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New Forest National Park

Walks in New Forest National Park

Hikes/United Kingdom/England/New Forest National Park

Expect to meander some paths lined by secluded woodland, but New Forest NP is mainly known for its misty landscape where heathland scenery will have you feeling you've fallen into the pages of a storybook set in simpler times sometimes in the past. This park was first used in 1079, after all! The wide-open landscape is fantastic for wildlife seekers—marvel at deer roaming the land, rare birds soaring above, while the wild ponies add a fairytale layer to the New Forest's folklore scenery. Oh, and you'll be pleasantly surprised to know that this national park boasts 64.4 km of remote coastline that not many people know about, so whenever you get bored of the heathland, head to the coast for some walking adventures.

One of the best ways to immerse and experience this park's wonders is to explore it on foot! Read on to find some of the best walks in New Forest National Park.

10 Stunning Walks in New Forest National Park

One of the best things about walks in New Forest National Park is the variety of adventures offered, ranging from paths tailored for families, those seeking longer distances or wildlife, dog owners, anyone wanting history and heritage style explorations, designated footpaths for wheelchairs, and whoever wants to bask in the swirling salt-scented sea air. New Forest National Park may not seem like it boasts a lot of variety. Still, the quirky villages and towns sprinkled across the park, woodland sections, the heathland, the coastline, the wildlife collide to create unexpected beauty.

  1. Hatchet Pond Circular Walk

    2. The ever-so relaxing Hatchet Pond Circular Walk is a popular one for families and anyone seeking an easy-going walk along the largest body of freshwater in New Forest NP. Walk through grassland and keep an eye out for wild ponies and white swans. The paths can be boggy, so keep this in mind!

  2. Bolderwood Circular Walk

    3. While we’ve mentioned that New Forest NP is more heathland than forest, the Bolderwood Circular Walk immerses you in a charming forest setting. Meander through oak, sweet chestnut, and beech trees and cross rivers on this short 2.7km family-friendly walk. This walk is a fun, accessible walk that’s great for everyone!

  3. Calshot Beach Walk

    4. Swap typical New Forest NP scenery for coastal views on the 9km Calshot Beach Walk. Not only will you enjoy a relaxing walk along the beach, but you’ll get a chance to discover the history etched into the Calshot Castle. Keep an eye out for wildlife during the marsh portion of this walk! And come prepared for a dip in the sea if the weather is warm enough.

  4. Wilverley Inclosure

    5. Starting from Brockenhurst on the south of the park, the Wilverley Inclosure walk winds through dense woodland while taking you over some undulations that may get your heart rate up! When you’re walking through the Wilverley Plain, look out for wild ponies, deer, and cattle. This walk is a fun one for walkers and cyclists alike.

  5. Brockenhurst Village Walk

    6. Circumnavigate the quaint village of Brockenhurst while also revelling in quintessential New Forest NP scenery on the 8.4km Brockenhurst Village Walk. When you’re in the grassy plains, look out for ponies, donkeys, and pigs grazing the land.

  6. Emery Down Circular Walk

    7. The 9.5km Emery Down Circular Walk packs a punch when it comes to varied scenery: wood, meadows, streams, and of course, the village of Emery Down. Plus, the elevation gain isn’t too intense, but it’s enough to make this walk feel rewarding. En route, you’ll pass by the New Forest Reptile Centre, making this a fun stop for anyone into reptiles.

  7. The Solent Way Walk

    8. Looking for a longer walking adventure? The 15.7km Solent Way Walk is a great choice for those who want to spend more hours in nature but don’t want a super intense elevation gain. This walk covers just one section of the long-distance Solent Way: Lymington to Beaulieu. This is a one-way walk, requiring you to organize transportation from the endpoint back to where you started, but it’s well worth the journey.

  8. Lyndhurst Circular Walk

    9. The Lyndhurst Circular Walk begins and ends from Bolton’s Bench, a hillock where legend states that a knight and a dragon died during battle. Revel in lovely New Forest NP scenery on the rest of the walk: explore grassy plains, a stretch in the woods, and cross rivers!

