After a busy year of walking throughout 2025, we’ve compiled the Top 10 most popular walks in the New Forest. Based on page visits on NewForestWalks.co.uk, here’s where our website users have been walking over the past year:
1. Lyndhurst – Brockenhurst loop
Staying at the top spot for the third 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.
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. You can experience the diverse landscapes of the New Forest during one amazing four-hour walk.
2. Fritham
Our second 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 with a traditional ploughman’s and locally-brewed ale at the Royal Oak pub.
3. 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 the giant sequoia trees on this walk – the tallest trees in the New Forest. Inside the arboretum you can find tree species brought from around the globe. Footpath improvement work has been carried out on the trail and Blackwater car park has toilet and picnic facilities, making it a great base for exploring this part of the forest.
4. Linwood
The highest new entry to this year’s top ten is a seven-mile route from the High Corner Inn at Linwood which takes in one of the forest’s most remarkable trees – the Elephant Oak.
One of the most peaceful forest routes, after the woods of Broomy Inclosure, there is a climb to Hallickshole Hill and some wonderful views over the diverse landscapes in this western part of the forest.
5. Bolton’s Bench
A walk from the iconic Bolton’s Bench also makes an appearance in the top ten walks of the year for the first time. Starting from the popular Lyndhurst beauty spot, the walk heads into Pondhead Inclosure and through the woods of Beechen Lane, before returning along the ridgeway with sweeping views over White Moor.
6. Roydon Woods.
A nature reserve managed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Roydon Woods is made up of 390 hectares of woodland and wildlife habitats on the edge of Brockenhurst. A seven-mile walk follows a route as it winds its way through the reserve as well as passing through Roundhill campsite and the historic St Nicholas’ Parish Church.
7. Godshill Wood
Head to the north of the forest for this enchanting forest walk. The shaded woodland means there are also swathes of bluebells here in the spring. This route includes a stop at a viewpoint overlooking the meadows and pastures of the beautiful Avon Valley from the heights of Castle Hill.
8. Aldridge Hill
A circular walk, convenient for both Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst, this seven-mile route takes in New Forest woodlands of New Park Plantation and Aldridge Hill Inclosure. It crosses gentle meandering streams and there is a chance to spot deer at Poundhill Heath.
9. Millyford Bridge
Millyford Bridge car park near Emery Down is a launching pad for many great walks in the heart of the forest. This four-mile route follows the Highland Water through Holmhill Inclosure before completing a loop of Holidays Hill Inclosure. It also passes the Portuguese Fireplace – a relic of the role the forest played in World War One.
10. Ashurst
This quick-and-easy two-mile circular walk is an enjoyable stroll through the woods on the edge of Ashurst.
Round it off by calling in at either The Happy Cheese or The New Forest family-friendly pubs.
