The New Forest offers some of the most magnificent walking opportunities in Britain, with over 140 miles of tracks winding through ancient woodland, sweeping heathland, picturesque villages and along a stunning 40-mile coastline.
When you step out onto these trails, you’ll discover a natural world where free-roaming ponies, cattle, deer and other wildlife create a walking experience unlike any other in the UK.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated walking holiday or simply want to incorporate some rambles into your break, our holiday cottages in The New Forest provide the perfect starting point for your outdoor adventures.
Walking Essentials for the New Forest
Before setting off on your New Forest walking adventure, proper preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable experience:
Footwear and Clothing
- Sturdy walking boots with ankle support for woodland and heathland trails
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (the British weather is notoriously changeable)
- Layered clothing that can be adjusted throughout your walk
- Sun protection during summer months
- Hi-visibility items if walking near roads or during twilight hours
Navigation and Safety
- Ordnance Survey maps (OS Explorer OL22 covers the New Forest)
- Mobile phone with full charge
- Downloaded what3words app for precise location sharing
- Whistle for emergencies
- First aid essentials
Refreshments
- Refillable water bottle (minimum 1 litre per person)
- Energy-rich snacks and lunch for longer walks
- Flask of hot drink during cooler seasons
The New Forest Code for Walkers
The New Forest is a protected National Park with a delicate ecosystem. Following these guidelines helps preserve this special place:
| Season | Special Considerations |
| March-July | Stay on main tracks to protect ground-nesting birds |
| Autumn | Watch for pigs during pannage season |
| Year-round | Keep dogs under control near livestock |
| Year-round | Take all litter home with you |
| Year-round | Close gates behind you |
| Year-round | Do not feed or approach the animals |
Family-Friendly Short Walks (Under 2 miles)
Bolderwood Deer Watch Trail (0.3 miles)
This gentle stroll through majestic woodland leads to a purpose-built viewing platform where the Forest’s fallow deer can often be spotted grazing. The well-maintained gravel path makes this walk accessible for pushchairs and those with limited mobility.
Walking highlights:
- Dedicated deer viewing platform
- Ranger-led deer feeding at certain times
- Magnificent ancient trees
- Picnic area and toilet facilities at the car park
Starting point: Bolderwood car park (what3words: shell.frog.reserving)
Tall Trees Trail at Blackwater (1.4 miles)
This sensory-rich walk showcases some of the tallest and most impressive trees in the New Forest. The trail weaves through the Blackwater Arboretum with its collection of magnificent conifers from around the globe.
Walking highlights:
- Redwood trees reaching skyward
- Sensory trail with interactive elements
- Information boards about forest ecology
- Peaceful woodland atmosphere
Starting point: Blackwater car park (what3words: crawler.secure.respected)
Whitefield Moor Loop (1.6 miles)
Following the tranquil Ober Water, this circular route offers a perfect introduction to the varied landscapes of the New Forest. The gravel paths make this accessible for most walkers in dry conditions.
Walking highlights:
- Crystal-clear streams
- Open heathland vistas
- Potential wildlife sightings including ponies and birds
- Varied terrain within a manageable distance
Starting point: Whitefield Moor car park (what3words: ideas.dinner.ascendant)
Medium-Distance Adventures (2-4 miles)
Burbush Walk (2 miles)
This circular route near Burley takes you across beautiful heathland with spectacular panoramic views. The relatively flat terrain makes this an achievable walk for those with moderate fitness levels.
Walking highlights:
- Purple heather in late summer
- Expansive views across the Forest
- Frequent pony sightings
- Varied bird life on the heath
Starting point: Burbush Car Park (what3words: cinemas.craziest.pranced)
Anderwood Walk (3.1 miles)
This delightful circular route passes through diverse woodland and alongside a picturesque stream. The varied terrain offers a more immersive Forest experience.
Walking highlights:
- Ancient woodland sections
- Stream-side walking
- Mix of conifer and deciduous trees
- Excellent fungi spotting in autumn
Starting point: Anderwood car park (what3words: dressings.acrobat.limitless)
Godshill and Castle Hill Walk (2.6 miles)
Combining historical interest with natural beauty, this walk takes you to the site of an Iron Age hill fort while offering stunning views across the Forest.
Walking highlights:
- Ancient hill fort remains
- Panoramic viewpoints
- Stream-side section
- Mixture of woodland and open heath
Starting point: Godshill Cricket Pitch (what3words: steadier.tingled.thanks)
Longer Walks for Enthusiasts
Burley Village Walk (4.2 miles)
Starting from the charming village of Burley, known for its history of witchcraft and smuggling, this circular walk takes you through varied Forest terrain.
Walking highlights:
- Quaint village starting point with tea rooms and pubs
- Castle Hill Lane with views across the Avon Valley
- Ancient fort exploration
- Mix of open forest and woodland sections
Starting point: Burley Village Bus stop (what3words: reporting.zealous.cooked)
Eyeworth Pond Walk (4 miles)
This moderate walk takes you through deep woodlands and across heathlands, featuring one of the Forest’s most picturesque ponds.
