By Katie Isham.
On any normal summer’s day, we’d be seeking the sunshine. Those days when dawn breaks, the sun appears and you think, this will be a good day for a walk. You strut along apricating in every sliver of sunlight to warm the soul.
But this summer, we are inversely, actively seeking the shade. The burning sun is the enemy. Therefore, I have uncovered (ironically) the shadiest walk in the area, although there was a brief moment when a voyage through the chiller aisles of Lidl might have been the next Suburban Safari chapter.
Holly Hill is a woodland park on the eastern outskirts of Southampton. Strictly speaking, it’s in Fareham but who wants to linger on technicalities.
The holly leaf gated entrance (excellent theming) welcomes all to the woodland wonderland. Every step you take into this parkland is buffered by a variety of trees, bushes, vines, lakes, shrubs, rocks and glorious, glorious shade.
There are several routes through the park. From the main entrance, take a sharp left to meander into the sunken garden. Some steps lead to a narrow terrace and then further to a bowl of palm trees and benches. The tropical trees must be the only souls revelling in the current climate.
Further down the path, join the main carriageway. Imagine the carriages that once trundled this path through the estate and to the mansion house. A bridleway still runs through the park so keep an eye out for horses or indeed, evidence of them, underfoot. The site has had a rich history of landowners and characters who developed certain areas and introduced specific plants. One of the grandest can be seen along this route rolling to the lakes: the gunnera leaves spread through the undergrowth like prehistoric parasols.
Even with the heatwave, most of the flora is still vibrant and leafy. If you’re missing the verdant hues of an English summer, head to Holly Hill for a hit of green. The same resilience cannot be said for the lakes and streams as they are visibly shrunken. The thrill of dancing across stepping stones is somewhat lessened if there is no water peril.
Take a stroll around the lakes; a little sneak out of the shade into the sunlight won’t bother you with the ducks for company. Keep an eye out for herons – if you can’t spot a live one, make sure you admire the impressive wood carving on the bank near Waterfall Bridge.
This is a walk with several bridges around the lakes, albeit not always necessary in the current drought, but who doesn’t get excited but crossing a bridge regardless. And if you enjoy that, you’ll be downright giddy when you trot along the boardwalk that goes under a bridge.
Near that cross-section there are also some fine specimens of giant redwoods. If they’re not in your top five tree species, you’ve fallen out with nature. Hi five the soft bark and thank them for the shade.
A little further along the lake circumference, the grotto awaits. The stones are reminders of strength and ingenuity. All around the lakes there are opportunities to clamber and explore. Who doesn’t love to feel victorious by summiting a peak?
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, extend the walk by trekking an extension down to a viewpoint across the River Hamble, or even to Warsash. The river route is still under the canopy of trees and the path loops back round to the start.
If it’s shade you’re seeking, Holly Hill is the park for you. Until the heatwave breaks, the trees and shadows here will shelter you and any furry fiends that may need wrangling. The sky may be infuriatingly blue as standard at the moment, but it’s at its most beautiful when punctuated by spikes of treetops above. Stroll round the lakes and discover the beauty and the benefits of so many trees.
Cost: Free for the walk. Free parking in the car park.
Accessibility: Mostly woodland tracks throughout the park with some steeper hills. Some off road routes, steps and stepping stones if able. Two car parks, one at Barnes Lane and one at Barnes Close which has easier access for wheelchair users. Reach Holly Hill from the A27 as it passes through Sarisbury Green. The X4 and X5 buses run through Sarisbury Green from Southampton.
Facilities: Toilets in the car park at Barnes Lane but nothing else around the park. Except wonderful, indulgent shade.
- In Common is not for profit. We rely on donations from readers to keep the site running. Could you help to support us for as little as 25p a week? Please help us to carry on offering independent grass roots media. Visit: https://www.patreon.com/incommonsoton