  9. Denny Wood Circular Walk

    10. Immerse in one of the prettiest sections of woodland in all of New Forest NP as you wind along well-built paths. Keep an eye out for wild deer, woodpeckers, and butterflies. Another great thing about this walk is the wildflowers sprinkled throughout!

  10. Acres Down Walk

    11. Stroll through one of the biggest unenclosed pastures left in this area of England on the family-friendly Acres Down Woodland Walk. This accessible path is great for anyone looking to bask in nature with the potential of encountering some wildlife roaming the area.

Scroll down to find even more walks in New Forest National Park.

When Is The Best Time To Walk in New Forest National Park?

The best time to walk in New Forest National Park depends on which walk you want to do! Some walks may be boggier during wetter months, while others make for fantastic year-round walking options. For warm and dry weather, head here between June and August!

Best Regions for Walking in New Forest National Park?

Kick-off your time in New Forest National Park by staying in Brockenhurst, where you’ll find several walks leading out from the village. To top it off, this is the best town to go to if you’re travelling via train or bus!

Other Outdoor Activities in New Forest National Park

Other popular outdoor activities in New Forest National Park are cycling and horseback riding! You’ll find a mixture of long-distance and family-friendly cycling routes crisscrossing throughout the park. Whereas horse riders will enjoy travelling across heathland or coastal tracks as they revel in picturesque views. An excellent adventure spot to consider checking out for water-related sports is the Calshot Activities Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I park in New Forest National Park?

Please park in designated car parks only! To prevent damage, it’s advised to avoid parking on verges and in gateways.

Can I camp in New Forest National Park?

A great campsite to consider is Long Meadow Campsite, conveniently located in the park's heart. It is illegal to wild camp in the New Forest!

Where can I see the wild ponies in New Forest National Park?

Head to Beachern Wood, located near Brockenhurst, for a chance to spot wild ponies roaming the New Forest.

Find more walking regions

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Displaying 20 of 63 routes

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New Forest National Park

Calshot Beach Walk

When you want a change from the woods of New Forest, head down to Calshot Beach for a lovely coastal walk. Head east along the beach, and explore the fascinating history of the Calshot Castle, which guards the entrance to Southampton. Walk north among the rich marshes home to plenty of wildlife, then return along the coast. Don’t be afraid to stop for a swim if the weather is pleasant! There’s plenty of opportunities to customize your day on Calshot Beach and enjoy some time by the sea.
Very Easy
9.0 km
56 m
2-2.5h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Hatchet Pond Circular Walk

A beautiful place to get some fresh air, Hatchet Pond attracts walkers, joggers, bikers, families, and day-trippers who want to enjoy the lovely scenery along the New Forest’s largest body of freshwater. The easy and mostly flat circular route takes you on footpaths through grassland and back along the north shore of Hatchet Pond, with opportunities for you to spot wild ponies and gorgeous white swans. Note the paths can be boggy, so be sure to wear good shoes!
Very Easy
2.9 km
36 m
0.5-1h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Bolderwood Circular Walk

There are few New Forest routes as charming as the Bolderwood Circular Walk. With a variety of well-signed paths that lead through an impressive stretch of forest, it’s the perfect outing for outdoor lovers of all ages. Enjoy a stroll through the beech, oak, and sweet chestnut trees, crossing over rivers and exploring the woods. Don’t miss the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, where whole herds of fallow deer mingle and wait for feedings from the local keeper! This is a very accessible walk that everyone can enjoy
Very Easy
2.7 km
61 m
0.5-1h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Lyndhurst Circular Walk

