The Bluestar 6 bus service – the New Forest Breezer – links Southampton, Totton and Lymington through the New Forest villages of Ashurst, Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst. The X1/X2 service links Bournemouth and Lymington.

With all single fares on the newly-rebranded service capped at £3 until at least the end of 2026, it’s a great time to hop on board with stops convenient for the starting points of fantastic forest walks and some truly spectacular views along the way.

Ashurst

Ashurst Stroll – A two-mile circular walk through the woods on the edge of Ashurst. An ideal jaunt if you are staying at Ashurst campsite or fancy a walk before calling in at either The Happy Cheese or The New Forest family-friendly pubs.
Bus stops from Southampton: Ashurst Shopping Parade, Ashurst Railway Station
Bus stops from Lymington: Ashurst Shopping Parade, Ashurst Railway Station

Ashurst – Matley Wood – Explore the woods near Ashurst before heading out across the heath to the small but beautiful ancient and ornamental woodland of Matley.
Bus stops from Southampton: Ashurst Shopping Parade, Ashurst Railway Station
Bus stops from Lymington: Ashurst Shopping Parade, Ashurst Railway Station

Lyndhurst – Ashurst loop – A circular nine-mile route linking two New Forest villages, making a challenging walk through woodland inclosures and across open heathland.
Bus stops from Southampton: Ashurst Shopping Parade, Ashurst Railway Station
Bus stops from Lymington: Ashurst Shopping Parade, Ashurst Railway Station

Ashurst – Brockenhurst – Hop off the bus at Ashurst and catch another bus home at Brockenhurst – while enjoying the forest’s woods and heathland in between.
Bus stops from Southampton: Ashurst Shopping Parade, Ashurst Railway Station
Bus stops from Lymington: Ashurst Shopping Parade, Ashurst Railway Station

Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst Explorer – Discover the history of the ‘capital’ of the New Forest, along with some of the characters who have lived in the village of Lyndhurst over the centuries. 
Bus stops from Southampton: Lyndhurst Fire Station, Foxlease, The Crown Stirrup,
Bus stops from Lymington: Goose Green, Crown Hotel

Pondhead and Beechen Lane – See the conservation work and careful woodland management carried out in Pondhead Inclosure before enjoying the peace and tranquility of the woods along Beechen Lane.
Bus stops from Southampton: Foxlease, The Crown Stirrup,
Bus stops from Lymington: The Crown Stirrup, Foxlease,

Pondhead Inclosure – Explore the beautiful Pondhead Inclosure on this short circular trail. See the conservation work and careful woodland management carried out by the volunteers helping to protect its remarkable biodiversity.
Bus stops from Southampton: Foxlease, The Crown Stirrup,
Bus stops from Lymington: The Crown Stirrup, Foxlease,

Lyndhurst – Brockenhurst loop – This circular 10-mile walk links two of the New Forest’s main villages – Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst. Starting from either village, you’ll wind your way along forest tracks before discovering the history of each village.
Bus stops from Southampton: Lyndhurst Fire Station Foxlease, The Crown Stirrup
Bus stops from Lymington: Goose Green, Crown Hotel,Lyndhurst Fire Station, Crown Hotel

Lyndhurst – Ashurst loop – A circular nine-mile route linking two New Forest villages, making a challenging walk through woodland inclosures and across open heathland.
Bus stops from Southampton: Lyndhurst Fire Station
Bus stops from Lymington: Lyndhurst Fire Station

Brockenhurst

Balmer Lawn – A circular six-mile walk through the mixed woodlands behind Balmer Lawn on the edge of Brockenhurst. Convenient for the centre of Brockenhurst and the campsite at Hollands Wood.
Bus stops from Southampton: Balmer Lawn Hotel
Bus stops from Lymington: Balmer Lawn Hotel

Roydon Wood – Meet the New Forest’s famous snake catcher Brusher Mills, explore Roydon Woods nature reserve and other forest inclosures on this seven-mile walk. There are lots of steep hills and descents so you’ll get plenty of exercise before you end up back in the village of Brockenhurst. 
Bus stops from Southampton: Brockenhurst Railway Station
Bus stops from Lymington: Brockenhurst Railway Station

Lyndhurst – Brockenhurst loop – This circular 10-mile walk links two of the New Forest’s main villages – Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst. Starting from either village, you’ll wind your way along forest tracks before discovering the history of each village.
Bus stops from Southampton: Brockenhurst Railway Station, Foresters Arms
Bus stops from Lymington: Brockenhurst Railway Station

Each of our self-guided walks has full information on accessing walks using public transport – including bus connections, New Forest Tour stops and railway stations.