Explore the New Forest
Enjoy the best walks in the New Forest – with route suggestions, easy-to-follow descriptions, maps and GPX tracks.
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.
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.
Ideas & inspiration
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.
Top Picks: Autumn walks to enjoy
Sway – Brockenhurst
Start: Sway station
Distance: 5 miles
Coppice of Linwood
Start: Longcross car park
Distance: 3 miles
Wilverley Plain and Holm Hill
Start: Wilverley Plain car park
Distance: 4 miles
Ibsley Common
Start: Rockford Common car park
Distance: 3.5 miles
Fritham – Nomandsland
Start: Eyeworth car park
Distance: 3 miles
Lyndhurst Explorer
Start: Lyndhurst village car park
Distance: 3 miles
Beaulieu – Buckler’s Hard
Start: Beaulieu village car park
Distance: 4 miles
Bank and Beyond
Start: Ober Corner car park
Distance: 7 miles
What kind of walk do you want?
Where do you want to walk from?
Walking inspiration
What do I need for a walk in the New Forest?
A useful checklist on what you need to prepare for a walk in the New Forest.
Sometimes it’s not just the walk – it’s the people.
Guest writer Mark Darcy from New Forest Wellbeing CIC on how forest walks can help connect nature, community and mind.
Walks to see summer heather in the New Forest
Where to enjoy the late summer wonder of waves of pink and purple heather.
News and events
New Forest Walking Festival 2026
The dates for this year’s New Forest Walking Festival are announced.
New Forest Tour 2026 nears end of season
Some of the forest’s best walking routes are close to stops for the summer hop-on hop-off bus service.
Pannage season pigs in the New Forest
The dates are announced for the 2026 Pannage season when pigs are released onto the open forest as part of the timeless seasonal tradition.
Membership
Get the most out of our self-guided walks and downloads by being part of our membership scheme.
Explore the New Forest with access to 50+ stunning self-guided walking routes
Stay on track with GPS-enabled location maps
Essential information including terrain, toilet stops and public transport options for each walk
Discounts and special offers of interest to walkers
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