Walking highlights:
- Beautiful Eyeworth Pond with waterfowl
- Telegraph Hill – one of the highest points in the Forest
- Diverse woodland sections
- Rich wildlife spotting opportunities
Starting point: Fritham Car Park (coordinates to be added)
Lyndhurst Parish Walk (8.5 miles)
For those seeking a full day’s walking adventure, this route encircles the ‘capital’ of the New Forest, taking in varied landscapes and passing several excellent refreshment stops.
Walking highlights:
- Bolton’s Bench landmark
- Ancient woodland sections
- Open heath with panoramic views
- Multiple country pubs along the route
Starting point: Lyndhurst village centre
Seasonal Walking Experiences
The New Forest transforms throughout the year, offering distinctive walking experiences each season:
Spring Walks
Spring brings new life to the Forest with vibrant green foliage, woodland flowers and young animals. Look for:
- Carpets of bluebells in woodland areas (best in late April/early May)
- New foals with the free-roaming ponies
- Bird nesting activity
- Crystal clear streams full from winter rainfall
Recommended route: Blackwater Tall Trees Trail for spectacular bluebell displays
Summer Walks
Long daylight hours make summer perfect for extended walks, though the Forest can be busy during peak periods:
- Early morning walks offer cooler temperatures and better wildlife spotting
- Heathland becomes a purple haze of heather in late summer
- Shaded woodland routes provide respite on hot days
- Evening walks offer magical light and increased deer sightings
Recommended route: Burley Village Walk for stunning heather-covered heathland
Autumn Walks
Perhaps the most magical season in the Forest with stunning colours and active wildlife:
- Spectacular golden and russet foliage
- Pannage season with pigs roaming the Forest
- Abundant fungi displays
- Rutting deer in October
Recommended route: Anderwood Walk for magnificent autumn colours and fungi
Winter Walks
Crisp winter days reveal a different side to the Forest:
- Frost-dusted heathland
- Clearer views through leafless trees
- Peaceful atmosphere with fewer visitors
- Dramatic skies and light conditions
Recommended route: Bolderwood Deer Watch Trail for better deer spotting through bare trees
Wildlife Spotting on Forest Walks
One of the greatest joys of walking in the New Forest is encounters with its famous residents:
The New Forest Ponies
These iconic semi-wild ponies have grazed the Forest for over 2,000 years:
- Best viewed from a respectful distance
- Found throughout the Forest but particularly on open heathland
- Never feed or touch them
- Different coloured ponies represent different bloodlines
Deer Species
Five species of deer can be found in the New Forest:
- Fallow deer – the most commonly spotted
- Roe deer – secretive but widespread
- Red deer – the largest UK species
- Sika deer – distinctive white rump patch
- Muntjac deer – small and dog-sized
Dawn and dusk offer the best viewing opportunities, particularly along woodland edges.
Birdlife
The varied habitats of the New Forest support diverse bird species:
- Dartford warblers on heathland
- Woodpeckers in older woodland areas
- Curlew and redshank in coastal areas
- Majestic buzzards soaring overhead
- Nightjars on summer evenings (May-August)
Accessibility Information
The New Forest aims to be accessible to all visitors, with several routes specifically designed for those with mobility requirements:
Fully accessible routes:
- Bolderwood Deer Watch Trail (0.3 miles)
- Blackwater Arboretum Trail (0.25 miles)
- Rufus Stone Trail (0.2 miles)
These routes feature:
- Firm, level surfaces
- Suitable width for wheelchairs and mobility scooters
- Regular rest benches
- Accessible parking facilities
Planning Your Walking Holiday
To make the most of your walking break in the New Forest, consider these practical tips:
Strategic bases:
- Lyndhurst – central location with access to numerous trails
- Brockenhurst – excellent transport links and forest access
- Burley – western Forest location with beautiful surroundings
- Beaulieu – ideal for combining woodland and coastal walks
Recommended walking itinerary:
| Day | Morning Walk | Afternoon Activity |
| 1 | Bolderwood Deer Watch Trail | Explore Lyndhurst village |
| 2 | Burley Village Walk | Relax at your accommodation |
| 3 | Tall Trees Trail | Visit Beaulieu Motor Museum |
| 4 | Anderwood Walk | Afternoon tea in Brockenhurst |
| 5 | Eyeworth Pond Walk | Explore coastal paths |
The New Forest reveals its true magic to those who explore it on foot.
From ancient woodlands where sunlight filters through ancient oak canopies to expansive heathlands where ponies roam freely, walking these trails connects you with centuries of natural and human history.
The changing seasons bring new colours, wildlife, and experiences, making the Forest a destination that rewards repeated visits throughout the year.
Book your stay with Short Stay Homes and step straight from your door into the walking paradise that is the New Forest.
