High Ash

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The Cromwell tank marks the entrance to the forest at Swaffham. This tank is a memorial to the 7th Armoured Division Desert Rats who were based here during World War II.The easy access route has interpretation boards explaining the history of the Desert Rats and their time in this area prior to D-Day. From this walk it is possible to locate the positions of some of the buildings from the army camp. The longer walk of 2 miles passes through a variety of forest habitats.

How to get there:

High Ash is in Thetford Forest Park.

Follow the A1065 Brandon to Swaffham road. Approximately two miles outside the village of Mundford, turn left into High Ash.

Mundford is the nearest town or village.

OS Grid Reference: TL 813 967
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

Other places to go in Thetford Forest Park

User Comments

The construction works has now finished and the walk reinstated.

Nicky Hooton - Recreation Ranger, 7/Nov/2011

We travelled to High Ash today having looked online for an interesting walk with our 3 children. It looks great, but its not until you get there that you realise there is a lot of construction work going on - something not mentioned on the website. Once there, it was also unclear whether it was closed to the public or not. We thought it would still be ok to walk as the construction work seemed to be on the main roadway only and there were no signs saying otherwise. However within a few minutes of setting off we realised that the footpath etc has been closed off. We were really dissapointed. I'm sure the walk is very good (it certainly looked interesting) its just a shame this website hadn't told us that the site was closed and when it is likely to re-open?

CMac, 29/Jan/2011

Please tell us about your visit

Please email us at nicky.hooton@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.

Desert Rats memorial at High Ash in Thetford forest

Facilities and Activities

There are two waymarked walks on this site.The Desert Rats Memorial Walk (2 miles), and a shorter easy access trail (0.5miles) with interpretation boards explaining the story of The Desert Rats during their stay in Thetford Forest in 1944.
Desert Rat Walk

The Covert Caravan Club Site is located adjacent to High Ash. Set in Forestry Commission woodland, this is a quiet, secluded site ideal for caravanners, motor caravanners and trailer tenters. Please telephone 01842 878356 for more information.

Contact:

Nicky Hooton
01842 819081
e-mail: nicky.hooton@forestry.gsi.gov.uk