The New Forest is one big playground for dogs – with over 140 miles of trails and woodland paths, there are few better places in the UK for you and your canine companions to get some much-needed fresh air and exercise.
Of course, there are a few words of caution – the local ponies and livestock are free roaming and so can be easily spooked, especially if they have young nearby. Hopefully it goes without saying that dog owners should never let them chase or bark at animals – and where possible it’s advisable to have them on a lead if you think there’s wildlife or farm animals close by.
That said, there’s plenty of room to roam, and we’ve made a few suggestions on the best dog walks in the New Forest. Best of all, once you’re done, we have some great hotels for you to use as a base – not least the dog-friendly Beaulieu Inn, where we’re old hands at welcoming furry friends and muddy wellies. Here are some of our favourite New Forest dog walks:
One of the most popular New Forest dog walks around Beaulieu (whether or not you have a dog) is the gentle amble/ramble from Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard (or vice versa), along the river. This scenic route is along part of the Solent Way and takes you through the heart of the Beaulieu Estate. A truly fantastic dog walk in the New Forest, this route is ideal for picnicking, strolling and simply making the most of such a striking landscape.
Highlights en route include the Duke’s Bath House and Curtle Meadows, one of the locations for the classic 1966 film A Man For All Seasons.At just a shade over two miles, it’s a pleasant two-way walk whichever end you start.
Further proof that some of the best New Forest dog walks don’t just have to mean woodland paths; this five and a half mile Sea Air Trail starts in Lymington Harbour and takes you to Keyhaven Nature Reserve, home to a plethora of bird species.
In Keyhaven, you will find the Gun Inn, an ideal lunch spot. You then have several options, either walk on into Milford on Sea or take a trip to Hurst Castle which was built by Henry VIII as a fortress to defend the Solent. To return to Lymington, you can either catch the X1 bus from Milford on Sea, retrace your trail back along the sea wall, or you can follow the ancient highway for a more direct walk back.
If you’re on Brockenhurst way, then this walk from Wilverley Inclosure Car Park is a great one at under three miles. Parking is free (bonus!), and while the scenery doesn’t change much (it’s a dense wood), it’s a nice wide gravel path through both mature and young woodland and there are several alternatives. It can be quite an energetic walk, too, with a few dips and rises, but it’s mostly flat. Popular with cyclists too, so bear that in mind if you are taking a dog.
If you’re looking for something a bit more testing, then this is an 8.4 mile walk (4.2 each way) from Abbotswell to Fritham.
This is a lovely New Forest dog walk with some great views, best enjoyed starting at the Abbotswell end, heading to Fritham for lunch and a wander around and then heading back. There are a few moderate gradients but it’s well gravelled throughout, so a fantastic walk for all seasons that your pup will certainly enjoy.
Once again, parking is free, which means more treats for your furry friends and an extra (well-earned) pint or a warming coffee for you at the end!
From walks along the gorgeous landscapes to flitting in and out of the charming local pubs, the New Forest poses fantastic opportunities for dog walking and appreciating this spectacular location.
If you prefer a coastal New Forest dog walk, Keyhaven beach is a beautiful shingle beach that is also dog friendly. This beach is the perfect location for bird watching, running along the sands, or perhaps chasing a ball with your furry companion.
Hordle Cliff is another fantastic shingle beach, renowned for great exploration and sweeping blue skies. You’ll also find a selection of restaurants and cafes nearby, perfect for settling down with your dog and enjoying some lunch. Another beach is the gorgeous Barton-on-sea beach, known for its striking landscape and an abundance of space. Bring a ball or a frisbee and wear your pup out with a day at the beach, enjoying some of the best New Forest dog walks.
While the New Forest does enforce the New Forest Code so that visitors, locals and dog owners respect the area and the wildlife within it, there are some areas of the New Forest where dog walkers can let their dogs off the lead.
This includes the 3.5mile Holmsley Walk. This walk takes you through a variety of habitats, including woodland, heathland, and bog. You’ll also pass by several ponds and streams, making it a great place for a refreshing swim for your pup on a hot day.
The Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst walk is another fabulous place to let your dog off the lead, as long as they have great recall and behaviour of course. This walk follows the River Lymington through some of the most beautiful scenery in the New Forest. You’ll pass by ancient trees, wildflower meadows, and plenty of opportunities for your dog to run off-lead in the grass, nose to the ground and tail wagging.
The Denny Wood Walk is another fabulous New Forest dog walk that takes you through a tranquil woodland with a variety of trees, including ancient oaks and beeches. There are also several glades and clearings where your dog can run off-lead.
The Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard walk starts in the pretty village of Beaulieu and takes you through the Beaulieu River valley to the historic village of Buckler’s Hard. There are several pubs along the way where you can stop for a drink and a bite to eat, including The Master Builder’s Hotel, The Haven Inn, and The Buckler’s Hard Inn. If you’re doing the walk in reverse, The Drift is a charming country pub in Beaulieu known for its lovely beer garden and great food.
For another great New Forest dog walk with a pub, the Burley to Brockenhurst walk takes you through the heathlands and woodlands of the Burley district of the New Forest. There are several pubs along the way where you can stop for a drink and a bite to eat, including The Burley Inn, The New Forest Arms, and The Red House Inn, ideal for a quick pint to refuel or a delicious lunch with your pup.
The Ashurst and Deerleap enclosure circular walk is a great 5.5 mile dog walk in the New Forest. This walk takes you through a mix of woodland, heathland, and open fields, with plenty of opportunities for your dog to run off-lead. You’ll also pass by the ruins of Ashurst Lodge, a former Victorian hunting lodge, and then circle back along the route.
The Brockenhurst tall trees trail circular walk is another great choice. A 6.5 mile circular walk that is perfect for any skill walker follows a scenic trail through the New Forest National Park, passing by some of the tallest trees in the area. You’ll also pass by the Brockenhurst Marina, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch with views of the Solent!
The Emery Down walk is another great choice. An easy 4.5 mile walk where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the New Forest. There are also several viewpoints along the way where you can stop and take in the scenery.
There’s so much more to the New Forest than just great dog walks. If you’re thinking of staying for a short holiday or a long weekend, the New Forest Collection provides the perfect backdrop for your New Forest. The Collection comprises several hotels, each offering a unique home away from home. Burley Manor is a striking Manor House hotel set amongst beautiful gardens with views across the nearby red deer sanctuary, as well as boasting adults-only rooms and onsite Temple Spa wellness facilities. Additionally, the contemporary Georgian townhouse Forest Lodge is another great location, complete with a host of dog-friendly rooms.
Charming Beaulieu Inn in the village of Beaulieu is another cosy little nook hotel, perfect for retiring to after a long day out exploring with your dog, and Bartley Lodge too is perfect for dog walkers and dog lovers. Set amongst 8 gorgeous acres, Bartley Lodge combines elegance with relaxation and scenic beauty.
As well as a selection of fantastic New Forest dog-friendly hotels, the collection also boasts dog-friendly restaurants. Just a stone’s throw from Beaulieu Inn you’ll find The Drift Inn, a charming country pub and the perfect setting for a cold pint, a hearty meal, and a sit down with your pup. Guests of The Drift, two, or four-legged, can enjoy a relaxing drink in a cosy, country setting remarking on past or future plans while in the New Forest.
Your pup can also join you in the Forest Lodge restaurant for a cosy evening after a day of scenic walking, or perhaps ahead of a busy day exploring the surrounding New Forest National Park. Whether you’re just popping in for a snack and a pint or a piping hot meal, the New Forest Collection restaurants will welcome you and your companion with warmth.
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