The Lyndhurst Circular Walk begins and ends at one of Lyndhurst’s most notable landmarks, Bolton’s Bench, a lovely knoll where legend has it a brave knight and a fearsome dragon perished during battle. From here the trail takes you through the grassy plains where ponies graze, along lovely footpaths in the woods, across rivers and past a golf course. Along the way you’ll get to enjoy some interesting sights and the great scenery the New Forest is renowned for.
Moderate
11.9 km
149 m
2.5-3.5h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Brockenhurst Village Walk

Located in the heart of the New Forest, Brockenhurst is blessed with lots of natural beauty and scenic spots, including wide open grassy plains where ponies, pigs and donkeys nibble and graze. Follow the circular Brockenhurst Village Walk route to explore this charming town and head off on paths along the rivers, bridges, water splashes and woodlands that surround it. The Brockenhurst Village Walk is the perfect day trip that combines a foray into the quaint village of Brockenhurst and the famed landscapes of the New Forest.
Easy
8.4 km
108 m
2-2.5h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Blackwater Arboretum Circular Walk

The Blackwater Arboretum Circular Walk is a short and easy forest stroll suitable for New Forest visitors of all ages and abilities, including kids and pets. With just over 0.6mi to walk, it’s a nice little outing through a curated collection of trees from all over the world, including some of the oldest fir trees in the UK and a pair of impressive giant redwoods. You’ll also spot some notable wood carvings of giant acorns and pine cones that dot the trail. The Blackwater Arboretum Circular Walk is popular with horseback riders, though you also have a good chance to spot wild New Forest ponies.
Very Easy
1.1 km
17 m
0.5h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Wilverley Inclosure Walk

The Wilverley Inclosure, located in Brockenhurst around the southern side of New Forest National Park, offers an accessible and enjoyable path that walkers and bikers of all ages can enjoy. The route starts and ends at the Wilverley Inclosure Car Park and winds its way through mature trees and dense woods with just a handful of steeper hills and inclines. Visitors are sure to like the impressive views of towering forests and young woodlands that line the path, plus a few scenic rest spots and benches. At the flat open spaces of the Wilverley Plain, it’s common to catch sight of wild ponies, cattle, and deer.
Easy
5.5 km
101 m
1.5-2h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Knightwood Oak Walk

A visit to the Knightwood Oak is a short but sweet walk that makes for a great addition to a day in the woods. This monumental tree is known as the “Queen of the Forest,” and for a good reason: it's quite a sight as the largest in New Forest! A straightforward gravel path leads to, from, and around the tree, making this walk suitable for outdoor lovers of all ages and abilities.
Very Easy
0.6 km
16 m
0.5h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Lymington Circular Walk

The Lymington Circular Walk is a lovely circular route from the historic port town of Lymington along the coastline of the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve, a hub for migratory birds and other wildlife. With a well-maintained path and a variety of landscapes, including marinas, rivers and marshes, it’s a great walk that’s best combined with a visit to one of Lymington’s charming pubs afterwards. The Lymington Circular Walk is mostly flat, making it suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities, including four-legged friends.
Easy
7.0 km
84 m
1.5-2h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Acres Down Walk

Walk through Acres Down in New Forest and explore the beautiful surroundings. Meet some of the wildlife that roam this area or some horses that have come to walk the path. Wander through one of the largest unenclosed pasture lands left in this part of England.
Very Easy
4.3 km
89 m
1-1.5h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Bramshaw Wood from Nomansland

Bramshaw Wood is a gorgeous stretch of forest to explore and is easily accessible from nearby Nomansland. This circular walk follows a few of the many paths that weave through the Wood, providing face-to-face encounters with towering beech and oak giants. The Bramble Hill Hotel makes for a unique point of interest; the old forest lodge converted into accommodations for visitors. A lovely choice for a day amongst the trees!
Very Easy
7.2 km
160 m
1.5-2.5h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Emery Down Circular Walk

