We have shared some of our favourite local New Forest walking routes, courtesy of New Forest National Park, for you to enjoy during your stay with us. All routes are around 2-3 hours in length, and showcase the beauty of our natural setting, with plenty of flora and fauna to observe along the way.
Our Favourite Walking Routes
Burley Village
This delightful 4.2-mile circular walk starts in Burley village center and takes you on a gentle climb to Castle Hill, where ancient earthworks and stunning Avon Valley views await. The route then descends through the Open Forest edge before returning via charming Forest properties and the Queen’s Head pub, perfectly showcasing both Burley’s rich history and the classic New Forest landscape in a leisurely 2-3 hour stroll.
The Lepe Loop
This 5.9-mile circular walk starts at Lepe Country Park and combines stunning coastal scenery with fascinating wartime history. Following oak signposts, the route takes you along the Solent foreshore where you can spot diverse wading birds and explore the concrete remains of D-Day preparations, including structures used for the famous Mulberry Harbours. The loop also passes through peaceful Exbury village with its historic estate and world-renowned gardens, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, wildlife watching, and Second World War heritage in a leisurely 2-3 hour walk.
Copythorne and Cadnam Common
This 4-mile circular walk from Copythorne explores the diverse landscapes of Copythorne Common, passing St Mary’s Church before winding through a fascinating mix of woodland, open glades, and heathland. The route follows rhododendron-lined tracks to the Cadnam River and northern commons where you can watch New Forest ponies grazing, then returns via Newbridge through this wildlife-rich area managed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and RSPB. Perfect for spotting fragrant chamomile and listening for wood crickets, this 2-3 hour walk showcases the varied habitats and grazing landscapes that make the New Forest so special.
Brockenhurst Village
This 5-mile circular walk from Brockenhurst railway station takes you across grazed lawns and through riverside woodlands before skirting the village edge with excellent heathland views. The route explores the landscapes around this historic Saxon settlement, where ponies and donkeys still wander freely through the main street, and returns past the famous watersplash ford where streams converge. With easy access by train and excellent village facilities, this 2-3 hour walk perfectly captures the authentic New Forest experience of grazing animals, ancient settlements, and diverse countryside.
