Best trails in New Forest National Park
The New Forest is located in Southern England and is the largest remaining tract of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest. The ecology of the New Forest is enhanced by the relatively large areas of lowland habitats, which have been lost elsewhere but continue to survive here. There are several kinds of important lowland habitats including valley bogs, alder carr, wet heaths, dry heaths and deciduous woodland. The area contains a variety of wildlife including deer, birds, insects and reptiles. Rare wildlife includes the New Forest cicada Cicadetta Montana and species of heathland birds. The wet heaths are important for rare plants, such as marsh gentian and marsh clubmoss and other important species including the wild gladiolus. Visitors can enjoy endless footpaths through expansive woodland.
Top picks recommended by trailgoers
1
(3256)
•Moderate
•9.6 mi
•Est. 3h 36m
This trail starts in the village of Brockenhurst and takes you through the beautiful countryside and forests of the New Forest National Park. For most, the highlight is the majestic redwoods and firs that were planted in the late 1850s to create the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive for the nearby Rhinefield House. Much of this route is on gravel paths, so it's great for walkers and bikers alike.
If you fancy a stop, check out the Rhinefield Arboretum. It has a magnificent range of tree species...
2
(1444)
•Moderate
•5.0 mi
•Est. 1h 47m
Set off on this route from Brockenhurst Rail Station (on the South West Main Line) which has a car park. There may be also parking on the road.
Overall, this is an easy-going route which is suitable for most abilities and ages, so a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors with friends or family. In town, there will be places to grab a bite including The Foresters Arms pub near the starting point.
You can find camping at Aldridge Hill Campsite located just off Rhinefield Road. You can also...
3
(1164)
•Easy
•2.0 mi
•Est. 46m
This short stroll through the New Forest National Park takes you along the Tall Trees Trail. Starting at the Blackwater car park, this is an easy and flat trail that passes along a variety of towering trees from all around the world, including the Douglas fir and redwoods. Be on the lookout for the Roe Deer native to this area.
The path is mostly flat and there are no gates. The paths are well-paved with plenty of places to extend the walk.
As this particular trail is near the car park...
4
(1700)
•Moderate
•6.4 mi
•Est. 2h 37m
This walk in the New Forest National Park starts from Swan Green in Lyndhurst. This mostly flat, scenic walk takes you through open land, lush forest, moorland, and heaths. You will see plenty of horses on the way, as well as ponies, mules, and more.
There are many pubs on the path that you can visit if you need a rest or a drink.
This part of the South of England is a treasure. The New Forest was originally created as a royal forest by William I in 1079 for hunting deer. It was created...
5
(853)
•Moderate
•5.6 mi
•Est. 2h 9m
This is a pretty walk in New Forest through the Amberwood Inclosure. It is a popular route for horseback riding, running and mountain biking, though cyclists should keep an eye out for horses and ramblers.
You will have views of the forest as well as the rolling countryside. The mix of open heath and dense forest makes for a nice variety of scenery. Enjoy a bite or refreshments at the pub near the car park.
6
(721)
•Moderate
•6.3 mi
•Est. 2h 32m
This trail has varied terrain and beautiful views throughout. You will pass a river and cross streams, see a church, ponies, deer, squirrels and hear birdsong all the way around. It can be a bit muddy at the end, even in dry weather, so appropriate footwear is advised, ideally waterproof boots.
This route has everything you could want from a walk in the New Forest from old houses to tall trees surrounding gravel tracks, muddy paths through woods, streams, heathland and lots of wildlife. The...
7
(737)
•Moderate
•4.7 mi
•Est. 1h 49m
This is a great circular trail, with many facilities and attractions. The walk starts close to the Burley War Memorial. In addition to seeing the pretty forest and arboretum views, you will also walk along a former railway.
Along the way, the Castle Hill provides visitors with information about the iron age settlement. There are pubs and a cafe for refreshments or a snack.
Parts of the trail can become boggy after rain or in winter so suitable footwear is recommended. There are camping...
8
(552)
•Moderate
•10.1 mi
•Est. 3h 51m
Here is a good route for a days walk that goes around a few villages in the New Forest following gravel paths and some roads.
You may very well spot a donkey, horse or pony if you're lucky as they are all about in the New Forest. It is a great route for all the family and also for dogs, though please be mindful of the wildlife.
It is also a good route for cyclists (mountain or gravel bikes), runners and walkers. Those on cycles should stay on the road in some areas as some sections are...
9
(794)
•Easy
•3.5 mi
•Est. 1h 17m
This is a gentle circular walk from Ashurst in New Forest, Hampshire, that is very popular with dog owners, joggers and cyclists. It follows paths and tracks around the Deerleap Enclosure within the New Forest. The walk is quite picturesque and if you would like to extend it, you can add a stretch in the Longdown Enclosure, before returning to the Deerleap Enclosure. Others use this route as a start for finding more paths to explore in the area.
The walk is fairly easy-going and pleasant....
10
(578)
•Easy
•1.8 mi
•Est. 46m
This short and pretty walk is in Bolderwood Sanctuary, located in the heart of the New Forest. At the start is a car park, toilets and a picnic site. The route is well sign-posted with information panels giving visitors more information about the New Forest. Wet weather will cause a few areas of the route to become very muddy.
The park has three circular walks signposted, which are also suitable for wheelchair and buggy users as each of them consists of a compact gravel track similar to...
