Historical Walks

Discover more about the New Forest’s fascinating past – from a medieval hunting ground for kings and queens, to shipbuilding for the Royal Navy and its invaluable role during World War Two.

Lyndhurst Explorer

Discover the history of the ‘capital’ of the New Forest and explore some beautiful woodland on the fringes of Lyndhurst.

 Start: Lyndhurst village car park

 Distance: 3 miles

Lyndhurst – Brockenhurst Loop

Starting from either village, you’ll wind your way along forest tracks before discovering the history – and tea shops – in each village

 Start: Brockenhurst station/Lyndhurst village car park

 Distance: 10 miles

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

Bolton’s Bench

From the iconic Bolton’s Bench, on the edge of Lyndhurst, to the vast open expanse of White Moor.

 Start: Bolton’s Bench car park

 Distance: 5 miles

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

Longslade Heath and Set Thorns

Take in some of the New Forest’s best views of wide-open valleys and heath land.

 Start: Longslade Heath car park

 Distance: 4 miles

Janesmoor Pond

This circular walk takes in the woodland of Kings Garn Gutter Inclosure before climbing the gentle incline of Long Beech Hill.

 Start: Janesmoor Pond car park

 Distance: 3 miles

Balmer Lawn

A circular walk through the mixed woodlands behind Balmer Lawn on the edge of Brockenhurst.

 Start: Tilery Road or Standing Hat car parks

 Distance: 6 miles