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Alderhill Bottom

Valley in Hampshire New Forest

England

Alderhill Bottom

Bowl barrow at Ashley Cross (Scales 1m) <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1012537?section=official-listing" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1012537?section=official-listing">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Bowl barrow at Ashley Cross Credit: Sandy Gerrard

Alderhill Bottom is a picturesque valley located in Hampshire, England. Situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park, it is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The valley is characterized by rolling green hills, meandering streams, and lush woodlands, offering visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The landscape of Alderhill Bottom is dotted with an abundance of wildflowers, including vibrant bluebells and delicate primroses, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors during the spring and summer months. The valley is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, such as deer, foxes, and various species of birds, providing ample opportunities for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers to observe and appreciate the local fauna.

Alderhill Bottom offers several walking trails and footpaths, allowing visitors to explore the valley's natural wonders at their own pace. The trails wind through ancient woodlands, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and opportunities to spot rare plant species. Additionally, the valley is intersected by crystal-clear streams, providing refreshing spots for picnics or a peaceful moment of contemplation.

The idyllic setting of Alderhill Bottom has made it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Whether it is a leisurely stroll through the valley, a picnic by the stream, or a moment of peaceful reflection, the valley offers a serene escape for those seeking to connect with nature.

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Alderhill Bottom Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.923354/-1.7148184 or Grid Reference SU2013. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bowl barrow at Ashley Cross (Scales 1m) <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1012537?section=official-listing" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1012537?section=official-listing">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Bowl barrow at Ashley Cross
(Scales 1m) LinkExternal link
Track passing west of Island Thorns Inclosure
Track passing west of Island Thorns Inclosure
Cows and ponies on target The animals and photographer are standing on one of the major target areas of Ashley Walk Bombing Range. Fortunately it closed in 1946. For full details see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4477882">SU2014 : (7d) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - Observation Shelter (detail)</a>.
Cows and ponies on target
The animals and photographer are standing on one of the major target areas of Ashley Walk Bombing Range. Fortunately it closed in 1946. For full details see SU2014 : (7d) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - Observation Shelter (detail).
Track climbing from the ford in Ashley Bottom
Track climbing from the ford in Ashley Bottom
Observation shelter on the former Ashley Walk Bombing Range On the inside of the near end wall is the information board shown in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4477882">SU2014 : (7d) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - Observation Shelter (detail)</a>.
Observation shelter on the former Ashley Walk Bombing Range
On the inside of the near end wall is the information board shown in SU2014 : (7d) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - Observation Shelter (detail).
Grand Slam View looking WNW across Grand Slam bomb crater from top of tumulus.
Grand Slam
View looking WNW across Grand Slam bomb crater from top of tumulus.
Small stream in Pitts Wood Inclosure, New Forest The stream has divided here to form a small island.
Small stream in Pitts Wood Inclosure, New Forest
The stream has divided here to form a small island.
Track on Little Cockley Plain Within the area of the former Ashley Walk Bombing Range. For details see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4477882">SU2014 : (7d) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - Observation Shelter (detail)</a>.
Track on Little Cockley Plain
Within the area of the former Ashley Walk Bombing Range. For details see SU2014 : (7d) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - Observation Shelter (detail).
Bracken and woodland at Lodge Hill
Bracken and woodland at Lodge Hill
Flintstone Broken flint, with what is supected to be quartz crystals within. Found on Ashley Walk WW2 Bombing range, adjacent to a number of bomb craters.
Flintstone
Broken flint, with what is supected to be quartz crystals within. Found on Ashley Walk WW2 Bombing range, adjacent to a number of bomb craters.
Traffic Free Cycle, Alderhill Bottom
Traffic Free Cycle, Alderhill Bottom
Traffic Free Cycle Route into Amberwood Inclosure
Traffic Free Cycle Route into Amberwood Inclosure
Traffic Free Cycle Route through Amberwood Inclosure
Traffic Free Cycle Route through Amberwood Inclosure
Woodland south of Sloden Inclosure Looking across a mire from Splash Bridge to woodland outside Sloden Inclosure. Within this woodland is the site of a royal hunting lodge. It appears to be named The Churchyard, but whether this refers to the woodland or the site I know not.
Woodland south of Sloden Inclosure
Looking across a mire from Splash Bridge to woodland outside Sloden Inclosure. Within this woodland is the site of a royal hunting lodge. It appears to be named The Churchyard, but whether this refers to the woodland or the site I know not.
A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range (addendum) - site of Grand Slam bomb crater The only live test of a Grand Slam bomb took place on 13 March 1945 at the Ashley Walk Bombing Range. The Barnes-Wallis designed 22,000 pound "Earthquake Bomb" was released from a specially modified Lancaster from 16,000 ft over the village of Godshill. It penetrated the ground and on cue, exploded as intended 9 seconds later creating an enormous crater 130 ft across, and 70 ft deep. This was preparatory to the successful raid on the Bielefeld Viaduct by Lancasters of 617 ("Dambusters") Squadron the following day using Tallboys, and one Grand Slam bomb carried by a specially modified Lancaster. The Grand Slam proved instrumental in the final destruction of the viaduct that hitherto had withstood a number of previously unsuccessful attacks. Unfortunately for historians there is no trace of the crater of the range's test bomb visible today, as it was infilled as part of the New Forest post-war restorative programme of works. However, Norman Parker in his definitive work on the Ashley Walk Bombing Range identifies the area of the crater just north of the "Submarine Pen" target as '..a marshy depression 100 yards south-west of the Ashley Cross gate into Pitts Wood. Its site is marked by a large growth of reeds.' His description of the former crater fits this view of the area precisely. For a photo and information on subsequent operations involving both Tallboy and Grand Slam bombs see: <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4275685" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4275685">Link</a> Google Earth view: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@50.9268175,-1.71671,205m/data=!3m1!1e3" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@50.9268175,-1.71671,205m/data=!3m1!1e3">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> BACK: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4478140">SU2016 : (17b) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - site of North Tower</a>
