Lyndhurst to Brockenhurst Circular Walk

Route Description for Lyndhurst to Brockenhurst Circular Walk

This loop connecting the two villages can be done in either direction. This version starts from Lyndhurst and moves in a clockwise direction. If you want to start from Brockenhurst, we suggest keeping a clockwise route to line up with this description.

Set off east from the car park and south along Gosport Lane. Continue south past the junction, then turn left onto Beechen Lane. At the end of the lane is a gate - cross through this onto a track that runs through the forest. This crosses a stream and continues southeast, with a number of paths branching off on both sides. Walk for about 1.5 km, then turn right through a gate onto a gravel path. This bends to the left after a first junction, and right after the second, both of which you should continue through. At the next junction, with the Frohawk Ride on your right, turn left.

Take your next left and head south over a footbridge. The track bends to the right as you make your way through the Ramnor Inclosure. Pass through the first junction with footpaths on either side, then take a firm right at the next one. Follow the track as it curves around to the left and bears southwest through the Hollands Wood campsite. This eventually spits you out onto the A337. Walk south along the road, crossing over the Lymington River with the Balmer Lawn Hotel on your left. You’ve arrived at the northern edge of Brockenhurst. Enjoy some time to explore this lovely village!

When you’re ready to continue the walk, turn onto Meerut Road, pass The Cloud Hotel and over a bridge, then take another slight right onto a path with a footbridge. Stay left at the fork, then right at the junction to follow a footpath north into the Black Knowl. It’s a straight shot along this path until you reach a confluence of paths entering the forest. Turn right along the track leading towards Bolderwood Bridge, a popular summer hangout spot. On the other side of the bridge, take your first left. This track takes a fairly direct northern bearing through the woods.

At the wide junction, bear right and continue north, veering left through Butts Lawn. Upon reaching Pinkney Lane, turn right and stroll along the road back towards Lyndhurst. Left on Chapel Lane, right on Sandy Lane, and left on Shrubs Hill Road - you’re now back in the center of Lyndhurst, and the car park is easy to find.

Insider Hints for Lyndhurst to Brockenhurst Circular Walk

• There are a few excellent summer swimming spots along this walk. The “Brockenhurst Beach” just south of Balmer Lawn is a favourite, especially for families with young children. On the way back to Lyndhurst, the Bolderwood Bridge is another prime choice for a dip in the Lymington River.
• The St. Michael & All Angels’ Church in Lyndhurst is a magnificent centrepiece, impossible to miss. A more subtle point of interest lies in the graveyard behind the church, the resting place of Mrs. Reginald Hargreaves. Before marriage, she was Alice Liddell - the inspiration for the title character in Alice in Wonderland.
• If you're looking for a bite while you're in Brockenhurst, make sure to check out Britannia Thai, which offers arguably the best Thai food in the region. If you're there during lunchtime, check out their lunch tapas menu.