Best New Forest Walks | Discover | New Forest Collection

If there are two things you must do on a break in the New Forest, they’re go for a cycle ride and go for a walk in the woods.

Close to nature, life-affirming, there are few areas of the UK which have so much to offer in terms of scenery, vistas and wildlife – the New Forest Ponies aren’t some made-up marketing concept; on most walking routes there’s a chance you’ll spot them. Simply magical. Of course, ‘New Forest walks’ doesn’t just mean strolling through the trees – there are history trails, coastal routes, circular walks and treks across historical heathland. Whatever your age or ability, there’ll be a walk for you – and most will either start or end with somewhere to take refreshment, whether that’s a cup of tea or a cold beer.

Of course, you’ll need somewhere to relax, rest and recharge, and the New Forest Collection has plenty of great places to stay – from Grade II Listed townhouse hotels to boutique shepherd’s huts.

Here’s just a snapshot of the dozens of the best New Forest walks:

Autumn in the New Forest with orange leaves

A short stroll around Hightown

This really is a short walk – but in around half an hour, you’ll experience plenty of variety on one of the National Trust’s heathland sites; walk across grazed lawns, hidden wetlands and dark, ancient woodlands – and a whole mosaic of habitats for wildlife. A special New Forest walk.

Boldre Village Walk

This peaceful walk of just over four miles in length starts in the pretty village of Boldre, and takes you through an ancient woodland nature reserve, across farmland and along country lanes. You return along the Lymington River back to Boldre Bridge.

Hale Purlieu Figure of Eight Walk

This moderate walk of around three miles will take around an hour to an hour and a half to complete; you’ll cross streams, border commons, travel through gorse moorland, fords and take in great views. There’s plenty of wildlife to spot along the way too, from dragonflies to Dartford Warblers.

Brook to Minstead Village

A shade over seven miles in length, this walk starts at the Green Dragon pub and Bell Inn, and is packed with history and fascinating stop-off points.

You can visit the Rufus Stone to discover the mystery surrounding the death of King William II, and visit the unspoilt village of Minstead, the final resting place of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes.
The walk takes you back along winding lanes and fields to Canterton and finally to Brook.

Lymington to Beaulieu

The New Forest is bordered by some fantastic coastline, part of which forms a section of the Solent Way, a 60-mile coastal route. You’ll be glad to hear this is merely a 10-mile stretch from Lymington to Beaulieu, which will take you about five hours to complete. As well as picturesque coastline and stunning views, you’ll also visit the historic village of Buckler’s Hard, before the walk ends in Beaulieu at The Drift for a nice cold pint or G&T.

Historic Lymington

These historic walks around Lymington range from under two miles to just over four miles in length, and last between an hour and two hours.

There’s so much to pack in there are three different routes, which all start and end at St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, where there’s a pretty good cafe for some well-earned refreshments. They’re all very different – one covers the town centre, the second takes in the marinas and sea baths, while the third covers the Solent and Nomady Marsh nature reserve.

Ashurst Circular

Another fine walk suitable for your dogs, this 3.3-mile walk is graded as easy and should take most people no longer than two hours. Starting at the car park near the wonderfully named Happy Cheese pub, you’ll travel on gravel roads and paths across railway bridges, open heathland and woodland. As you return, you’ll follow the woodland edge, pass the campsite and New Forest pub and back to the car park in Ashurst. Theres a couple of pubs if you are looking for a pub walk.