Showing results 1–10 of 316
Trail reviews for New Forest National Park
The New Forest is simply stunning
Difficulty: Moderate
Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst Circular
Really nice mix of New Forrest scenery. Very enjoyable.
Absolutely gorgeous trail with great views of the stunning New Forest. Only tricky part of the trail is north of the A35 when the path is more or less invisible and had to climb over loads of fallen trees to get back onto the path. Top tip - don't do this trail in the midst of a heatwave like myself, large parts are open in direct sunlight which caused the walk to be very exhausting.
Difficulty: Moderate
Lyndhurst Circular
The new forest walk. Lots of well kept paths, forest, heather and river areas to walk by. Nice and flat, can't go wrong if taking mates on a walk here
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in New Forest National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in New Forest National Park is Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular, which has a 4.7 star rating from 3,256 reviews. This trail is 9.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 820 ft.
What is the longest trail in New Forest National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in New Forest National Park is Rockford Commom, Whistlers Copse and Mark Ash Wood Circular. This trail is estimated to be 35.3 mi long.
How many trails are in New Forest National Park?
There are 316 trails in New Forest National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 34,517 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in New Forest National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, New Forest National Park has you covered. Rockford Commom, Whistlers Copse and Mark Ash Wood Circular boasts the most elevation gain with 2,650 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Brockenhurst to Cadnum Circular, which will get you 2,250 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in New Forest National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 50 camping trails in New Forest National Park and the most popular is Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular with an average 4.7 star rating from 3,256 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in New Forest National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 265 running trails in New Forest National Park and the most popular is Brockenhurst Village Walk with an average 4.6 star rating from 1,444 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in New Forest National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 76 biking trails in New Forest National Park and the most popular is Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular with an average 4.7 star rating from 3,256 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in New Forest National Park?
Yes, there are 142 trails with scenic mountain peak views in New Forest National Park, including Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular, Tall Trees Trail Circular, Lyndhurst Hill and Swan Green Circular, Fritham Circular, and Emery Down Circular.
Are there any trails with historical monuments in New Forest National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with historical monuments in New Forest National Park, including Lyndhurst Circular, Lyndhurst Parish Walk, Ashurst Station to Lyndhurst, Bisterne Dragon Circular, and White Moor, Fair Cross, Foldsgate Inclosure, and Lyndhurst Circular.
Are there any trails with springs in New Forest National Park?
Yes, there are 11 trails with springs in New Forest National Park, including Lyndhurst Parish Walk, Frogham to Fritham, Abotts Well Circular Walk, Fritham and Eyeworth Woods Circular, and Bramshaw Telegraph to Frogham.
Are there any trails with rivers in New Forest National Park?
Yes, there are 85 trails with rivers in New Forest National Park, including Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular, Brockenhurst Village Walk, Tall Trees Trail Circular, Lyndhurst Hill and Swan Green Circular, and Emery Down Circular.
Are there any trails with beaches in New Forest National Park?
Yes, there are 18 trails with beaches in New Forest National Park, including Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst Circular, Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst Circular, Keyhaven to Hurst Castle, Milford to Hurst Castle, and Keyhaven Marshes and Hurst Castle Circular.
Are there any trails with lakes in New Forest National Park?
Yes, there are 37 trails with lakes in New Forest National Park, including Cadman's Pool and Holly Hatch Cottage, Stoney Cross and Stag Park Circular, Cadman's Pool Extended Circular, Cadman's Pool and Fritham Forest Walk, and Piper Wait Circular.
Are there any trails with ponds in New Forest National Park?
Yes, there are 32 trails with ponds in New Forest National Park, including Fritham Circular, Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes Circular, Lymington to Keyhaven, Cadman's Pool and Fritham Forest Walk, and Salterns and Keyhaven Marsh.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in New Forest National Park?
Yes, there are 8 trails with historical ruins in New Forest National Park, including Godshill, Pitts Wood and Amberwood Circular, Pitts Wood Circular, Godshill Ridge Circular, Ashley Range and Amberwood Circular, and Bramshaw Telegraph to Frogham.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in New Forest National Park?
Yes, there are 18 trails with archaeological sites in New Forest National Park, including Fritham, Dockens Water and Pitts Wood, Broomy and Linwood, Broomy Walk, Roundhill Campsite Loop, and Cadman's Pool to Pinnick Wood to Broomy Circular.
Are there any trails with castles in New Forest National Park?
Yes, there are 14 trails with castles in New Forest National Park, including Keyhaven to Hurst Castle, Linford and Great Linford Inclosure Circular, Milford to Hurst Castle, Linwood Bottom to Appleslade Inclosure, and Keyhaven Marshes and Hurst Castle Circular.
Are there any trails with forts in New Forest National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with forts in New Forest National Park, including Copythorne Common and Tatchbury Mount, Copythorne Common Circular, West Totton to Tatchbury Hill Fort Circular, and England Coast Path - South East: Calshot to Gosport.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in New Forest National Park?
Yes, there are 8 trails with scenic viewpoints in New Forest National Park, including Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary and Bolderwood Grounds Circular, Bolderwood to Kright Wood Circular, The Jubilee Trail, Swan Inn Circular, and Bolderwood To Knightwood Oak.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in New Forest National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with picnic areas in New Forest National Park, including Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard via Solent Way, Bucklers Hard and Longmead Copse Circular, and England Coast Path - South East: Calshot to Gosport.