Ackender Wood
Alton
Children will enjoy an open access woodland to play in.
Ackender Wood is carpeted in bluebells in spring
The Basics
Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Terrain: Mostly flat on woodland paths that can be uneven and muddy in winter.
Pushchairs: The paths on this circular walk are generally too uneven for pushchairs, but your may be able to find an alternative using the gravel forestry tracks.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome.
Refreshments: There are no refreshments at this woodland.
Toilets: There are no toilets at this woodland.
Public Transport: There is no public transport to our starting point, but you could get bus 38 to Highridge on Pertuis Avenue and walk to the woods using an alternative footpath.
Parking: Limited free parking at the forestry entrance to Bushy Leaze Wood on Medtsead Road in Beech (Postcode: GU34 4AJ - W3W: ///dustbin.anyone.rudder). Make sure to park at the edge to allow access.
Bluebells everywhere in Ackender Wood
Ackender Wood is just on the edge of Alton and it has multiple paths crossing a variety of conifer plantations and ancient woodland. In April and May, it comes alive with carpets and carpets of bluebells. Our walk actually starts from neighbouring Bushy Leaze Wood, which allows for the bluebells to build up to a mid-point crescendo!
The Route
Standing at the metal barrier, you will see a small yellow footpath badge to your left. Take this path, rather than the gravel forestry track. The first few metres are a bit of an uphill scramble, but it will soon level off! At the junction, turn left. A fork will soon branch off to the left, but you should keep right, following the yellow footpath arrow. The path will go through an atmospherically dark and tangled conifer plantation. As you leave this, cross the forestry track and continue on the footpath opposite.
At the end of this path, you will need to walk under a tree that has fallen and created an ‘arch’. Just beyond this is a circular meeting point of a number of paths. The footpath continues along the second path from your left. The path now has grass along the edges and from this point onwards, the number of spring bluebells will start to multiply. When the path splits, take the top right hand path. At a cross path, the footpath will now turn to the right, but you should continue straight on. Ignore the first path that leads off to your right, and then ignore the next, smaller path to your right.
Take the third path that you see on your right. Almost immediately take the little fork to the left, and then veer up and around to your right to arrive at the best display of bluebells yet. Ahead of you will be a ruined water tower and you should walk up towards this.
Turn right at the water tower and walk with the bluebells to your right and fencing to your left. Alexandra Wood to your left will soon give way to fields and you should continue in the same direction for just under a kilometre. Ignore a footpath to your right marked by a yellow arrow tacked to the corner or the fence and instead continue forward on the same path. After a small pit to your right, the path will start to widen and veer to the right. Follow the path down to the same circular meeting of paths from step two, and re-trace your steps back to the car park.
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