21 Best Walks in New Forest
Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀
Need to know some of the best walks in New Forest? Don’t worry, you’ll be walking in no time with this guide!
If you’re visiting the New Forest, the chances are you’re going to want to do some walking.
Whether the walk has an end goal of a cosy pub or quaint English village, or simply just takes you on a circular loop throughout the woodlands, there is plenty of fun walks in the New Forest.
In this blog post, I have highlighted 21 of the best walks in New Forest. Some of the walks are a tiny bit harder than others, so they have all been colour coded.
Within each description of the walks in New Forest, I have broken down the difficulty, elevation (if any), and distance. This is measured in ‘traffic light’ colours which are as follows:
Green
Minimal fitness levels are required. Flat or very low incline walk, usually a shorter distance, and takes under an hour to complete. Dog-friendly, wheelchair friendly, pushchair friendly… they can pretty much be walked by everyone and anyone.
Amber
Average fitness levels required. Mainly flat walks but with some slight uphill climbs. Can be walked by most people (including those with a fear of heights).
Red
Average fitness levels required. Walks will generally include some craggy edges and rocky terrains. Can be a steeper incline and slightly higher altitudes, but in general, can still be completed by most (including those with a fear of heights).
TOP TIP: All of the main walking routes can be found on the New Forest walking app. It’s free to download and super easy to use! It’s perfect for when you’re lost amongst the trees or want to find a starting point!
Best Walks in New Forest
1) The Tall Trees Trail
Green
Starting point: Blackwater or Brockhill Car Park
Distance: 2.5km/1.5 miles
A short but rewarding walk is the Tall Trees Trail (and it’s also one of my favourite walks in New Forest).
Follow the marker posts and you’ll be guided along an endearing path beneath the mighty Douglas firs and redwoods that were planted during the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
The canopy of treetops and abundance of tall trunks is enough to take your breath away. Within a few minutes of starting your walk, you can be completely surrounded and immersed by the towering trees.
The path is smooth and gravelled, and flat throughout. It can be completed by all, including pushchair and wheelchair users. Benches are located throughout. One of the easier walks in New Forest.
2) Knightwood Oak
Green
Starting point: Knightwood Oak car park
Distance: Less than 0.25 miles
One of the most famous walks in New Forest leads you to the famous 500 year old Oak tree. Believed to have been planted before 1600, the tree was a popular tourist attraction during the Victorian era.
The path is smooth and gravelled, and flat throughout. It can be completed by all, including pushchair and wheelchair users. Benches are located throughout. One of the easier walks in New Forest.
3) Deer Watch Trail
Green
Starting point: Bolderwood car park
Distance: 0.75km/0.5 miles
Another super short and easy walk in New Forest is to the deer viewing platform. Unfortunately we missed out on seeing any large antlered friends, but during the summer months, your chances are much higher.
Walk through the forest to reach the platform overlooking the fenced fields where wild herds are frequently seen.
The path is the forest floor, but the majority is flat throughout. There are small bumps and logs throughout the journey which may prove more difficult for some walkers. One of the easier walks in New Forest.
4) Blackwater Arboretum Trail
Green
Starting point: Blackwater car park
Distance: 0.75km/0.5 miles
A really easy circular route past tree species from all over the world. Known as a trail to ‘excite the senses’.
The path is smooth and gravelled, and flat throughout. It can be completed by all, including pushchair and wheelchair users. Benches are located throughout.
5) Radnor Trail
Amber
Starting point: Bolderwood car park
Distance: 3km/2 miles
A bit of a longer route that takes you into the heart of the forest. Pass by chestnut, oak, and beech dating back to the 1860s, and stop by the Lymington river for a picnic. It’s a great walk in the New Forest to start your day.
The path is moderately smooth, but there are some short steep inclines. One of the more moderate walks in New Forest.
6) Jubilee Grove Trail
Green
Starting point: Bolderwood car park
Distance: 1.5km/1 mile
Start this route the same way you would for the deer fields, but continue on to see some old majestic trees and thick woodlands. Benches are dotted along the route to allow you to sit and take in your surroundings.
The path is moderately smooth, but there are some short steep inclines.
7) A Journey to Lyndhurst
Amber
Starting point: Bolderwood car park
Distance: 1.5km/1 mile
Start this route the same way you would for the deer fields, but continue on to see some old majestic trees and thick woodlands. Benches are dotted along the route to allow you to sit and take in your surroundings.
The path is moderately smooth, but there are some short steep inclines. One of the more moderate walks in New Forest.
8) Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard
Amber
Starting point: Beaulieu car park
Distance: 7.2km/4.5 miles
This route follows the Beaulieu River and ends in the 18th Century village of Buckler’s Hard. You’ll be taken through more shady woods and over boardwalks, with great views of the water. You can even stop off for a pint in Monty’s pub for a true English countryside day out.
The path is moderately smooth, but due to the distance, it has been given an Amber rating.
9) Wilverly Inclosure
Green
Starting point: Wilverly car park
Distance: 4.2km/2.5 miles
A beautifully misty and magical walk through the diverse woodlands will make you feel like you’re living in a fairytale. Keep your eyes peeled for fairy houses and allow your imagination to transport you to another world.
Spot local wildlife as you walk through the ancient woodlands, and drop in the Old Station Tea House in Holmsley for some famous cream tea. Is there anything more English countryside than that?
The path is moderately smooth, but there are some very slight steep inclines.
10) Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes
Amber
Starting point: Keyhaven village
Distance: 6.4 km/ 4 miles
Keyhaven is a delightfully small coastal village in the New Forest. The walk takes you along Solent Way and into Keyhaven’s marshes, with views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles. It’s also a great time to spot a wide variety of birds local to the area.
