Discover Spectacular Walking Trails in the New Forest
The New Forest Code | Best Walks in the New Forest | New Forest Walking Checklist
Located in Southern England is one of Europe's most important nature and conservation parks, the New Forest. Here, you'll find a unique mix of landscapes, from ancient woodlands to wetlands and bogs.
While exploring the New Forest, you will come across rare plants and see free-roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs, deer, sheep and more. Although it may be harder to spot, the national park is also home to bats and other unique birds.
If you're camping in the New Forest, pack your hiking gear as it's a stunning place to go for a family walk, solo trek, or take your canine companion out to stretch their legs. There are various walking trails in the New Forest, some easier than others. We've listed each trail's complexity, duration, and what you can expect to see. However, before heading off on your adventure, you must read the New Forest code to ensure you respect the national park, its animals and the many habitats within.
The New Forest Code
The New Forest is home to hundreds of rare species, including plants and wildlife that have been extinct from other parts of Europe. For that reason, a strict code is put in place to protect these creatures and their land. It's also there to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Before heading off on your walk in the New Forest, read through the list of rules and come prepared with a waste disposal bag for your rubbish and dog waste.
- Keep your distance from animals: The animals that freely roam around the New Forest are owned by locals (commoners), but they're still wild and, therefore, have unpredictable behaviour. To protect yourself and the animals, do not feed or touch them.
- Do not litter: Littering anywhere is a huge no, and the New Forest is no different. Clean up after yourself, your children or your dogs.
- No barbecue or fires: The New Forest has plenty of designated picnic spots to enjoy your lunch, but fires and barbecue are NOT allowed.
- Keep your dog close: Although you don't need a lead for your dog, you must make sure your canine companion does not chase or approach other animals. You must use a short lead around the sheep, but if cattle approach you, you can let your dog off the lead and call them back when it's safe.
- Park in the designated car parks
- No wild camping: Wild camping is not allowed in the New Forest. If you're looking for a place to pitch up and explore the national park, check out our New Forest campsites.
- Stick to cycling trails: There are designated cycling trails for those bringing their bike along. Please stick to these trails to protect the national park and be mindful of any animals you encounter.
- Drive with care: Some parts of the national park are not gated off for the animals, meaning they can wander into driving paths. Please drive carefully to avoid harming any animals. If there is one in the way of your driving path, wait until they pass.
- Stick to walking routes: Similar to cycling and driving, animals roam around freely. So, it's in everyone's best interest that you stick to your walking route to avoid getting lost and keep yourself and the animals safe.
* Failure to follow the New Forest code can result in a £100-£1000 fine. For more information, read the New Forest code.
The New Forest Walks
Whether you’re an avid walker, prefer a slow stroll, or you’re ready to take on a challenging trek, you’ll find the perfect walk for you in the New Forest.
Blackwater Arboretum walk
Length: 2.4 km | Time: Less than 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy
The Blackwater Arboretum trail is a fairly easy walking route where you can see trees that have been around since the 1850s. On this walk, you'll find information boards with facts about the trees surrounding you, including their age and what they've lived through. This walk also has benches alongside the trail to rest if needed.
Hatchet Pond walk
Length: 3.1 km | Time: 40 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
Hatchet Pond is the largest area of freshwater in the New Forest. The circular trail is great for seeing the pond and perfect for running around. It’s a quiet and easy walk so you may run into some animals. This trail is also great for enjoying a picnic with a view.
Brockenhurst walk
Length: 15.4 km | Time: 3 hours and 36 minutes | Difficulty: Moderate
Brockenhurst trail is a dog-friendly walk that starts in the village of Brockenhurst and takes you through the countryside and into the New Forest. The highlight of this walk is the beautiful redwoods and firs that create the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive for the Rhinefield House.
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary and Grounds walk
Length: 2.9 km | Time: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
Located in the heart of the New Forest is the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary and ground. Here, you can enjoy a short walk where you’ll get to view herds of deer or enjoy birdwatching. This New Forest walking route is signposted, so you’ll be able to learn new things about the national park as you walk around. The trail is wheelchair and pushchair friendly and a great walk for dog walkers – although they will need to be kept on a lead.
Lyndhurst Hill and Swan Green walk
Length: 10.3 km | Time: 3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
This is the walk to take if you want to encounter horses, ponies, mules and more. The Lyndhurst Hill and Swan Green Circular Walk starts from Swan Green car park, and you walk towards Alum Green, Highland Water and then towards the New Forest Reptile Centre, where you’ll get to see snakes, amphibians, lizards and more.
Burley Village walk
Length: 7.4 km | Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Difficulty: Moderate
Walk through Burley, a quirky village in the New Forest. Here you’ll find charming pubs, cosy cafes, and handmade fudge. On this circular walk, you’ll start off in the village before climbing up Castle Hill Lane, here, you’ll find amazing views of Avon Valley. You’ll then pass an ancient hill fort on Castle Hill before going back to the village.
Lymington Marshes walk
Length: 5.9 km | Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
You’ll need a pair of binoculars for this walk as it's great for birdwatching. The Lymington Marshes Trail starts at Lymington Town Railway Station, where you’ll walk along the Quayside and then see the coastal marches of the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve. This is a fairly flat walk, and you’ll be walking through mudflats and salt marshes. Do not deviate from the path, as these are important habitats for animals. This also means dogs are not allowed in the reserve itself.
New Forest walking checklist
It's always good to be over-prepared for any adventure. Here are some things you'll need for your walk in the New Forest.
- Comfortable walking boots
- Hiking Clothing
- Reusable Water bottle
- Snacks
- Portable charger
- Binoculars
- Picnic blanket
- Travel bag
- Other
- Biodegradable wipes
- Nappies
- Extra clothing
- Disposable bags for dog waste or used nappies
- Toys or games
- First aid kit (including bug spray)
This can be the difference between a comfortable and effortless walk or a painful one. A pair of good walking boots gives you the grip and comfort to endure any walk in any condition.
Whether you're walking in the New Forest during the summer or winter, you'll need to have clothes that'll keep you cool or cosy. We have a beginner's guide to the best hiking clothes and what waterproof jacket you should get if the weather changes.
Staying hydrated is a must on any walk. Find a reusable water bottle that suits your needs and style, and make sure it is filled before heading out.
If you plan on tackling one of the longer walks in the New Forest, you'll need a nutritional snack to keep you going.
*Make sure you place any wrappers in the bins provided or back into your bag to dispose of later.
If you rely on your phone for navigation, torch, music and more, then you'll need a portable charger on hand to ensure your phone doesn't die and you can carry on capturing spectacular images of the New Forest.
Are you planning on birdwatching or spotting rare wildlife? A pair of binoculars or a magnifying glass can come in handy when it comes to identifying the beautiful species you see on your walk in the New Forest. Remember, the national park aims to protect and preserve animals and their habitats, so be mindful when using such equipment.
There are plenty of beautiful picnic spots in the New Forest. Pack a picnic blanket and some tasty foods to enjoy a great lunch with a stunning view.
Not sure what to cook? Check out our mouthwatering picnic food ideas.
You'll need a good quality travel bag to keep all your belongings in. Check out our list of the best travel bags.
If you're planning on walking in the New Forest with your canine companion or children, then you'll need to consider packing a few more items, including:
Forgot to bring it with you?
Our Verwood Club Site has an on-site shop that stocks everything you need for your camping trip. If you still haven't found what you're looking for, there are plenty of clothing and equipment stores around the New Forest. Check out our member offers and discounts to get up to 30% off on selected brands.