Blackwater Arboretum Circular Walk

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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 1.0 km 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.

Route Description for Blackwater Arboretum Circular Walk

The circular walk through the Blackwater Arboretum is a user-friendly route that shows off an impressive collection of trees from all over the world including majestic conifers planted in the 1850s and amazing giant redwoods that tower overhead. From the car park, it is easy to follow the signage into the Arboretum and the route makes a circular loop on a well-maintained footpath.

The wooden sculptures along the trail are part of the Arboretum’s ‘Our Past, Our Future’ project, which seeks to ensure the preservation of these valuable trees. There are also some benches on the trail if you need a break.

After completing the Blackwater Arboretum Circular Walk, if you want to walk some more, from the car park you can follow the path into the Blackwater Woods. The Blackwater Arboretum is a great place for a family outing and a picnic, as there are picnic tables and bathrooms available at the car park.

Getting to the Blackwater Arboretum Circular Walk Trailhead

To get to the Blackwater Arboretum Car Park where the trail begins, head south from Southampton on the A35 through Lyndhurst and turn left onto Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. The Blackwater Arboretum Car Park has picnic tables and public toilets available for use and ample signage to the trail.