Ashurst is a wonderful location for walkers – both with experience and those that are after just a casual stroll in the area. Walking is actually one of the most popular reasons visitors come to Ashurst. The picturesque village isn’t far from Southampton and is perched right on the edge of the National Park, so often described as the gateway to the New Forest.
No matter which direction you’re heading in, there’s ample opportunity for wildlife spotting and serene views. It is said some of the best alder and birch woodland can be found in Ashurst so this, accompanied with the wetland, gives walkers an amazing opportunity to witness incredible wild birds, insects and flowers on mapped-out routes that vary in difficulty and skill. If you’re in the area looking for great walks, you’ll be pleased to know you’ve come to the right place as we’re about to give a whistle-stop tour of the popular routes people enjoy – depending on the type of day out you have planned.
Before you set off, remember New Forest Collection has beautiful accommodation waiting for you on your return. Whether it’s the evening prior or after a day exploring the trails, our sleeping and dining options are ideal to rest your head and fill your boots.
There truly is a myriad of walking routes in Ashurst; for now, here’s our top selection:
One of the most popular routes for those seeking a gentle walk. It’s 2.8 miles (4.5 km) long and starts at Ashurst railway station. We’d describe this one as ‘short and easy’ and a great way to explore a variety of landscapes in the New Forest. The route first takes you past open forest lawns where ponies graze, and then through a timber plantation, before crossing the railway into Ashurst Wood. Once here, you’ll need to continue along a road that winds pleasantly through ancient pasture woodland and across a grassy lawn to some historic remains and then you’ll return via a roadside cycle track to back Ashurst village for a well deserved beverage.
Next up is this circular walking route, which is a 3.5-miles (5.6 km) easy-going loop, perfect for all skill levels. On route, look out for beautiful wild flowers and even opportunities for additional activity. Top tip: you may want to bring your four-legged friends along, as this walk is perfectly suited for dog owners and even joggers and cyclists too.
The Ashurst and Deerleap walk follows paths and tracks around the Deerleap Enclosure within the New Forest. You will need to go past several gates, but there are no stiles or steps on route. Similarly to the walk above, wild ponies are often spotted grazing along the first stretch of this walk, so you are advised to keep your dog/s on a lead until you reach the enclosure gate. This route is an easy-follow and mainly on a gravel track.
Heading to Brockenhurst for the day? Why not enjoy a combination journey of walking and training? This 6.4-mile route allows visitors to hop off at Ashurst (or Brockenhurst depending on which way you’re starting) and catch another train home at Brockenhurst, enjoying the forest’s woods and heathland in the middle.
Starting point is Ashurst Station, where you’ll pass the New Forest Inn on to the main road to Lyndhurst. Then take the path leading to Ashurst campsite and walk through until you get to a railway bridge on your left, cross it and enter the woodland. Once you’re here, take a right and follow the cycle path to the edge of Deerleap Enclosure.
The route then takes you through Fulliford Bog and brings you to Matley Wood, where you’ll follow the path through the caravan park downhill alongside Beaulieu Road and then a short walk to Denny Wood campsite. From here you’ll follow the cycle path into Parkhill Inclosure which will bring you on to a straight path before Standing Hat. Go through the gate and follow the path towards the famous ‘Brockenhurst Beach’. Past the beach turn left once you reach the B3057 and walk into the centre of the village where you’ll be able to hop back on the train or choose to walk down Brookley Road for the shops, cafes and restaurants.
Another fine walk suitable for your dogs, this 3.3 miles (5.4 km) walk is graded as easy and should take no longer than two hours.
Your starting position will be the car park close to the Happy Cheese pub where you can follow the road behind the pub to a gate. Here you will need to continue on a gravel road where you’ll pass Keeper’s Cottage on the right. This is where you’ll need to turn right through the gate and then immediately go left along the path.
This will lead you on a short stroll along the fence line, where you’ll reach a deer fence and need to take a left at the fork. This route will take you through a gravel cycle track first downhill and then slightly uphill and then over a railway bridge. Once you’ve reached this part of the journey you’ll experience open heathland and a woodland area.
Once you’ve explored you’ll need to follow the woodland edge to open grassland & holiday campsite, then pass The New Forest Pub over a railway bridge and head back to the car park once more.
Last, but certainly not least, if you’d like an adventurous stroll to Lyndhurst instead of using public transport, then this 4.6-mile walking route is ideal. Featuring a combination of woodland, long grass trails and open marshy fields, if you’re lucky you might spot a group of deer.
Depending on the weather and time of year, waterproof footwear is advised for this muddy walk, so dig out your wellies and start at Ashurst train station and head to a New Forest sign where the walk from Ashurst to Lyndhurst begins. Head through the woodland towards a trail turning right; follow this down to a long straight trail with trees either side of it. At the end of this section, enjoy a grass route through a marshfield which marks your midway point.
Once here you’ll follow a gravel path for some time leading to a large gate that you’ll go through and continue straight forwards. The next field is very large with an easy-to-follow trail until you reach a golf course, the final part of your journey to the village of Lyndhurst.
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