The path is moderately smooth, but due to the distance, it has been given an Amber rating.
11) Beaulieu Heath and Hatchet Pond
Green
Starting point: Rans Wood car park
Distance: 4.2km/2.5 miles
This walk will bring you close to the Bronze Age history of the New Forest, with close-ups of the ancient burial grounds which date back over 3,500 years. The walk will then loop around Hatchet Pond, with surrounding ponies, horses, and cows.
The path is smooth and gravelled, and flat throughout. It can be completed by all, including pushchair and wheelchair users.
12) Hale and New Forest Villages
Amber
Starting point: SP6 2QZ
Distance: 9.2km/5.75 miles
A peaceful walk through the villages of the New Forest. Start off 10 miles south of Salisbury, and descend into the valleys of the River Avon and past Georgian mansions, Hale House, and thatched cottages. One to spend the day meandering with a rewarding hearty meal at the Horse and Groom in Woodgreen.
The path is smooth and gravelled, and flat throughout. It can be completed by all, including pushchair and wheelchair users. Awarded Amber due to distance.
13) Chawton: The Jane Austen Route
Amber
Starting point: Chawton village car park
Distance: 8km/5 miles
Although it’s a little out of the New Forest, it’s worth mentioning for those who don’t mind the drive.
Chawton is a quaint English village that Jane Austen called home for the last eight years of her life. The easy stretch of level walking fields takes you through the village, into the equally idyllic Upper Farringdon, where Jane used to frequently visit.
The path is smooth and gravelled, and flat throughout. It can be completed by all, including pushchair and wheelchair users. Awarded Amber due to distance.
14) Blashford Lakes and Rockford Common
Amber
Starting point: The Alice Lisle Pub car park
Distance: 8km/5 miles
A walk through the heathlands may have inspired some of Jane Austen’s novels, and this route is one which may just spark your own imagination.
Take this relaxing stroll past the lakes, through woodlands lined with birch, willow, alder, and spot over 26 species of dragonfly. You’ll also be accompanied by the famous New Forest ponies en route.
The path is smooth and gravelled, and flat throughout. It can be completed by all, including pushchair and wheelchair users. Awarded Amber due to distance.
15) Ober Water Trails
Green
Starting point: Whitefield Moor car park
Distance: 1.5km (red trail) 2.5km (yellow trail)
Two circular routes which follow the Ober Water midway between its source and the sea. Close to the water is the open grassy fields of Whitefield Moor, and plenty of areas for you to explore. Bring your wellies; it can get pretty muddy!
The path is smooth and gravelled, and flat throughout.
16) Reptile Trail
Green
Starting point: Reptile Centre car park
Distance: 2km/1.5 miles
Although you may not spot any reptiles (unless you’re super lucky and see an adder), this circular walk is a lovely short stroll after lunch or before dusk.
The path is smooth and gravelled, and flat throughout. It can be completed by all, including pushchair and wheelchair users.
17) Solent Way
Red
Starting point: Milford-on-Sea
Distance: 15km/9 miles
Start your more challenging walk at the Milford-on-Sea front and end at Emsworth Harbour. A large part of the walk is through the New Forest, and will take you through different terrains. Most of the paths are easy to walk but the distance makes it a red route.
18) A journey through Fritham
Red
Starting point: The Royal Oak pub
Distance: 11km/7 miles
A lesser-known path takes you from the Royal Oak park and southwest over Fritham Plain. Walk through the shaded woodlands area spotting wild berries and wildlife.
The walk will take you 3-4 hours but it all pays off when you stop for a pint and a hearty meal at the Royal Oak afterward!
The path is moderately smooth, but due to the distance, it has been given a red rating.
19) Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst
Amber
Starting point: Either village
Distance: 9 miles
Start your walk from Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst by arriving at either village and doing a circular loop through either.
Wind your way along village roads, woodland tracks, and of course, stop off and enjoy some tea rooms along the way.
The path is moderately smooth, but due to the distance, it has been given an Amber rating.
20) Linwood Circular walk
Amber
Starting point: High Corner Inn car park
Distance: 7km/4.5 miles
A circular walk that starts off at the family-run High Corner Inn pub and loops around through the Broomy Inclosure, Hallickshole Holl, and Sloden Inclosure. The route then brings you back downhill to the Holly Hatch before finally returning to the pub.
The path is moderately smooth, with some inclines.
Along the southern coast of the New Forest, you will find beaches and coastline. Barton on Sea is one of the most popular beaches close to the New Forest.
21) Ashurst Stroll
Green
Starting point: Ashurst railway station
Distance: 2.5 miles
A short and easy circular walk that explores a variety of landscapes in the New Forest. Start from the railway station and cross through forest lawns, walk through a timber plantation and pass the historic remains of a saltpetre house.
The path is smooth and gravelled, and flat throughout.
Best walks in New Forest: In a Nutshell
Whether you want an easy stroll, a scenic route, or a lengthy hike, the New Forest has it all.
When walking, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, wrap up warm in winter and take layers, even in summer!
PLUS remember to download the New Forest walks app – it was a lifesaver for us!
Happy travelling!
Jennie 🙂 x
Have you enjoyed a walk in New Forest recently? Which one has been your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!
Hey you! 🙋♀️ I quit my job in 2021 to become a full-time travel blogger + visit as much of the globe as possible. Come and join me on my chaotic and hilarious travel journeys!
📷 Instagram: @jennie_wanders
🎥 Youtube Channel: Jennie Wanders
📍Pinterest: Jennie Wanders Travel Blog
