News & Features
Keep up to date with issues surrounding walking in the New Forest, details of walking events and features about walking in the forest.
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.
New Forest Walking Festival 2026
The dates for this year’s New Forest Walking Festival are announced.
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.
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.
Walks to see summer heather in the New Forest
Where to enjoy the late summer wonder of waves of pink and purple heather.
A31 fire devastates heathland
Roads, car parks and footpaths reopen after being closed while a devastating fire on heathland alongside the A31 was dealt with.
New Forest Breezer bus-stop walks
Find a walk close to stops on the rebranded New Forest Breezer between Southampton and Lymington
Walking in the New Forest during hot weather
Shady woodlands, sunscreen, water refills and lots more tips for safe walking in the hot weather.
Verderers Hall opens to the public
Visit one of the New Forest’s most historic buildings on a walk through Lyndhurst.
Get set for Movement 26.2 walking rewards
How walking more could help you win rewards under a planned NHS scheme to get people exercising.
Unearthing history at Buckler’s Hard
A new archeological dig aims to discover more about the village’s shipbuilding past.
Park up and explore: New Forest walks by campervan
Exploring the New Forest by campervan gives you the freedom to travel between some of the national park’s best walking locations.
Equine flu warning for New Forest ponies
Advise for walkers on the outbreak of equine flu in the New Forest.
Rooting out invasive species
Help the New Forest’s biodiversity by looking out for non-native species.
Sofa-to-10-mile walks in the New Forest
Walks for beginners inspired by the New Forest – turn small steps into a big achievement on this pathway from short strolls to longer hikes. With FREE printable checklist.
Brockenhurst set for new CrossCountry services
More long-distance train services are set to stop in the New Forest from 17 May.
Police on the beat with solo walkers
Hampshire Constabulary continues its series of walks aimed at anyone concerned about walking in the New Forest on their own.
Walks in bluebell woods in the New Forest
Woodland walks in the New Forest where you can enjoy carpets of bluebells in springtime.
How much does it cost to park in the New Forest?
Charges are set to be introduced for the 129 car parks in the New Forest managed by Forestry England.
New signs point the way at Brockenhurst station
A new map and exit signs help walkers at Brockenhurst Station.
King Charles III Coast Path
Hythe to Calshot forms part of the newly-inaugurated King Charles III England Coast Path.
New Forest Awakening Festival 2026
Guided walks and talks with wildlife and nature experts are among the highlights of this year’s New Forest Awakening Festival events.
Stay on track to help ground-nesting birds
How walkers can help protect threatened ground-nesting birds in the New Forest this spring.
Start the day with a New Forest breakfast
Fuel up with a breakfast made up of the finest local ingredients as part The Great New Forest Marque Breakfast.
Where to find the New Forest’s most amazing trees
The New Forest has the greatest concentration of ancient trees in Europe – here are some of the most impressive.
Top 10 most popular New Forest walks of 2025
We’ve compiled the top 10 most clicked-on walks in the New Forest during 2025.
Square routes – New Forest 222 guidebook
The innovative New Forest guide books exploring the national park mile-by-mile.
Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year walks in the New Forest
Get out and about with these ideas for winter walks in the forest to celebrate the festive season.
Autumn walks in the New Forest
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
The popular New Forest Walking Festival marked the 20th anniversary of the forest being designated as a National Park.
Ghosts, witches and folklore – Halloween walks in the New Forest
Discover stories of haunted houses, ghostly sightings and witchcraft on a Halloween walk in the New Forest.
New walking and cycling plans unveiled
Plans to improve walking and cycling routes in and around the New Forest are unveiled.
Lyndhurst’s Scarecrow Trail
How many scarecrows can you count on a walk around Lyndhurst’s annual trail?
Rufus Stone: The 925th anniversary of the death of King William II
Discover the royal murder mystery behind a familiar New Forest landmark.
New accessible trail for Knightwood Oak
A newly upgraded and accessible trail has opened at the site of the Knightwood Oak
Tick awareness in the New Forest
Advice on reducing the risk of infection from ticks while walking in the New Forest.
World War Two walks in the New Forest
Eighty years on from VE Day, discover walking routes in the New Forest that reveal its remarkable wartime role.
Wildfire warning following dry weather
A warning about wildfires in rural areas, including the New Forest, is issued by Hampshire firefighters.
Five romantic Valentine’s walks in the New Forest
Fall in love all over again beneath the branches of ancient trees on the most romantic New Forest walks.