A circular walk through the mixed woodlands behind Balmer Lawn on the edge of Brockenhurst. Convenient for the centre of Brockenhurst and the campsite at Hollands Wood.
Route
From the Tilery Road car park, follow the road towards the A337. After passing the popular ‘Brockenhurst Beach’ bathing spot alongside the Lymington River on your left, turn right at the road junction and walkalong the roadside path with the imposing Balmer Lawn Hotel on your right.
One of the most familiar buildings in the forest, the hotel was originally built in the mid-1800s as a hunting lodge. It was used as a military hospital during World War 1 and was a headquarters of the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division in the run-up to D-Day during World War 2.
Take a right turn into Hollands Wood campsite. Follow the path through the centre of the campsite – the open expanse of Balmer Lawn can be seen though the trees on your right. At the end of the campsite follow the New Forest cycle path into the woodland.
After about 400m go through the inclosure gate and follow the path for another 500m as it gently curves to the right before taking the right turn at a junction.
After 200m take a left turn and head downhill then uphill again at Etherise Gutter.
Turn right and walk for 200m and a T junction with the Frohawk Ride. Turn left and after 500 take the path on the left. Continue until you come to a gate on to Beechan Lane.
Turn right and walk to the end of Beechan Lane. Take the path through gate on the right and continue for 250m. Turn left at the cycle marker post. After 750m take a right turn, passing the Frohawk Ride on your right.
After 200m take a left turn and continue for 750m until a crossroads in the path. Take the right turn at the crossroads and walk for 300m before turning right onto the straight path to the edge of Standing Hat Inclosure. Go through the gate and follow the path back to Tilery Road car park.
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Walk Information
Starting Points
- Tilery Road car park, Brockenhurst
Public Transport
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- New Forest Tour Green and Blue Routes – Brockenhurst Station (Summer only)
- Bluestar 6 Bus stops at Balmer Lawn
- South Western Railway and CrossCountry services stop at Brockenhurst
Food and Drink
- Various pubs, cafes and restaurants in Brockenhurst
Terrain
The route is almost all gravel tracks. The stretch through the woodland after Hollands Wood campsite is a rougher track which can be muddy in wet conditions.
