A Hampshire man has described his terrifying experience after getting lost during what should have been a peaceful winter walk through the New Forest.
Paul Allen, 54, set out for what he thought would be a short stroll near Brockenhurst last Wednesday afternoon. But as daylight faded and temperatures plummeted below freezing, his casual walk turned into a fight for survival.
A Walk That Turned Into a Nightmare
"I've walked those paths dozens of times," Paul told reporters. "But the fog came down so suddenly, and before I knew it, I couldn't recognize any landmarks."
As darkness fell, Paul realized he was completely disoriented. With his mobile phone battery dying and no proper winter gear, he faced the very real prospect of spending the night in sub-zero temperatures.
The Longest Night
For seven agonizing hours, Paul wandered through the forest:
- Temperatures dropped to -4°C
- Visibility reduced to just a few metres
- No phone signal to call for help
"I genuinely thought I might die out there," Paul admitted. "The cold was unbearable, and I started getting confused. I kept walking just to stay warm."
Miraculous Rescue
Paul's salvation came when he stumbled upon a remote farmhouse around midnight. The residents immediately called emergency services, who treated Paul for mild hypothermia.
Local mountain rescue teams have issued fresh warnings to walkers:
- Always check weather forecasts before heading out
- Carry a fully charged phone and backup power source
- Tell someone your planned route and expected return time
- Pack appropriate clothing and emergency supplies
Paul considers himself extremely lucky: "I won't be taking any chances again. That forest can be beautiful, but it's completely unforgiving if you're unprepared."
