park, you can follow a disused railway track for a flat, linear walk which could end at a tea-room, or a circular walk that ascends to Holmsley Ridge with great views before descending again to Whitten Ponds.

The short walk here always seems to take us hours as the children are so busy feeding the ducks, climbing the tree trunks, splashing in the ford, making dens and enjoying what feels like one natural playground to them.

The New Forest’s largest freshwater pond is a magnet for animals and birds and is one of the most wildlife rich bodies of water in lowland England. This walk crosses the heathland, purple in late summer, to reach it.

Buriton has long been one of our favourite villages to take a Sunday afternoon stroll around. The girls love to feed the ducks and the well equipped park is one of their favourites.

Kingsley boasts a rather large and beautiful village pond that is hidden from the road. Beyond this is a sandy common dotted with gnarly oaks and coated in purple heather.