Hatchet Pond Circular Walk

Route Description for Hatchet Pond Circular Walk

The Hatchet Pond Circular Walk in New Forest National Park lets you explore the flat grasslands and the scenic waterfront area of the pond. It’s mostly flat but can at times be quite wet, which makes it less than ideal for biking if there has been a lot of rain. Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful walk that grants you the chance to explore the landscape and see the New Forest’s rich biodiversity.

The trail is simple enough to follow. From the Hatchet Pond Car Park, you’ll walk along the edge of the pond with the road to your right and the forest to your left. Then you follow the footpath straight instead of walking towards the waterfront. This trail leads you through grasslands, which can be boggy, so make sure to wear good shoes, or you’ll end up with wet socks. You’ll then hit a junction with another trail and turn left, heading south, and turn left again towards the southwest tip of the pond. Soon there’s a junction on your right that takes you closer to the waterfront of Hatchet Pond and leads all the way back to the parking lot along the scenic water’s edge.

Visitors love Hatchet Pond because of its easy, flat routes and the many opportunities to see wildlife at the New Forest’s largest body of freshwater. Keep your eyes open for rare wetland plants that have become extinct in other areas of England, along with dragonflies, newts, and of course, larger animals like the iconic New Forest ponies.

Insider Hints for Hatchet Pond Circular Walk

• On most days, an ice cream van is at the parking lot to sell you a sweet treat after the walk
• Due to the fragile ecosystems, dogs are not allowed to swim
• Fishing is allowed from June to March, but you will need a fishing permit
• There are no garbage bins at the pond, so please take your rubbish with you
• The nearby town of Beaulieu offers lots of attractions, including the impressive Palace House, the Victorian Flower & Kitchen Gardens, and some charming B&Bs if you want to make an overnight trip of it
• Kayaking and canoeing is available nearby at the Beaulieu River through the tour operator New Forest Activities