Pull on your walking boots, fill your flask and grab your rucksack; the New Forest is a haven for walkers and ramblers of all ages and abilities. New Milton is no exception. There are miles and miles of trails and paths – along the coast, across ancient heathland, through forests (of course) and beside the river.
Here are some of our favourite walks near New Milton; we’ve included distances so you won’t have a nasty surprise when it’s over too soon – or you’re still walking an hour after you expected to arrive and enjoy a pint!
This is a nice easy introduction to New Milton walks; it’s only two miles, starting and ending at Taddiford Gap car park, near the quiet, shingle beach. The picturesque route takes you through kissing gates, bordering woodland and crossing streams – and, importantly, past a pub!
Twice the length at four miles, this is still an easy hike, which starts at the Shorefields caravan site and takes in the wonderful secret beach. Obviously now we’ve told you about it, it’s less of a secret…
Take in the wonderful views, sea air, and then head back into nearby New Milton for a rewarding lunch or pint of something cold.
About 15 minutes’ drive from New Milton is the picture postcard village of Brockenhurst – and this five-mile walk is the perfect way to explore the village, riverside woodlands and beautiful heathland views.
Starting at the famous picturesque ford, the Watersplash, this walk takes in some stunning Forest scenery before returning to Brockenhurst station.
You’ll need to be reasonably fit for this six-mile trail, but the rewards are multiple; the Grade I Listed mansion at Highcliffe Castle comes after about a mile, while Mudeford Quay is the perfect place to take a midpoint break and dangle your legs over the wall as you enjoy the sea air.
The right footwear is the absolute key here; relatively flat, this 7.5-mile walk is over a good mix of gravel tracks, grass tracks, mud and a stream (!) to walk through/cross – so good boots or wellies are a must!
If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, this hike near New Milton is for you. Twelve miles in length, you start at the Marine East Car Park, before passing Barton Secret Beach and then along the shingly Hurst Spit. The castle and lighthouse are around the midway point, before you pass Saltgrass Lane and Sturt Pond – both great spots for bird watching. From there, it’s four miles back along a similar route. You’ll need to be pretty fit, but it’s well worth it – plenty to see.
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