Explore the New Forest

Enjoy the best walks in the New Forest – with route suggestions, easy-to-follow descriptions, maps and GPX tracks.

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Walking routes

Tried-and-tested self-guided routes exploring the New Forest’s beautiful woodland, heaths and villages. Pick from locations around the forest with walks suitable for a range of ages and abilities.

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Maps & Info

We’ve put in the legwork so you can enjoy a great walk in the forest – with all the information you need to know about weather, terrain, toilet stops and food and drink. 

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News and Features

Make the most of your visit to the New Forest with news of the latest events as well as hints and tips about walking in one of Britain’s most beautiful regions.

Popular Walks in the New Forest

Godshill Wood

Godshill Wood

Wind through the woods in the north of the New Forest, with a wonderful view over the meadows and pastures of the Avon Valley.

Start: Godshill Inclosure car park

Distance: 3 miles

Hale Purlieu

Hale Purlieu

A circular walk with sweeping heathland views on the northern edge of the New Forest.

Start: Hale Purlieu car park

Distance: 2.5 miles

Knightwood Oak to Reptile Centre

Knightwood Oak to Reptile Centre

Wind your way through the woods between the majestic Knightwood Oak and the New Forest Reptile Centre.

Start: Knightwood Oak car park

Distance: 3 miles

Ibsley Common

Ibsley Common

Enjoy the wide open heathland and views over the New Forest’s Northern Commons and discover a relic of the area's role in World War Two.

Start: Rockford Common car park

Distance: 3.5 miles

Rufus Stone

Rufus Stone

The dramatic story of a medieval royal death at the start of this walk through the woods near the village of Brook.

Start: Rufus Stone car park

Distance: 6 miles

Lyndhurst – Ashurst Loop

Lyndhurst – Ashurst Loop

A circular route linking two popular New Forest villages - making a challenging walk through woodland inclosures and with heathland views.

Start: Lyndhurst village car park/Ashurst village car park

Distance: 9 miles

Beaulieu – Buckler’s Hard

Beaulieu – Buckler’s Hard

Bird spotters and history buffs alike will enjoy this riverside walk along the tidal stretch of the Beaulieu River, ending at the famous shipbuilding village of Bucklers Hard.

Start: Beaulieu village car park

Distance: 4 miles

Swan Green

Swan Green

From the old cricket pitch at Swan Green, through the woods to the hamlet of Emery Down.

Start: Swan Green car park

Distance: 1 miles

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News and Features

Autumn walks in the New Forest

Autumn walks in the New Forest

Sep 6, 2025

As the forest gradually turns to dazzling shades of gold, red and brown, savour the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.

New Forest Walking Festival 2025

New Forest Walking Festival 2025

Sep 27, 2025

The popular New Forest Walking Festival returns, marking the 20th anniversary of the forest being designated as a National Park.

More News and Features

Your complete guide to walking in the New Forest

Campsite walks

Routes handy for camping and caravan parks in the New Forest

Pub walks

Enjoy traditional New Forest hospitality

Buggy-friendly walks

Shorter routes for baby buggies and pushchairs

Train-to-train walks

Walking routes linking railway stations in the New Forest

History walks

Discoverer more about the New Forest’s fascinating past

Bus walks

Hop on board for a car-free walk

Village-to-village

Longer walks linking the forest’s picturesque villages

Lyndhurst village guide

All you need to know for a visit to the ‘capital’ of the New Forest

Brockenhurst village guide

Essential information and walk routes from the village of Brockenhurst

Burley village guide

What you need to know on a visit to Burley

Ashurst village guide

Ashurst – the gateway to the New Forest