A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range (addendum) - site of Grand Slam bomb crater
The only live test of a Grand Slam bomb took place on 13 March 1945 at the Ashley Walk Bombing Range. The Barnes-Wallis designed 22,000 pound "Earthquake Bomb" was released from a specially modified Lancaster from 16,000 ft over the village of Godshill. It penetrated the ground and on cue, exploded as intended 9 seconds later creating an enormous crater 130 ft across, and 70 ft deep. This was preparatory to the successful raid on the Bielefeld Viaduct by Lancasters of 617 ("Dambusters") Squadron the following day using Tallboys, and one Grand Slam bomb carried by a specially modified Lancaster. The Grand Slam proved instrumental in the final destruction of the viaduct that hitherto had withstood a number of previously unsuccessful attacks. Unfortunately for historians there is no trace of the crater of the range's test bomb visible today, as it was infilled as part of the New Forest post-war restorative programme of works. However, Norman Parker in his definitive work on the Ashley Walk Bombing Range identifies the area of the crater just north of the "Submarine Pen" target as '..a marshy depression 100 yards south-west of the Ashley Cross gate into Pitts Wood. Its site is marked by a large growth of reeds.' His description of the former crater fits this view of the area precisely. For a photo and information on subsequent operations involving both Tallboy and Grand Slam bombs see: Link Google Earth view: LinkExternal link BACK: SU2016 : (17b) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - site of North Tower
A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range (addendum) - impact distance indicator A series of concentric circles 500 feet apart surround No. 2 Wall Target. These acted as a rough guide to impact distances from the target centre, and were created by bulldozing the topsoil away to reveal the underlying bleached gravel beneath. Although best viewed from the air where they are still clearly visible (particularly to the west), they can also be seen on the ground in part despite now being grassed over, as in this view of an arc of the circle closest to the target. Google Earth view: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@50.9401084,-1.7126422,415m/data=!3m1!1e3" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@50.9401084,-1.7126422,415m/data=!3m1!1e3">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> Note. Unfortunately as the years go by, the circles are getting fainter, judging by the latest 2018 imagery. BACK: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4478140">SU2016 : (17b) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - site of North Tower</a>
A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range (addendum) - impact distance indicator
A series of concentric circles 500 feet apart surround No. 2 Wall Target. These acted as a rough guide to impact distances from the target centre, and were created by bulldozing the topsoil away to reveal the underlying bleached gravel beneath. Although best viewed from the air where they are still clearly visible (particularly to the west), they can also be seen on the ground in part despite now being grassed over, as in this view of an arc of the circle closest to the target. Google Earth view: LinkExternal link Note. Unfortunately as the years go by, the circles are getting fainter, judging by the latest 2018 imagery. BACK: SU2016 : (17b) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - site of North Tower
"C" symbol on fragmentation target area on Ashley Walk bombing range The symbol is quite hard to locate and only becomes visible within the last 15 metres or so.
"C" symbol on fragmentation target area on Ashley Walk bombing range
The symbol is quite hard to locate and only becomes visible within the last 15 metres or so.
"D" symbol on fragmentation target area on Ashley Walk bombing range The "D" symbol is easier to find than the "C" symbol, just look to the west of the nearby gravel track for a clump of bushes.
"D" symbol on fragmentation target area on Ashley Walk bombing range
The "D" symbol is easier to find than the "C" symbol, just look to the west of the nearby gravel track for a clump of bushes.
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Alderhill Bottom is located at Grid Ref: SU2013 (Lat: 50.923354, Lng: -1.7148184)

Administrative County: Hampshire

District: New Forest

Police Authority: Hampshire

What 3 Words

///tripods.range.unwell. Near Fordingbridge, Hampshire

Nearby Locations

Row Hill Alderhill Inclosure Alder Hill Gaze Hill Sloden Inclosure Alderhill Bottom

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.923354,-1.7148184
Lcn Ref: 8
Lat/Long: 50.9264549/-1.7129812
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Lcn Ref: 7
Lat/Long: 50.9237788/-1.720074
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Alderhill Bottom
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.923879/-1.7135023
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Pitchers Knowle
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.9210114/-1.718223
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Tumulus
Archaeological Site: tumulus
Historic: archaeological_site
Lat/Long: 50.926422/-1.7137626
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Ashleycross Hill
Ele: 110
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 50.926304/-1.7163464
OpenStreetMap
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Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 50.9206854/-1.7155584
OpenStreetMap
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Gaze Hill
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.9232025/-1.7118855
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Alder Hill
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.9204285/-1.7125031
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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