If you’re in the Lyndhurst area, the Emery Down Circular Walk is a must! This route covers verdant woods, sprawling meadows, and multiple forest streams, with plenty of wildlife to spot. The paths leading from the village of Emery Down and back again can be winding and muddy, but that shouldn’t deter you from exploring this beautiful slice of the New Forest National Park. With just enough elevation change to keep you engaged, this is a great outing for adventurers of all ages.
Easy
9.5 km
193 m
2-3h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Denny Wood Circular Walk

A stroll through Denny Wood is a lovely walk through some of the most gorgeous woodland in all of New Forest. The circular walk follows clearly built paths for most of the route, through beech and oak trees that herds of wild deer call home. Woodpeckers, owls, and butterflies can be seen flitting between the branches, with colourful patches of flowers interspersed throughout. A great choice for an afternoon outdoors!
Very Easy
4.7 km
40 m
1-1.5h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

The Solent Way Walk

The Solent Way is a 60.0mi footpath along the Hampshire coast, passing through the New Forest and providing walkers with glorious views of the Solent and its surroundings. This walk covers the section from Lymington to Beaulieu, starting east along the coast before turning north as you stroll through verdant woods and historic villages. With plenty of interesting places to stop and explore, there’s something on this Solent Way walk for everyone!
Easy
15.7 km
90 m
3-4h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Rhinefield and Vinney Ridge

A walk through Rhinefield and Vinney Ridge provides a slice of the New Forest’s best flora. This circular route starts from a convenient car park and winds through the Vinney Ridge Inclosure, with a stop at the Blackwater Arboretum as the crown jewel of the route. Douglas firs, redwoods, and even towering sequoias delight visitors to this area on each and every visit!
Very Easy
5.1 km
43 m
1-1.5h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Burley and Shappen Hill Walk

The charming old village of Burley is a great place to start and end a walk in the New Forest. Set out on the Burley and Shappen Hill Walk to explore the routes and footpaths that meander through fields and open healthland full of birds, deer, cattle and ponies. You’ll also come across the relics of an old abandoned railway crossing on the way to Shappen Hill as you head back towards town. After the circular walk, be sure to enjoy tea at one of Burley’s many quaint tea shops or pop into the pub.
Easy
3.7 km
64 m
1h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Burley Village Walk

Imagine a time of folklore, witches and dragons as you walk through the quaint old village of Burley, a small but scenic spot in the New Forest. The Burley Village Walk starts at the Burley War Memorial and takes you on a circular trail around the outskirts of the village, onto footpaths through the forests and up Castle Hill Road past ancient fort ruins. Along your walk you’ll cross rivers and bridges, enjoy the scenery of the New Forest, and get great views of the Avon Valley below.
Moderate
7.4 km
129 m
1.5-2.5h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Landford and Hamptworth Walk

This pleasant walk from Landford through Hamptworth and back is a lovely option for a short stroll. The first section follows a wooded track and grassy paths up through fields and forests towards the Hamptworth Golf & Country Club. Stroll through the southern edge of the Langley Wood National Nature Reserve, then follow a well-signed path south along fields and over rivers back to the track you came in on. A nice mix of scenery to enjoy on this circular walk.
Easy
6.9 km
141 m
1.5-2.5h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Deerleap Enclosure Circular Walk

The Deerleap Enclosure is a wonderful walk for all ages - pets included! With clearly defined paths and easy access from Ashurst, getting around is a cinch. The gravel tracks are great for bikes, and it’s a favourite for dog walkers. Plus you might just spot a few wild ponies or deer trotting through the woods!
Easy
5.9 km
90 m
1.5-2h
No Ratings
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New Forest National Park

Fritham Circular Walk

The Fritham Circular Walk is a pleasant choice for a straightforward loop through the New Forest. From the car park just outside the village, a stroll unfolds along wide tracks with plenty to see on all sides. From open areas into the woods, over rivers and back along a track on the opposite side of the forest, it’s lovely scenery from start to finish. The Royal Oak is the perfect way to cap the walk, renowned as one of the best country pubs in all England!
Easy
9.3 km
169 m
2-3h

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