This circular walk through mixed woodland inclosures runs mainly along the cycle network so is suitable for all seasons. It takes in Burley Outer Rails Inclosure before crossing the Lyndhurst Road into Burley New Inclosure, Burley Old Inclosure and Dames Slough Inclosure.

Anderwood is an ideal spot for a picnic on the route before continuing to explore the network of paths in the heart of the New Forest. A short extension takes you to see the beautiful Undersley Oak – one of the largest unpollarded oaks in the forest.

Route

From Lucy Hill car park, follow the track downhill and then round to the left. Continue for 400m until it meets the cycle path at marker post 115.

Turn right and follow the path as it curves round to the left and continue into Burley New Inclosure. Continue straight on at a crossroads where cycle route marker post 116 is located.

The path eventually bends round to the left. Follow the path and go through the gate in to Burley Old inclosure. Continue for another 900m, past cycle marker post 117, until the path takes a 90 degree turn to the left.

Follow the path for another 900m, past cycle marker posts 118 and 119, as it crosses the Black Water and continues straight to the Lyndhurst Road.

Cross the road and walk across the area of grass beside the Anderwood car park.

Go through the gate beyond the car park and pass the picnic area. Continue for about 400m as the track winds through the woodland. Look out for dens for the kids to explore a short distance from the picnic area, to the left of the path. 

Follow the forest track until it meets the New Forest cycle network path at marker post 129. Turn left onto the cycle path.

Continue on the cycle path, going straight on at cycle marker post 128 and passing Hart Hill on your right. Cross Blackensford Brook after 800m and continue straight ahead past marker post 127. The path eventually leads into Burley Outer Rails Inclosure.

After another 1.5km you will reach the edge of the inclosure. Exit through the gate and walk the short distance to the Lyndhurst Road.

To visit the Undersley Oak turn right and walk alongside the Lyndhurst Road for 100m. The oak tree is a short distance from the road in a beautiful sliver of ancient woodland. The tree is more than 500 years old and is a fine example of a non-pollarded oak, with a girth of some 7m.

Retrace your steps along the road. Cross the road and turn down the path beside a cottage and a Forestry England sign marked ‘Burley Yard’ at cycle marker post 113.

After 300m, turn right onto the forest track to return to Lucy Hill car park.

In Pictures

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