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 Tour set to return
Dates are announced for the 2026 New Forest Tour buses – plan some great walks when you jump on board.
Brockenhurst set for new CrossCountry services
More long-distance train services are set to stop in the New Forest from 17 May.
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.
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.
New Forest Breezer bus-stop walks
Find a walk close to stops on the New Forest Breezer between Southampton and Lymington
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.
Pannage season pigs in the New Forest
Pannage season sees hundreds of pigs released onto the open forest as part of a timeless seasonal tradition.
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?
Walking in the New Forest during hot summer weather
Shady woodlands, sunscreen, water refills and lots more tips for safe walking in the summer.
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.
VE Day 80: 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.
Walks to see summer heather in the New Forest
Where to enjoy the late summer wonder of waves of pink and purple heather.
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.
Great walks are only a train ride away
Guest author, Kieran Seale, explains how the new Railwalks.co.uk website is getting people walking, with the help of the UK’s rail network.
Top 10 most popular New Forest walks of 2024
We’ve compiled the top 10 most clicked-on walks in the New Forest during 2024.
Accessible walks in the New Forest
Advice and information on finding wheelchair-accessible routes to enjoy the New Forest
Guided and organised walks in the New Forest
Tour guides and organisations offering organised and social walks in the New Forest.
Top 10 most popular New Forest walks of 2023
We’ve compiled the top 10 most clicked-on walks in the New Forest during 2023.
Buckler’s Hard riverside path reopens
The popular footpath alongside the Beaulieu River, between Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard, reopens after two years.
On the trail of the New Forest Unicorn
A new children’s book, inspired by the New Forest’s iconic ponies, makes for an original way to explore the national park.
New rules come into force in New Forest
New rules banning feeding animals and lighting BBQs come in to effect in the New Forest.
Light Footprints: How to help protect the New Forest.
Advice for walkers on how to help protect and conserve the delicate environment of the New Forest.