As 2024 draws to a close, we’ve compiled the top 10 most popular walks in the New Forest over the past year, based on page visits on NewForestWalks.co.uk.
1. Lyndhurst – Brockenhurst loop
Staying at the top spot for the second year running, our most popular route is a great walk connecting two of the main villages in the forest – with alternative starting points in Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst. It means you can take a break in the other village at the half-way point before completing the walk. Depending on the time of year, it’ll take you through bluebell glades, lush green beech and oak woods and heathland full of blooming heather – so you can experience the diverse landscapes of the New Forest during one amazing four-hour walk.
2. Rhinefield Tall Trees
The ever-popular trail through the majestic redwoods and firs that were planted in the Victorian era is another wonderful way to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings of the New Forest. Look out for giant Douglas Fir and towering Redwoods. Inside the arboretum you can find tree species brought from around the globe. Footpath improvement work has been carried out on the trail during 2024. Blackwater car park has toilet and picnic facilities making it a great base for exploring this part of the forest.
3. Fritham
Our third most popular walk takes you on a circular route through mixed woodland from the village of Fritham. Visit two historical inclosures before you enjoy the sweeping views from the open expanse of Fritham Plain. And you can finish at the Royal Oak in Fritham for an authentic New Forest pub experience.
4. Ober Water
A short walk following the meandering Ober Water near Brockenhurst is our fourth most popular walk. Follow the gravel track alongside the stream before crossing the footbridge and walking along open grassland where New Forest ponies, donkeys and cattle graze.
5. Ashurst
A new entry into 2024’s top ten walks is this two-mile circular walk through the woods on the edge of Ashurst. An enjoyable stroll through the forest before calling in at either The Happy Cheese or The New Forest family-friendly pubs.
6. Aldridge Hill
A circular walk, convenient for both Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst, this route takes in New Forest woodlands of New Park Plantation and Aldridgehill Inclosure. It crosses gentle meandering streams and there is a chance to spot deer at Poundhill Heath.
7. Bolderwood
Another new entry is the enjoyable short stroll following the Radnor trail at Bolderwood. It’s a real family favourite as it’s on smooth gravel tracks which are passable throughout the year. An extension offers sweeping views over open forest heathland, while benches and picnic tables are dotted along the pathside, making for plenty of stopping points to enjoy the forest vistas.
8. Roydon Woods.
A nature reserve managed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Roydon Woods is 390 hectares of woodland and wildlife habitats on the edge of Brockenhurst. Follow the path as it sweeps through the reserve. In springtime this is another wonderful site to see a display of bluebells.
9. Sway Station to Brockenhurst
Arrive and leave the New Forest by train with this walk linking two stations on the South West main line. After leaving Sway and cutting through Set Thorns Inclosure, you’ll follow the route of the old Castleman’s Corkscrew train line which linked Brockenhurst and Ringwood.
10. Beaulieu River
Wrapping up our Top, 10 is the delightful riverside walk taking you from the picture-postcard village of Beaulieu, along the banks of the tidal stretch of the Beaulieu River to the ship-building village of Buckler’s Hard. The riverside path has had new loops created to protect sensitive wildlife habitats.
