Walks in New Forest National Park

Dockens Water and Pitts Wood is a longer version of the Fritham Circular Walk, an excellent choice when you want to extend your day in the New Forest. This walk starts and ends just outside the beloved Royal Oak pub, and takes you on a circular journey along gravel tracks, winding footpaths, and cycleways that meander through the woods and meadows. With a little bit of everything, this is a perfect option for a few hours outdoors.

This walk from The Oak Inn Pub to Brockenhurst is a lovely stroll through the New Forest, an easy addition to any day. The walk mostly follows wide cycling routes and country lanes, making navigation a cinch. Enjoy the trees and wildflowers that accompany your walk, with plenty of interesting attractions in Brockenhurst to discover.

This is a short yet very pleasant circular walk through the Tall Trees trail and the Blackwater Arboretum. The latter is your first point of exploration, with a gorgeous collection of exotic trees to discover. The rest of the walk leads you through forests populated by magnificent flora, including some massive redwoods that tower over the scenery. Perfect for a brief stroll outdoors.

The Boldre Village Walk offers a great mix of forests and farmland on an easily navigable circular route. Work your way north along country lanes before looping west through several farms before crossing the Lymington River a few times on your way back around. Make sure you’ve got your wellies on if you visit after a rain! A stop at The Red Lion pub is the perfect way to cap this walk.

The Whitefield Moor Circular Walk is an excellent choice for a quick outing in the Brockenhurst area. The first half of the loop brings you through the forest along the Ober Water for a serene stroll. The return skirts the edge of the Whitefield Moor, with expansive views across the wide-open spaces. A fantastic pick for families.

This walk from Ashlett Creek to Calshot Spit takes in splendid views of the coast for most of the route, a favourite for those who enjoy time by the sea. Starting from the village of Fawley, you’ll walk along a minor road before turning south to follow the shoreline. You might catch a few ponies grazing in Fawley Green, or marine birds swooping over the Calshot Marsh Nature Reserve. Calshot Beach itself has colourful beach huts and plenty of activities for those out with their kids. A quick bus ride brings you right back to your starting point.

The Ashurst Circular Walk is a quick and easy outing that all ages can enjoy. Ashurst is very accessible by train or by car, and the wide clear pathways are well-marked, making this a straightforward addition to your New Forest portfolio. Grazing ponies and pasture woodlands provide that hallmark of New Forest scenery on this pleasant loop.

The Lepe Circular Walk is a lovely choice for combining typical New Forest terrain with a stretch of coastline. The route starts with a pleasant stroll along Lepe Beach, with excellent views out over the Solent. Leaving the beach behind, walk north through meadows and forest towards a stretch of open farmland. Loop around the farm and return south along a clearly marked footpath to complete the walk.

This walk from Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard and back is a straightforward stroll along the Beaulieu River, connecting two charming New Forest communities. Starting from Beaulieu, walk southeast along a well-established path that runs parallel to the river. Bucklers Hard has plenty of captivating maritime history to explore before heading back northwest to Beaulieu.

The Brockenhurst, Roundhill and Lymington River Hike takes place in a dreamy woodland setting carved by the lovely Lymington River. The wild animals that sometimes pop up along this walk may surprise you as they can range from deer to wild pigs! On a different note, Balmer Lawn near Brockenhurst makes for a fun wild swimming spot; make sure you know your river swimming safety tips before hopping in the water.

Expect to revel in varied scenery, ranging from riverside views to a forest setting to a chance of spotting ponies and pigs on the Copythorne and Cadnam Common Walk. The low elevation gain makes this a fun adventure for all ages, but it can get super boggy during the wetter months, so it’s best to take on this route when it’s dry out!

Immerse in a scenic woodland setting while also meandering through paths stretching into open, exposed areas on the Frogham to Fritham Walk. This walk is all about stunning moody, mysterious views that almost feel fairytale-like, especially when you spot horses and pigs roaming the landscape! This is an out-and-back route, which means you’ll get a chance to enjoy the same scenery twice. While this walk is long, the low elevation gain makes it a fun one for all ages who can handle the 12.4 km distance.

Discover the Keyhaven Marshes on the relatively flat family-friendly Keyhaven Marshes Circular Walk! Look out for birds fluttering in and around the marshes as well as wildlife as you make your way around this short loop. There’s also a possibility of catching a glimpse of Hurst Castle, Isle of Wights, and the Needles!

Immerse in the countryside on West Sussex’s Fountain Inn and River Adur Walk, which winds through the gently undulating countryside, unveiling the shimmering river cutting through fields adorned in green. If you’re looking for a fantastic circuit to tackle one sunny afternoon in New Forest NP, this walk should sit near the top of your list!

The Reptile Centre Discovery Trail takes you around the New Forest Reptile Centre, informing adventurers on all things nature! If you’re looking for a walk to do with young kids, this short lollipop route is an ideal walk. One bonus is the “what can you see” stop along the route. Get more in-depth information by stopping at the visitor centre before or after your fun, easy-going walk that follows a well-maintained gravel path. Keep in mind that the New Forest Reptile Centre is only open from April 6th to September 1st.

The Lyndhurst to Brockenhurst Loop links two of the New Forest’s best villages on an easily navigable walk. With gravel tracks and footpaths leading you over rivers and through verdant forests, there’s plenty of natural beauty to enjoy as you stroll between settlements. There’s even a handful of swimming spots perfect for beating the heat! No matter which village you start from or how long you linger, this is a wonderful day outdoors for all.

The Bramshaw to Frogham Walk winds through woodland and heaths while unveiling stunning views of New Forest National Park. Despite some stream crossings, this walk boasts gentle terrain, especially during the warmer months. However, some areas may get muddy during wetter periods, making it essential to bring the appropriate footwear.

The Fordingbridge, Woodgreen, Hale, Godshill Round Walk is a great walk if you’re looking for an adventure that takes you from village to village! You will spend a significant amount of time meandering along roads, with some sections being quite busy; however, the woodland and views over Avon Valley will make up for it.

The Latchmoor Brook Walk is a fantastic kid-friendly adventure in New Forest National Park that immerses you in a pretty forest setting. Plus, the non-technical path and low elevation gain makes this a fun walk for anyone looking to get some exercise without intense exertion! During wetter months, the path can get boggy, so come prepared with appropriate footwear.

The Fritham Extended Circular Walk winds through mostly open areas along non-technical terrain that doesn’t gain too much elevation, making this a great walk for anyone looking to get outside and walk for a half-day without too much exertion. The path can get muddy during the wetter months but is still navigable—just ensure you wear appropriate footwear!