Whether its New Year, or anytime during the year, making a resolution to get out and walk more is always going to benefit your physical and mental health.
NHS advice is that even a brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise. Walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier.
Recent research, reported by BBC News, suggests that one longer walk a day is better for your heart than lots of short strolls, especially if you are less active. Simple changes, like setting aside time for a longer walk, could make a big difference, it suggested.
Taking the first step can be the hardest – to help with motivation why not walk with a friend to keep each other going, or listen to music or a podcast to take your mind off the effort.
Our self-guided walks include everything from short strolls to all-day hikes, so it’s easy to plan going from the sofa to a 10-mile walk. They are already categorised as either easy, moderate and strenuous.
The selection below is a pathway from short strolls, building up to longer walks – all with the wonderful backdrop of New Forest scenery.
Click on each walk for a full walk description. Become a New Forest Walks Member to access maps, GPX Tracks and information to make the most of your walk.
This should not be construed as medical or individual training advice. Anyone with health concerns should consult their doctor before embarking on any fitness programme.
These routes work well as an introduction to walking in the New Forest – many are along gravel paths or with easy terrain underfoot. Read our guide to walking in the forest for more detailed requirements and checks before you set off.
Download a FREE printable checklist to tick off your walks as you complete each one.
1. Swan Green and Emery Down (1 mile)
To get started, a trail from Swan Green, just outside Lyndhurst, takes you on a short half-hour woodland stroll, over the hill to Emery Down. Call in at the New Forest Inn before making your way back to Swan Green.
2. Matley Wood (1.5 miles)
A small but beautiful area of ancient and ornamental woodland near Lyndhurst, Matley Wood is an excellent location to immerse yourself in some enchanting forest surroundings. The wonderful views over the heathland of White Moor add variety to this short 1.5-mile walk.
3. Ober Water (2 miles)
Another short walk along a flat path which follows the Ober Water as it meanders through the woods near Brockenhurst. The two-mile route ends with a gentle uphill section on Whitefield Moor.
4. Godshill Wood (3 miles)
Building up to slightly more lengthy walks, Godshill Wood is a wonderful woodland to explore in the north of the forest. Enjoy the bluebells in the shady woods in springtime and the views over the Avon Valley at any time of year.
5. Fritham (4 miles)
Fritham is one of the New Forest’s most popular walking locations. This circular walk weaves through mixed woodland along gravel paths. It cuts through two inclosures with plenty of ups and downs on the way, before taking in the sweeping views from the open expanse of Fritham Plain.
6. Anderwood (5 miles)
Another walk in the heart of the forest, this circular walk is mainly along gravel cycle paths and begins and ends at Anderwood car park with picnic and toilet facilities.
7. Linwood (7 miles)
This peaceful forest walk starts at the High Corner Inn and goes through the woods of Broomy Inclosure before a climb to Hallickshole Hill. The uphill stretch is well worth it for some wonderful views over the diverse landscapes in this western part of the forest. You can also add a short extension to the seven-mile route to visit one of the forest’s most remarkable trees – the Elephant Oak.
8. Bolderwood – Acres Down loop (7 miles)
The New Forest cycle path network is a great way to make your way through the woods – the wide gravel tracks are generally passable all year round. This walk from the popular Bolderwood car park weaves its way through the woods and climbs Acres Down. One of the highest points in this part of the forest, Acres Down has wonderful views as far as Sway and the Isle of Wight on a clear day.
9. Ashurst – Lyndhurst loop – (9 miles)
A real mix of New Forest landscapes on this circular walk linking Lyndhurst and Ashurst. Start in either village for a walk through ancient woodlands and open heathlands, while stopping off at the cafes and pubs en route.
10. Brockenhurst Lyndhurst Loop (10 miles)
The big one! This circular walk starts from either village. Depending on the time of year, it’ll take you through bluebell glades, lush green beech and oak woods or heathland full of blooming heather. You can experience the diverse landscapes of the New Forest and learn about the history of the two villages during one amazing four-hour walk.
