IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Wick Lane, BOURNEMOUTH, BH6 4LD

In the centre of Wick village, this Elizabeth II-reign postbox has not seen a paintbrush as recently as the phone box has.

Following World War Two, when it again became possible to take a holiday on the South Coast, an inexpensive way to do so was to hire a caravan on one of the numerous sites which were springing up in many places. This one was Hengist Site, operated by a character of dubious provenance known as 'Captain' Smith. The vans were far from comfortable, but it was convenient for walks along Hengistbury Head and into Christchurch.

The idyllic names of these two cottages on the green at Wick – a quintessentially English scene, if only 'Tranquility' were not spelt the American way.

Caravan park, partially demolished. Remaining occupants have contested eviction notices. https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/15389538.residents-living-at-hengist-park-are-ordered-to-leave-within-weeks-because-of-future-development/

The road comes to an abrupt end but a public footpath continues up the little bank to Verwood Crescent. See Image for a view from the bottom of the footpath, and links to further pictures on the path.

A rare villagey feel to a Bournemouth suburb, Wick remains unspoilt despite the never-ending sprawl of the town.

The old village of Wick, now a slightly remote suburb of Bournemouth, still retains several attractive rural touches, such as the green here. Other parts of the village have been marred by inappropriate planning permission.

Looking up this short public footpath from the dead end of Ariel Drive - the path follows an extension of the course of Ariel Drive, up the little bank to Verwood Crescent. See Image for the view towards us from midway up the hill, and Image for a wider view from behind us.

This short public footpath leads down from Verwood Crescent to the dead end of Ariel Drive, which we see just ahead. See Image for the view from behind us in Verwood Crescent, and Image for the uphill view from the road ahead.

This public bridleway is marked on Ordnance Survey maps as a byway open to all traffic (or B.O.A.T.) so I presume the designation has changed at some point over the last 20 years. It heads from Thornbury Road to the dead end of Wick Lane, and is realistically the original continuation of Wick Lane when it was a rural track. Here, we see it from the dead end of Wick Lane. The driveway to a static mobile homes park is on the right. See Image for the view towards us from ahead, with links to further photos on the route.