The spectacular New Forest has something for everyone, with its glorious landscapes an ever-changing delight throughout every season of the year. Heath and grassland, magical woodland and broadleaf forest, all intersected by pristine rivers, brooks and streams, are home to diverse species of rare plants, insects, birds and animals – and of course you won’t get far without meeting the famous New Forest ponies!
It’s no wonder then that people come from all over the world to enjoy the still-wild beauty of this spectacular haven, with walkers, cyclists and wildlife-watchers returning home feeling inspired, invigorated, and with some wonderful new memories to treasure.
Minstead is situated right in the heart of The New Forest, and this charming village provides a perfect base from which to explore and make the most of some of the best walks in the area.
You’ve already checked the weather and are well-prepared with everything you need to ensure you have the best experience possible; you might have popped into the Community Shop on Minstead village green for something to nibble on the way, or bought a map at the New Forest Heritage Centre when you visited nearby Lyndhurst – it has a great selection for both walkers and cyclists.
And so, trusty walking boots at the ready, let’s set out together to survey some of the finest walks in and around Minstead…
This gentle, easy walk around Blackwater Arboretum located just a few miles outside Minstead is simply magical. There’s a free car park here, and plenty of benches along the way to rest and admire the view, as well as wooded waymarkers and information posts that help you identify the trees and plants all around you. The trail is lined with impressive Douglas fir, and can you spot the two enormous redwoods?!
The Blackwater Tall Trees trail runs for 1.5 miles along the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive to Brock Hill on well-maintained and steady footpaths, so it’s great for families, and their canine companions will certainly love it too.
Tree lovers should also make sure to admire the Knightwood Oak, the oldest tree in the forest in nearby Burley – it’s 500 years old, and its trunk is 24 feet all the way around. Indulge in a spot of tree-hugging and find out how many of you (and any friendly passers-by who might want to join in too) it might take to encircle it!
The village of Burley itself has some fantastic footpaths through the Old and New Enclosures. Whilst you can start from the village itself, we like the four-mile circular route that begins from the car park off Lyndhurst Road. From here you can enjoy trails heading east through the New Inclosure to Dames Slough Inclosure and Blackwater Bridge. The route returns through the Old Inclosure, passing Cockroad Hill on the way. This four-mile route takes place on easy paths, so is fab for families, and you’re bound to share your walk with lots of deer and ponies along the way.
Another short, two-mile circular walk around Ober Water is located just a mile or so south east of here. You can follow some gorgeous waterside footpaths here, play pooh sticks from the bridges, and stay for a picnic. It really is a beautiful spot.
This five-mile circular walk explores the Acres Down area and begins at the car park, just south west of Minstead. You’ll be close to the Acres Down Farm, the fantastic working farm and farm shop, and isn’t a walk always the perfect excuse to pack a few delicious snacks in your rucksack?
From the car park head south west; you’ll pass Wick Wood and make your way into the Highland Water where the river flows over gravel beds on its way to the coast. Look out for kingfishers here during the Summer too! The trail continues past Woolsmoor Meads before coming to the ever-delightful Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary.
The route then heads east to Coneygear Bottom before turning north to the Canadian War Memorial and Mogshade Hill. From here you head east to Stonyard Wood and Hart Hill where you’ll see the triangulation pillar. The route then heads along Ringwood Ford Bottom before returning you to the car park.
This longer 10-mile walk invites you to visit some of the major highlights of the Lyndhurst area, including the New Forest Reptile Centre (check for Summer opening times), the Knightwood Oak and the Deer Sanctuary at Bolderwood.
Begin in Lyndhurst on Swan Green, just to the west of the village centre, then south west down Cut Walk to Warwick Slade, where you cross the Highland Water stream. Here you turn right to visit the New Forest Reptile Centre to meet the native lizards, snakes, frogs and toads.
The route then passes through Wooson’s Hill Inclosure before coming to the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. You can watch the ever-growing herd of deer from a special viewing platform here, and if you’re lucky, the elusive white doe will treat you to a rare appearance.
At Bolderwood you turn south, heading through the North Oakley Inclosure to the Knightwood Oak. From here, enjoy the walk back into Lyndhurst, feeling happy, and well-deserving of a delicious dinner. Knowing that you’ve pre-booked a table at the award-winning brasserie and grill, 1820 within Forest Lodge in Lyndhurst, is sure to keep you going during the last mile or two!
This satisfying five-mile walk from Minstead makes the most of some of the highlights of the area including Furzey Gardens, The Rufus Stone, Castle Malwood Walk and the Long Beech Enclosure.
You start in the village and follow a footpath north west to visit the enchanting Furzey Gardens. Make sure you’ve got some time to spend here, because there’s lots to do for the whole family – seek out the 40 fairy doors, enjoy the lake, and if you’ve got any energy to spare, there’s always the children’s play area to visit before continuing north toward Stoney Cross. Head north east and you’ll come to the iron-clad Rufus Stone that marks the (supposed) spot where the red-haired and ruddy-cheeked King William II was fatally shot by an arrow nearly a thousand years ago. In contrast to the gruesome story, this really is a lovely peaceful spot, so don’t let it put you off your picnic.
From the stone you head north west to visit Tom Pook’s Hill, the Long Beech Enclosure and Castle Malwood Walk. Enjoy the woodland trails here before returning to Minstead, and perhaps a glass of something at The Trusty Servant pub, on the same paths via Stoney Cross.
Sign up for the latest news, events and best rates
