Hogmoor Inclosure, Bordon
Location: Hogmoor Rd, Bordon GU35 9HN
A Dog Walker's Delight with Rich History
Nestled in the heart of Bordon, Hogmoor Inclosure spans over 54 hectares of woodland and heathland, making it the third largest nature reserve of its kind in the UK. It offers a fantastic mix of smooth, wide paths for easy access, with smaller paths that head off into the trees. Dogs love it as there are lots of ups and downs, and there's also an area of water (shown above) for a cool down.
🏰 Historical Background
When I first moved to Bordon back in 2013, Hogmoor Inclosure was still very much in use for tank training by the British Army, and I can remember taking my previous dog in there for the first time with tanks driving through!
Over the years, it has been transformed into a public green space, preserving its historical significance while promoting community engagement. It is now a haven for wildlife, and if you look up you'll find bat boxes, and there's even a bat hibernation bunker.
🗿 The Statues of Hogmoor Inclosure
As you explore the trails of Hogmoor Inclosure, you'll encounter a series of captivating wooden sculptures known as the Sentinels. These life-sized figures were crafted by sculptor David Lloyd from green timber felled on-site.
Each Sentinel stands as a guardian of the Inclosure, symbolizing the diverse individuals who have lived and worked in the area over the centuries.
The sculptures are thoughtfully placed along the walking routes, inviting visitors to reflect on the rich history of the site—from its Roman roots to its military past. Local schools contributed ideas to the designs, ensuring a community connection to these artworks.
In addition to the Sentinels, you'll find 20 hand-carved waymarkers along the various trails. These markers depict images related to Roman history, the First World War, and local flora and fauna, enhancing the storytelling aspect of your walk.
🐶 Why It's Great for Dogs
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Expansive Trails: Multiple well-maintained trails provide ample space for dogs to explore and exercise. You can stick to the main paths or head off into the wooded areas where there's lots for your dog to explore. Mango loves running up and down these trails!
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Natural Features: The area boasts sandy terrains and shallow ponds, perfect for dogs to play and cool off.
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Amenities: Facilities include the dog friendly Bean & Gone Café for refreshments, clean toilets, and there are poo bins provided along the trails.
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Accessibility: The clear, main paths make it suitable for dogs of all ages and abilities.
Opening Hours, Parking & Facilities
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Pedestrian Access: The Inclosure is open 24/7 so you can walk in at any time.
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Car Park: Parking is free, and the car park is open from 7am to 9pm April 1st to Sept 30th. Then from October 1st to March 31st, it's open from 7am to 7pm.
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Toilets and dog friendly cafe are located to the right of the entrance at the far end of the car park.
Need to Know
There is a Parkrun (free organised 5k race) here every Saturday at 9am so the car park gets very full, and the entrance and Parkrun loop will also be very busy until around 9.45am.
Although the loop is only 2.5k so there are plenty of areas that you can still go to, it's probably best to avoid this time of day.
There is also Junior Parkrun at 9am on Sundays, which is slightly less busy but still worth bearing in mind.
Mango and I love Hogmoor Inclosure, and I hope that you will pay it a visit with your dog and enjoy it as much as we do!