In Search Of...Hobbit-like walking paths

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by Melilot Brandybuck

IMO, Exmoor, a national park in the SW of the UK, (and where I live) is as Shire-like as can be. There are areas on this planet that receive more than their fair share of beauty, and Exmoor is one of them.

while I love the West Country, and find very Middleearth-ish parts of my native New Forest (less happy about that being made a National Park though since we have been managing our own affairs nicely for centuries now). I have to admit that Tolkien's own Warwickshire does (unsuprisingly) out do anywhere else for Shireness. I conceded defeat on a summer visit a few years ago. Nevertheless I know a bluebell wood or two locally that would fit nicely and beechwoods that would make even an elvish heart sing....

[Lalwendë]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

while I love the West Country, and find very Middleearth-ish parts of my native New Forest (less happy about that being made a National Park though since we have been managing our own affairs nicely for centuries now). I have to admit that Tolkien's own Warwickshire does (unsuprisingly) out do anywhere else for Shireness. I conceded defeat on a summer visit a few years ago. Nevertheless I know a bluebell wood or two locally that would fit nicely and beechwoods that would make even an elvish heart sing....

What about that terrible 'Christmas Land' theme park complete with mud and fist fights that opened in Ringwood last year? Surely that would be more like something out of Mordor? Very atypical for the New Forest - I remember going there and finding it a lovely place, apart from the pubs which were...odd...

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

There is a park by my house (in Anchorage, AK), that reminds me much of the Shire, although I do not live in the UK (wish I did), it is still a nice place to walk, my little brother and I went on a walk there barefoot.

[Eönwë]

I agree with Mithalwen. The New Forest is very Middle-Earthish. Or at least seemed to be so at the times when I have been there.