Be at one with nature; SAM WOOD takes a trip to the New Forest.

THE first thing to say about the New Forest is that it isn't new and it isn't a forest.

Well, it's not just a forest anyway. Less than half of the total area of the National Park is woodland - the rest is made up of grassland and farmland.

As for the 'new' bit, it was created in 1076 by William The Conqueror, who reserved it as his own personal hunting forest. That would make it getting on for 1,000-years-old.

The legacy of the system William created can be seen in the commoners, who still own animals which graze freely in the forest and on the grassland.

Getting to the New Forest, in Hampshire, involved a six-hour train journey from Newcastle to the picturesque Ashurst station, just on the edge of the park.

It makes for a real change from city life to be out walking down one of the many park trails and turning a corner to be met by free-roaming ponies nibbling the grass on the side of the road.

There are also pigs, cattle and deer grazing as they please at certain times of the year.

As my girlfriend and I settled into the Woodlands Lodge Hotel, there was a real feeling of being in the wilderness.

A little walk and then it was time for some grub at the nearby Gamekeeper pub, which served real ale and a good selection of hot food.

The stroll back to the hotel in the dark was slightly hairy as many of the small roads lack pavements, so you end up walking close to the vehicles.

The park is full of little villages connected by narrow roads, which can get a bit clogged with traffic.

The best way to get around is definitely by bike, which can be hired in many places. There is a public transport system, but the buses are few and far between.

One of the must dos in the New Forest is pony trekking. As a complete novice, I was more than a little daunted when we arrived at the Burley Villa School of Riding in New Milton.

But I needn't have worried.

The beasts were well trained and a half-hour training session teaches the basics of getting the animal to move in the right direction.

The two-hour trek into the forest really gives a sense of the size of the place.

The New Forest National Park touches the coast in many places, for example at Lymington. From the town it is possible to get a ferry to the Isle of Wight and the quaint little shops and nice restaurants in the centre make it a good place for a spot of lunch and retail therapy.

For the more adventurous there is the chance to do some kayaking or canoeing.

We chose tutorials run by Liquid Logistics and for me it was the highlight of the stay.

The enthusiastic leader taught the basics of paddling the canoe and then took us on a twohour trip down the river.

There was a wide variety of wildlife to look at, from Kingfishers to giant buzzards nesting in the trees.

It was very family-friendly with bigger boats with extra seats for those with children. It is just so relaxing to be travelling down the river with just the sound of your paddle.

Near to the site of Liquid Logistics is Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and the National Motor Museum.

The museum is a petrolhead's heaven with cars of all ages on display - from the first powered vehicles, which look like bikes with engines, to modern super cars. Everything from Formula One racing cars, old buses and even several famous cars from film and TV are under one roof.

Away from four wheels, there are pleasant gardens to walk round and the ruins of the old Beaulieu Abbey.

The weather was fantastic and the park really has something to offer everyone, whether its families wanting a quiet weekend away, a romantic break or even stag and hen dos.

Just make sure you can ride a bike!

Factfile Travel from Newcastle to London by rail with National Express East Coast: advance returns, booked online, start from pounds 30 Standard Class or pounds 105 First Class: book via www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com, call 08457 225 225.

From London to Ashurst New Forest on South West Trains from pounds 30 return.

Burley Villa School of riding, two hour trail pounds 48 per person, to book call 01425 610278. Canoeing at Baileys Hard, pounds 25 per person, booking is essential, call 01590 612377. Entry to Beaulieu Motor Museum, Abbey and gardens, adult pounds 16.75, youth pounds 9.75, children under five free. Woodlands Lodge Hotel pounds 145 double room B&B one night.

CAPTION(S):

PETROLHEAD'S DREAM the National Motor Museum TRANQUIL SETTING - the New Forest National Park is made up of villages, farmland and grassland. Bikes are the best way to get around