Anderwood is an ideal spot for a picnic before exploring the network of paths in the heart of the New Forest.  This circular walk through mixed woodland runs mainly along the cycle network so is accessible in all seasons.

Route

From the Anderwood car park, go through the gate 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. Turn left onto the cycle path.

Short cut

  To shorten this walk to a pleasant one-mile stroll, join the cycle path and walk downhill to the junction at cycle marker post 129.

Turn left and follow the gravel path through the woodland for about 600m. At the brow of the hill, take the narrow track uphill into the woods. After about 200m you will emerge on the path leading to the picnic area.

Continue straight on, passing Hart Hill and crossing Blackensford Brook after 800m. The path eventually leads into Burley Outer Rails Inclosure.

After another 2km you will reach the edge of the inclosure. Exit through the gate and walk the short distance to the Lyndhurst Road. Cross the road and turn down the path beside a cottage and a Forestry England sign marked ‘Burley Yard’.

Pass the barrier 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 until the path takes a 90 degree turn to the left.

Follow the path for 900m as it crosses the Black Water and continues straight to the Lyndhurst Road. Cross the road to arrive directly back to the Anderwood car park.